UAAP: La Salle stuns FEU, sends women’s football tourney to traditional Final 4

MANILA — There will be a traditional Final 4 in the UAAP Season 89 women’s football tournament after De La Salle University pulled off a 1-0 stunner against Far Eastern University on Wednesday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

The Lady Tamaraws had not lost since March 23, 2023, when they were beaten 3-2 by La Salle. Since then, FEU rattled off a 38-game unbeaten streak — one that the Lady Booters snapped in impressive fashion.

Elisha Lubiano found the back of the net in the 16th minute, capitalizing on a corner kick from Jodi Banzon with a well-placed header that ultimately ended FEU’s bid for a perfect season.

La Salle not only prevented FEU from extending their streak — which included 22 victories — they also ensured that the semifinals of Season 89 will follow a traditional format. There, they will have a twice-to-beat advantage against third-seeded University of the Philippines.

“Pumunta dito yung kids with a mindset na gusto nila manalo sa game na ‘to. Pinakita naman talaga nila—they really want to play and beat the defending champions,” said new head coach Joyce Landagan.

Goalkeeper Jessica Pido delivered a commendable performance, denying the Morayta side’s attempts to preserve the clean sheet and seal the victory. The result also avenged La Salle’s 0-1 loss in their previous meeting on October 7, when Jelan Pabuaya scored the decisive goal for FEU.

Judie Arevalo made several attempts to equalize for the Lady Tamaraws but was repeatedly denied by Pido. In a last-ditch effort during added time, midfielder Tiffany Trinidad tried to salvage a goal for FEU, only for her shot to sail over the crossbar.

Despite the loss, the Lady Tamaraws finished atop the standings with 27 points, while the Lady Booters had 22 points. FEU will face No. 4 Ateneo in the semis; the Blue Eagles had secured the last Final 4 spot earlier in the day after beating National University.