Action between FEU and Ateneo in the UAAP Season 87 women's football tournament, December 7, 2024 at the UP Diliman Football Field. UAAP Media
MANILA -- Far Eastern University warmed up for next week's UAAP Season 87 women's football final by crushing Ateneo de Manila University, 7-1, in their last elimination round game on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Field.
The defending champion concluded the eliminations in first place undefeated with 22 points on seven wins and a draw.
FEU skipper Inday Tolentino scored a quickfire brace with a spot-kick in the 44th minute, followed by another conversion in front of goal right before halftime.
Despite the win, FEU head coach Let Dimzon said the Lady Tamaraws are still working on their ability to control the ball in the final-third ahead of their date with the De La Salle Lady Booters.
"I think 'yong wino-work namin in front of the attacking third, I think this game nag work siya. 'yon 'yong hinanap talaga namin," Dimzon said.
"Malakas yong attacking namin, kaya naming ihold yung opponents inside their pitch pero yong nagiging problem lang talaga namin is yong mga final touches when it comes inside the box and outside the box," she added.
"Ayon lang talaga yong kailangan namin tutukan as of now."
FEU improved upon their 3-0 first round performance against the Blue Eagles with a plethora of goals scattered throughout the team.
Angel Egay opened the onslaught in the seventh minute after scoring a slick header past Ateneo goalkeeper Chelssy Casals. Althea Rebosura's long-strike in the ninth minute doubled FEU's advantage.
Nikk Duran and Carmela Altiche added to the Lady Tamaraws' lead in the 33rd and 37th minutes respectively to make it 4-0.
Blue Eagles forward Angely Alferez grabbed a consolation goal in the 54th minute off a set piece.
Egay followed in Tolentin's footsteps with a brace for herself to complete the rout.
Moreover, Dimzon also reiterated the team's focus this season: to win its third straight title.
"Kailangan lang talaga maging composed yung players, and then again, they have to stay in the ground," she said.
"Di porket nakuha na namin from the last season we were able to win the games last season, kailangan pa rin we have to be focused and kunin kung ano 'yong objective namin for this season, kailangan talaga mag champion," added Dimzon.
Ateneo ended its Season 87 campaign in last place with four points and a minus-16 goal difference.