MANILA -- Ateneo de Manila University is still in the running for a finals spot in the UAAP Season 88 women's football tournament after a slim 2-1 triumph over the University of the Philippines on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.
With the victory, Ateneo climbed to third in the standings, overtaking University of Santo Tomas with eight points and a -3 goal difference.
Angely Alferez opened the scoring early, netting her first goal of the season in the 14th minute to put Ateneo ahead.
The league's top scorer, Jada Bicierro, nearly doubled the lead in the 35th minute but her attempt only found the side netting.
She made up for it in the 65th minute, calmly slotting home her sixth goal of the campaign past goalkeeper Mariel Sancho to give the Blue Eagles a comfortable cushion.
Ateneo's Jada Bicierro celebrates after scoring against UP in the UAAP Season 88 women's football tournament, October 18, 2025 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City. UAAP Media
"Yes, actually, we could have scored more," said coach Bob Manlulo. "We really prepared for our attacking pattern this time against UP, but unfortunately, the luck wasn't on our side. Still, we got the win for today."
The Blue Eagles will look to sustain their momentum when they face the De La Salle Lady Booters on Saturday at 4:00 p.m., once again at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
UP managed to pull one back in the 82nd minute courtesy of forward Arisa Rivas, who headed home Hannah Muros' perfectly placed corner kick for a late consolation goal.
The Fighting Maroons were reduced to 10 players after Chelsea Maguad was escorted off the pitch following a collision with Ateneo's Celina Salazar just before stoppage time.
Despite a final surge, UP failed to find the equalizer against the Blue Eagles.
The loss kept the Fighting Maroons at the bottom of the standings with zero points and a -11 goal difference.
They will attempt to notch their first win of the season when they take on defending champion Far Eastern University on Saturday at 6:30 p.m., also at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.