UAAP: FEU books return trip to women’s football finals

MANILA — For the sixth straight season, Far Eastern University will compete for the UAAP women’s football championship.

The Lady Tamaraws took care of business against Ateneo de Manila University, 5-1, in the UAAP Season 89 women’s football Final 4 on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium to book their place in the championship match.

Jelani Pabuaya and Judie Arevalo linked up twice, while Tiffany Trinidad netted a hat-trick in the defending champions’ victory. 

“One game at a time, so we need to be focused,” FEU head coach Let Dimzon said of her players. “Kailangan lang talaga silang bigyan ng more confidence.”

Pabuaya and Arevalo set the tone for the defending champions with identical plays on either side of halftime. Pabuaya delivered right-footed passes across the face of the goal, allowing Arevalo to finish from close range in the 45+1st and 51st minutes.

Trinidad then took center stage, finding the back of the net from inside the Ateneo box in the 58th and 68th minutes before completing her hat-trick — and sealing the Lady Tamaraws’ victory — with a spectacular long-range strike in the 88th minute.

Jada Bicierro scored a consolation goal for Ateneo two minutes into extra time. 

The Blue Eagles will finish in fourth place in Season 89.