The DLSU Lady Booters narrowly missed reclaiming the crown in a tightly contested clash, finishing as first runners-up to the now three-time champion FEU Lady Tamaraws, 3-2, in a gripping UAAP Season 87 Finals match earlier tonight, December 14, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
In a commendable Silver medal effort, senior standout Chenny Dañoso struck a stunning long-range goal in the 33rd minute, while Rocelle Mandaño added a curved set piece at the 56th minute.
However, the Lady Tamaraws prevailed, with Judie Arevalo opening the scoring with a header, followed by Carmela Alitche’s added-time penalty kick at the 45+7′ mark. Regine Rebosura sealed the victory with another header in the 68th minute—a lead the Lady Booters were unable to overcome.
Breaking the spell
Facing the defending champions for the third consecutive season, the DLSU Lady Booters are determined to finally end the FEU Lady Tamaraws’ reign in the UAAP. The Taft-based team pressed forward with every opportunity, from Maria Tanjangco’s cross that narrowly missed the post, to an Elisha Lubiano misfire, and a Shai Del Campo curl that flew wide—all within three thrilling minutes. Despite their persistent efforts, DLSU struggled to find their footing, as seasoned player Lyka Teves lost control of a promising buildup. Fortunately, Dañoso quickly reclaimed possession, threading a pass to Arantxa Trebol, though it did not yield a goal for the Lady Booters.
The Lady Tamaraws, equally eager to assert dominance, clashed repeatedly with the Green-and-White. Their persistence earned Rocelle Mendaño a free kick in the 16th minute, which frustratingly sailed just over the bar. The Lady Booters’ intensity visibly rattled the defending champions, leading to a heated battle in the midfield. La Salle suffered the consequence when Tenelyn Otom received a yellow card as the match grew increasingly physical. Capitalizing on the shift in momentum, FEU soon gained control from the midfield and created opportunities on their end. The breakthrough came in the 27th minute, when Alitche’s well-placed corner kick allowed Arevalo to deliver a precise header, putting the Lady Tamaraws ahead at 1-0.
DLSU scrambled to find an equalizer but struggled to break through FEU’s defensive stronghold. A crucial moment came in the 33rd minute, when a misplaced pass by Stephanie Goñe was salvaged by Dañoso, who hit a stunning long-range shot that leveled the score, 1-all. The intensity of the match escalated as both teams sought to take the lead. In the six minutes of added time, Alitche was awarded a penalty kick after Marinelle Cristobal went down. Her flawless strike sealed the first half, with the defending champions in the lead, 2-1.
Falling short
The Lady Tamaraws carried their momentum into the opening minutes of the second half. A chance was instantly created for FEU forward Cristobal after a misplaced pass from DLSU center back Lubiano. However, the striker’s 47th minute effort was smartly smothered by Jessica Pido, who bailed out her teammate’s error. With the momentum firmly on their side, FEU continued their high press, which suffocated La Salle’s attempts at a build up play. Despite the pressure, the Lasallians eventually carved out an opportunity in the 54’ mark when Del Campo found herself with time and space at the edge of the box. However, the Team Captain’s volley was easily caught by Yasmin Elauria.
At the very next play in the 56th minute, the Lady Booters won a free kick just outside the box, with Mendaño stepping up to take the shot. In spite of the tight angle, the defender curled her effort toward the near post, sneaking the ball past the goal line before Elauria could deflect it, equalizing the game once again, 2-all. Now with reestablished control, the Green-and-White began their search for the go-ahead goal. DLSU forward Maria Lacayan latched onto a through ball at the 60’ mark, but her finish was expertly saved by Elauria.
La Salle continued to test FEU’s defense with their renewed energy. The Lady Tamaraws responded by pouring more players forward, making the matchup more open and frantic. With the final hanging in the balance, it was FEU who struck the decisive blow at the 68th minute. Midfielder Altiche sent a looping ball over the DLSU backline, which was pounced upon by Rebosura with a deft header that flew past Pido, 3-2. Trailing for the third time in the matchup, the Lady Booters struggled to retain their composure, rendering them demoralized as the time ran out.
FEU continued to challenge the Lasallian backline, but they failed to convert any more openings into a goal. On the other end, DLSU created a chance out of nowhere, with Del Campo capitalizing on a Tamaraw error. The veteran’s 83rd minute volley tested Elauria, but the shot was parried wide. Aiming to equalize for the third time, the Lady Booters pelted FEU with multiple set pieces, yet none were able to penetrate their opponents’ stubborn defense.
As seven minutes of additional time ticked away, La Salle took the risk of sending all but two of their on field players toward the penalty box. In a desperate gamble, the Lasallians forced a goalmouth scramble at the 93rd minute, with Tanjangco forcing a shot toward the Tamaraw net. But her effort was cleared off the line by FEU’s Lyka Cuenco to the despair of the Lady Booters. Another chance was created at the 90+6’ mark when the ball dropped to Goñe, but she was unable to make solid contact with the ball. With time eventually running out for the Green-and-White, the referee’s whistle confirmed their 3-2 loss.
Addressing the heartbreaking defeat, Head Coach Alvin Ocampo remarked that the team still had an impressive campaign, stating “We made it this far, it just so happened [that] both teams played their best. So it’s not a disappointing result. We reached our goal of getting to the last game.” The tactician also expressed his gratitude to the graduating Lady Booters, who played their last collegiate game tonight. “All seniors that graduated today, they will inspire more players to play for La Salle. The doors will always be open for them.”
Following this Finals defeat, the Lady Booters concluded their season as first runner-ups, a repeat of their UAAP Season 85 and 86 finishes. The Taft-based team will regroup before aiming to finally reclaim the championship that has eluded them for six years.
