Carmela Altiche of FEU celebrates a goal against UP in the UAAP Season 87 women's football tournament, November 16, 2024 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. UAAP MediaMANILA -- Far Eastern University clinched their place in the final of the UAAP Season 87 women's football tournament after a 5-0 demolition of the University of the Philippines, Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
This marks the fourth straight finals appearance for the Lady Tamaraws, and 22nd overall. Aside from gunning for a 13th crown, the defending champions are also looking to complete a three-peat.
Kyza Colina and Carmela Altiche scored two goals each to power FEU's rout of UP.
"Siyempre, exciting kasi maglalaro ulit kami sa final," said FEU coach Let Dimzon. "But again, regarding sa mentality ng mga players, I don't want them to relax. We still have three more games to play plus the final."
"Kailangan lahat ng lapses namin in the first round until this first half kanina, we have to improve on them para sa pagpasok namin ng final, we'll be ready and na-strengthen lahat ng mga attacking plays namin," she added.
The final is set for December 14, with FEU's opponent still to be determined.
The Lady Tamaraws scored their goals in a flurry in the second half, with the rookie Colina opening the floodgates off Dionesa Tolentin's cross in the 74th minute and securing her brace in the 87th minute.
FEU-Diliman alumna Altiche scored FEU's third goal of the match by volleying another Tolentin cross in the 81st minute and performing a fine finish in the 85th minute.
Barotac Nuevo National Comprehensive High School product Judie Arevalo scored a tap-in in the 80th minute as part of the Lady Tamaraws' five-goal blitz.
"It was a long wait with many frustrations although maganda yung naging adjustment and nakuha nila yung momentum during the (last) 20 minutes of the game," said Dimzon. "After that (Colina) goal coming from the cross of Inday (Tolentin), I think dun nag-start."
Second-year midfielder Althea Rebosura was out of the Lady Tamaraws' lineup for today's game as she is part of the Philippine Women's National Futsal Team that is competing in this week's 2024 ASEAN Women's Futsal Championship.
FEU, top of the standings with 13 points and a plus-11 goal difference, will face University of Santo Tomas this Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
On the other hand, UP will return to action against UST on November 30 at 4 p.m. The Fighting Maroons remain in third place with five points and a minus-8 GD.