UAAP: Lady Booters win season debut via a last-minute goal

The DLSU Lady Booters emerged victorious last November 30 versus last year’s second place finishers, the UST Tigresses in their first match for the 77th season of the UAAP, 1-0.  The Lady Booters narrowly escaped with a win due to a timely goal by rookie Irish Navaja in the 90th minute of the contest.

Both teams were aggressive to start the match.  DLSU goalkeeper Kristianne Palacios had a busy half, deflecting passes and shots from early attacks by the Tigresses.  The first shot attempt by the Lady Booters came in the 6th minute of the game with forward Regine Metillo’s shot going slightly wide from the goal.

La Salle was awarded free kicks taken by Kyla Inquig and Nina Arrieta at the 24th and the 26th minute, respectively, but both were saved by UST’s goalkeeper.  Shortly after, the Lady Booters’ defense was tested as they have skillfully broken up inside passes by the Tigresses.

Inquig once again had a chance to take the lead before halftime with a shot on target, but this was deflected by UST’s goalkeeper.  The half ended with both teams scoreless after a minute of added time.

DLSU dominated the second half on touches and attacked the Tigresses’ defense consistently.  Andaya had the first attempt for the second half, but her shot drifted over the goal. Third year player Megan Diaz had three chances to register a goal for the Lady Booters between the 60th and the 66th minute, but all were caught by UST’s goalkeeper.

The teams became more desperate for a goal as the time inched closer to the 90th minute mark.  Chermaine Guancia appeared to have the answer for La Salle as she was about to take a shot near the box but was called for an offside.

Irish Navaja came into the rescue for the Lady Booters as she scored the game-saver after running past the defenders.  That would turn out to be the most vital play of the match as the final whistle sounded after two minutes of extra time.

Next up for the DLSU Lady Booters are the Ateneo Lady Eagles whom they will face on December 14, 3 pm at the ADMU Moro Lorenzo Football Field.