UAAP: Ateneo clinches last Final 4 spot in women’s football

MANILA — Ateneo de Manila University claimed the last Final 4 spot in the UAAP Season 89 women’s football tournament on Wednesday after shutting out National University, 2-0, at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Danielle Benitez broke the ice in the 44th minute, and Celina Salazar iced the victory four minutes into extra time.

Ateneo’s Danielle Benitez celebrates a goal against NU in the UAAP Season 89 women’s football tournament, October 28, 2026 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. UAAP MediaThe result completed the women’s division’s Final Four cast, with Ateneo securing the last spot with 13 points, ahead of fifth-place University of Santo Tomas, which finished with 11 points.

The Blue Eagles join top-seeded Far Eastern University, second-placed De La Salle University, and third-placed University of the Philippines in the postseason lineup.

NU had a chance to level the match in the 81st minute after Ateneo’s Rae Tolentino was shown a red card for pulling back Jaquilin Esteban, giving the Lady Bulldogs a free kick.

However, Blue Eagles goalkeeper Sophia Gajitos denied Lizzie Torre’s attempt, preserving Ateneo’s clean sheet. Minutes later, Salazar found the back of the net to put the game out of reach for National U.

Although they failed to register a point in their debut campaign, the Lady Bulldogs showed grit in their final match despite having only 14 players available for the contest.