FEU scores 3-peat in UAAP women’s football, beats La Salle anew

FEU Lady Tamaraws clinch the UAAP Season 87 women’s football crown–their third straight championship. –UAAP PHOTO

Far Eastern University’s reign as the queen of UAAP women’s football has been extended for a third consecutive season.

With Regine Rebosura’s winning goal, FEU outlasted La Salle in a thrilling 3-2 victory in the UAAP Season 87 women’s football on Saturday at historic Rizal Memorial Stadium.

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The Lady Tamaraws, with a league-record 13 championships, secured their first three-peat since 2013-2015 (Seasons 75-77). This win also marked Let Dimzon’s seventh title as head coach since taking the role in 2011 (Season 73).

“I’m very happy about this achievement,” said Dimzon. “Of course three peat is very rare but we’re still looking for more. This is a good gift for those who are graduating this school year. They’re the ones working hard on the field and they are in the game. Although we had lapses, but good thing about my players is that they never gave up.”

Meanwhile, this marks the third consecutive season that La Salle finished in second place.

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Rebosura, who had broken the Lady Booters’ hearts with a brace in the Season 85 final, scored the decisive 67th-minute header off a cross from teammate Carmela Altiche, securing the crown for the Lady Tamaraws.

FEU Lady Tamaraws’ Carmela Altiche is the UAAP Season 87 women’s football MVP. -UAAP PHOTO

Judie Arevalo, the Season 86 Rookie of the Year, gave FEU its first lead in the 28th minute.

La Salle equalized five minutes later, with Chenny Mae Dañoso’s long-range shot from outside the FEU box beating goalkeeper Yasmin Elauria.

Just before the first half ended, the Lady Tamaraws regained the lead through Altiche’s penalty, awarded after Lady Booters defender Maegan Alforque fouled Marinelle Cristobal.

La Salle’s Maye Mendaño then scored the second equalizer in the 56th minute, converting a free kick from the left flank that narrowly crossed the line.

After another deadlock, it was FEU that found the final breakthrough with Rebosura’s header, to which La Salle had no reply. Striker Shai Del Campo had a shot blocked by Elauria, while Lady Tamaraws defender Lyka Jane Cuenco made a dramatic goalline clearance during a scramble in her box.

FEU captain Inday Tolentin, Janlay Fontamillas, Jonela Albiño, Erma Balacua, Cuenco, and Altiche all graduate as champions.

“It will be hard for us since we’re be losing people from our backline,” Dimzon said. “Very important now is the recruitment and work within the group. Since we still have time to prepare for the next season, we’ll work to improve the backline  seconds stringers.”

FEU men’s out to win, too

With its reign extended atop the women’s division, FEU will now aim to reclaim the men’s crown by defeating Ateneo in the final of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament at 5 p.m. on Sunday, also at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Several Lady Tamaraws also earned individual honors.

Elauria, with four clean sheets, was named Best Goalkeeper, while Albiño, a native of Iloilo City, earned the Best Defender title.

READ: FEU bags UAAP Season 85 men’s football crown

After a crucial performance that included a goal and an assist, Altiche was named Most Valuable Player.

Tolentin, who also received the Best Midfielder award, and La Salle rookie striker Dani Tanjangco were named co-awardees of the Golden Boot with five goals each.

“It’s overwhelming because getting the three-peat was just a dream for us,” Tolentin said. “Now that we’ve achieved it, we’re so happy—not just for me but for our coaches and my teammates. We’re really overjoyed right now. Our goal is to keep our title—not just a three-peat, but maybe even four, five, or six-peat in the future.”

Tanjangco capped off her stellar first year as a Lady Booter by also earning the Rookie of the Year and Best Striker awards.

The Lady Tamaraws were also presented with the Fair Play Award.

Meanwhile, the University of Santo Tomas earned the bronze medal in Season 87, securing its first podium finish since Season 81.