MANILA -- University of Santo Tomas rolled past University of the East, 2-0, to close the first round of the UAAP Season 88 men's football tournament on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.
Rodrigo Mariñas scored both goals for the Golden Booters, opening his account with a stunning long-range strike that gave UST the lead just eight minutes into the contest.
He doubled the lead in the 68th minute, this time capitalizing on a defensive lapse to slot the ball past UE goalkeeper Nicko Cloma and effectively seal the win.
UST's Rodrigo Mariñas in action against UE in the UAAP Season 88 men's football tournament, October 19, 2025 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City. UAAP Media
"It's a well-deserved brace for him," said UST assistant coach Carlos Francisco.
"Di naman siya starter nung pumasok kami this season and eventually naging starter siya. We told him to be patient na darating din yung goals para sa kanya, so ayun, he scored two goals that helped UST get the win."
With the victory, the Golden Booters wrapped up the first round in fourth place with eight points—level with the Ateneo Blue Eagles but trailing them on goal difference (+2 for Ateneo, +1 for UST).
UST, however, stays ahead of De La Salle University, which sits in fifth with a neutral goal difference.
University of the Philippines topped the first-round standings with 16 points, five clear of defending champion Far Eastern University.
Despite the loss, UE found a bright spot in 19-year-old goalkeeper Nicko Cloma, who stepped up in place of the injured Chrisjohn Tambilawan.
Cloma put on a composed performance, denying several UST chances to keep his side within striking distance.
The Red Warriors nearly equalized in the 61st minute when returning skipper Keith Hermoso—back from a one-game suspension—rose for a header, but UST's Mark Daig produced a crucial save to maintain the clean sheet.
UE concluded the first round at the bottom of the table with zero points and a goal difference of -8.