The FEU Lady Tamaraws celebrate after winning the UAAP Season 87 women's football championship, December 14, 2024 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. UAAP MediaMANILA -- The Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws remain the gold standard in women's football in the UAAP.
The Lady Tamaraws scored a thrilling 3-2 triumph against De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 87 final, Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, to secure their third consecutive championship.
Regine Rebosura was the thorn in the side of the Lady Booters, heading in the go-ahead goal in the 67th minute off a cross from Carmela Altiche.
"I'm very happy about this achievement," said FEU coach Let Dimzon.
"Siyempre, it's very rare mangyari na mag-the-three peat ka, pero 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 may mga lapses kami, but again, ayun ang maganda sa mga players namin — they never gave up," she added.
The Lady Tamaraws, with a league-record 13 championships, secured their first three-peat since 2013-2015 (Seasons 75-77). This win also marked Dimzon's seventh title as head coach since taking the role in 2011 (Season 73).
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.
Unfortunately for the Lady Booters, they had no reply for Rebosura's header. 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.
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Rebosura had also broken La Salle's hearts in the Season 85 final, with her brace securing the Lady Tamaraws' triumph.
Action between La Salle and FEU in the UAAP Season 87 women's football final, December 14, 2024 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. UAAP MediaMoments after sealing another crown, Dimzon set her sights on a fourth straight title for FEU, as captain Inday Tolentin, Janlay Fontamillas, Jonela Albiño, Erma Balacua, Cuenco, and Altiche all graduate as champions.
"It will be hard for us since yung mawawala sa amin is yung backline namin," Dimzon said. "Very important now is the recruitment and also yung work within the group. Since we still have time to prepare for the next season, ayun ang aming tatrabahuin ngayon to improve yung second stringers sa backline."
With its reign extended atop the women's division, FEU will now aim to reclaim the men's crown by defeating Ateneo de Manila University in the final of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men's Football Tournament at 5 p.m. on Sunday, also at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
FEU also claimed the Women's Chess and Women's Athletics golds this Season 87.
Meanwhile, this marks the third consecutive season that La Salle finished in second place.
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.
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.
"Nakaka-overwhelm kasi pangarap lang namin to makuha yung three-peat," Tolentin said. "Ngayon nakuha namin, sobrang saya di lang para sa akin, kundi sa coaches namin at sa teammates ko. Sobrang saya namin ngayon so amin lang is sana ma-keep pa namin yung title namin ngayon. Di lang three-peat pero four, five, six(-peat) pa."
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.