THE UST Lady Booters rescued a point against the DLSU Lady Booters, 1-1, to open the second round of eliminations in the UAAP Season 89 women’s football tournament on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the UP Diliman Football Field.
UST improved to a 1-1-4 win-draw-loss record with four points in total, closing in to two points behind the fourth-seeded UP Fighting Maroons. Meanwhile, DLSU notched a 4-1-1 slate to retain second place.
It was a relatively quiet first half for both sides, as early shots from La Salle’s Mae Danoso and Maria Tanjangco from the left wing were saved by UST goalkeeper Lizlie Garcia.
The UST Lady Booters had limited attacking opportunities as Christy Logastua’s lone shot in the 35th minute was caught by DLSU captain Jessica Pido, ending the half at nil-nil.
After a costly challenge from Princess Amilhamja midway in the second half, DLSU winger Maegan Alforque converted a penalty in the 59th minute, putting the Taft squad ahead, 1-0.
However, Amilhamja redeemed herself minutes later, levelling the match 1-all with a powerful strike in the 67th minute, coming from captain Rica Gerona’s cross from the right flank.
Despite multiple counter-attacking threats from La Salle, the UST team’s defense preserved the draw in the closing minutes, with Jelena Soon’s shot in the 90th minute going wide right.
Gerona had the chance to claim UST’s second win of the season, but her free kick in the 94th minute was deflected by the La Sallian wall, preserving the tie in what would be the first across the league all season.
The UST Lady Booters will continue to hunt for a final four spot when they face the league-best FEU Lady Tamaraws on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the same venue. F
