FEU's Marienell Cristobal in action against La Salle in the UAAP Season 88 women's football tournament, November 5, 2025 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City. UAAP Media
MANILA -- The second and last spot in the Finals of the UAAP Season 88 women's football tournament remains up for grabs.
This, after Far Eastern University escaped with a 2-1 victory over De La Salle University on Wednesday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.
Marienell Cristobal accounted for both goals, putting the Lady Tamaraws ahead just seven minutes into the match then doubling their lead with a long-range effort from outside the box in the 28th minute.
With the result, Ateneo de Manila University remains in the running for a place in the Finals. The Blue Eagles have 11 points, while La Salle is a point ahead with 12.
The Lady Tams, with 21 points, have already clinched their place in the championship match.
"I told her that she needs to score today," said coach Let Dimzon of Cristobal. "That's why when she scored, she went to me and we hugged because that was my challenge for her."
The Lady Tamaraws sought to complete Cristobal's hat trick in the 54th and 75th minutes, but Lady Booters goalkeeper Jessica Pido denied both attempts.
"The players have performed well in terms of defending and attacking, but in the last minutes, there were lapses. So I think the mental [awareness], we also need to improve," Dimzon added.
Chasing a win to secure their spot in the November 15 Final, the Lady Booters produced several chances but failed to find the back of the net.
La Salle skipper Maria Layacan nearly equalized in the 24th minute with a point-blank attempt that was blocked by FEU goalkeeper Jessa Lehayan.
In the 69th minute, Dani Tanjanco's challenge inside the box was once again denied by Lehayan, while Jodie Banzon's 79th-minute free kick from outside the area went wide of the left post.
Stephanie Goñe pulled one back for La Salle in the 90th minute after finishing off a rebound from Mikaela Villacin's initial shot, but it came too late as FEU's defense held firm until the final whistle.
With the victory, FEU completed a season sweep over La Salle, having also taken a 2-1 win in their first-round encounter last October 9.
Both squads return to the same pitch this Saturday — FEU faces Ateneo at 4:00 p.m., while La Salle closes the double-header against University of Santo Tomas at 6:30 p.m.