Elisha Lubiano celebrates after scoring a goal for De La Salle University against Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 88 women's football tournament, September 20, 2025 at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite. UAAP Media
MANILA -- De La Salle University slipped past archrival Ateneo de Manila University, 1-0, in the first match of the UAAP Season 88 women's football tournament on Saturday at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite.
Elisha Lubiano headed in the marginal goal in the 51st minute, after the Lady Booters missed a series of chances much to the disappointment of coach Alvin Ocampo.
"They should have all been converted," Ocampo lamented. "There were unopposed one-on-ones that didn't end in goals. We need to practice more on our finishing."
READ: La Salle, Ateneo open women's football tourney at Vermosa
Chenny Mae Dañoso, Maria Layacan, and Season 87 Golden Boot and Best Striker awardee Dani Tanjangco all had opportunities to extend La Salle's lead before Lubiano's opener, but they lacked the finishing touch in the final third.
Blue Eagles goalkeeper Chelssy Casals also played a key role in keeping La Salle at bay, making routine stops to deny Mikaela Villacin and Tanjangco between Lubiano's goal.
Villacin had put the ball in the net in the first half, but her effort was ruled out for offside.
With three points secured to start their campaign, La Salle will aim to build on this win against University of Santo Tomas this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Vermosa.
"When we faced UST in the pre-season, we only played them for a half," said Ocampo. "Not much happened then, so hopefully this time we can bounce back against them."
Ateneo, meanwhile, will seek redemption against defending champion Far Eastern University on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Celina Salazar and Astrid Ignacio had rare chances in front of the goal for the Blue Eagles amid La Salle's dominance, but both fired straight at goalkeeper Jessica Marie Pido.
The Blue Eagles nearly spoiled the Lady Booters' winning start when a free kick was awarded in stoppage time following Lubiano's foul.
Kassandra Marie Zalamea stepped up to take it, but her shot sailed over the bar, allowing La Salle to hold on for the narrow victory.