UAAP: FEU women near Finals berth after beating Ateneo

MANILA — Far Eastern University is one step closer to an outright finals berth in the UAAP Season 89 women’s football tournament after cruising to a 4-1 win over Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday.

The Lady Tamaraws, seeking their fifth straight women’s football crown, opened the scoring after just three minutes at the UP Diliman Football Stadium, with Iries Dela Cruz finding the back of the net.

Daniella Balicaria doubled the lead in the 27th minute, and Julia Sacmar scored two minutes after the restart to make it 3-0. Judie Arevalo capped the scoring three minutes into stoppage time, redeeming herself after Ateneo goalkeeper Chelssy Casals saved her earlier penalty attempt.

Jada Bicierro scored a consolation goal for Ateneo in the 86th minute.

The FEU Lady Tamaraws celebrate a goal against Ateneo in the UAAP Season 89 women’s football tournament, October 24, 2026 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. UAAP MediaThe Lady Tamaraws are now looking to defeat De La Salle University on Wednesday in the same venue in order to clinch a Finals berth and relegate the remaining contenders to the stepladder playoff.

Longtime FEU head coach Let Dimzon said that aside from securing a championship ticket, she wants the Lady Tams to work on their performance on both sides of the ball. 

“‘Yung maayos ‘yung attacking namin kasi the last game namin against La Salle, nahirapan kami because they had players in front. Nahirapan kami defensively, so we’ll focus more on that,” said Dimzon.

FEU improved to 27 points to remain atop the standings, while Ateneo stayed in fourth place with 10 points.

The Lady Tamaraws also extended their winning streak to 22 matches and their unbeaten run to 38 games.