UAAP: UST women stay in Final 4 race after crucial win vs. UP

MANILA — University of Santo Tomas is still in the running for a place in the UAAP Season 89 women’s football Final 4 after a crucial 2-0 win over University of the Philippines, Wednesday at the UP Diliman Football Pitch.

Allanis Hodge broke the deadlock in the 65th minute, before Gleydille Añonuevo doubled their advantage in the 79th thanks to a costly error by UP goalkeeper Mariel Sancho.

“Sa laro na ito makikita na yung players, hindi lang lumaban pero kaya nila manalo,” said head coach Marjo Allado. 

“So ‘yan yung i-maintain ng UST Women’s Football Team na attitude, na kahit sabihin natin na 50-50 kami sa top four, yung attitude ng players wala silang pakialam doon as long as naka-focus sila sa game.”

With the victory, UST finished the elimination round with 11 points on three wins, two draws, and five losses.

However, the Lady Booters’ postseason fate now rests on the result of the upcoming match between Ateneo de Manila University and National University.

An NU victory over Ateneo would automatically secure UST a spot in the Final Four. A draw, meanwhile, would force a playoff between UST and Ateneo for the last postseason berth.

Having beaten UST, 1-0, on September 30 on the strength of a lone goal from Erissa Rivas, Final Four-bound UP struggled to impose its rhythm throughout Wednesday’s encounter.

The Fighting Maroons’ best opportunity to score came in the 86th minute, when Isalyn Tundag unleashed a long-range attempt that UST goalkeeper Ilah Adolfo comfortably saved.

UP finished the elimination round in third place with 15 points.

Depending on the outcome of the remaining match, the Fighting Maroons could face either UST or Ateneo in the stepladder semifinals or take on second-ranked De La Salle University in the Final Four.