The DLSU Lady Booters absorbed a tough 3-1 defeat at the hands of the two-time defending champions Kaya FC-Iloilo to wrap up their first-round campaign in the PFF Women’s League 2026 last night, July 18, at the Adidas Football Park.
Despite a late stoppage-time breakthrough from Chenny Dañoso, La Salle ultimately struggled to dismantle Kaya’s relentless pressure and organized backline, dropping to a 1-2 record to end the opening round.
Shaky start
Facing the sheer firepower of Kaya FC-Iloilo, the Green-and-White were immediately thrusted into a gritty, high-paced defensive battle in the opening minutes. Kaya wasted no time establishing their offensive rhythm, with Saki Yoshida stepping up as the primary playmaker. Refusing to fold early, the Lady Booters stood firm against the initial onslaught. Khey Balateria anchored La Salle’s backline to shut down Kaya’s early advances, while Dañoso dribbled through the midfield to break the pressure. DLSU managed to counter with promising transition plays—highlighted by a high-risk forward ball from Maegan Alforque and a solid driving effort from Jodi Banzon—but these were denied by former La Salle goalkeeper Inna Palacios. Despite these offensive flashes, the Lady Booters struggled to dictate consistent possession. Jelena Pido faced immense challenges in controlling the ball under Kaya’s swarming defense, forcing the match into a tense, physical stalemate as both squads headed into the first hydration break.
DLSU found it increasingly difficult to secure their footing against a relentless Kaya FC squad. The Lady Booters generated their biggest opportunity of the half when Banzon linked up with Lara Regarde in the final third, but the attempt failed to find the back of the net. Capitalizing on DLSU’s offensive lulls, Kaya amplified the pressure, utilizing the open space to create increasingly dangerous sequences. Dionesa Tolentin broke free for a solitary run that resulted in a cross-goal close call. This offensive persistence finally paid dividends late in the first half when Alessandrea Carpio shattered the deadlock by confidently converting a precise cross-pass from Rocelle Mendano, 1-0. Looking to minimize the damage, DLSU goalkeeper Jessica Pido managed a crucial catch shortly after and Regarde endured heavy defensive pressure in the dying minutes as Kaya FC-Iloilo headed into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.
Champions take control
With a disadvantage going into the second half, the Lasallians searched for a way back into the contest but struggled to establish sustained possession as the defending champions continued to dictate the tempo. Kaya threatened immediately after the restart as Mendaño’s 50th-minute free kick found Carpio for a shot on target, only for Pido to produce a crucial save, before another Kaya attack in the 53rd minute that saw Joyce Onrubia’s attempt strike the roof of the net following a goalmouth tussle. The yellow shirts’ relentless pressure eventually paid off in the 56th minute when Onrubia latched onto a long ball and calmly finished past Pido to extend Kaya’s advantage to 2-0. The Taft-based squad found little room to progress into the attacking third as Kaya’s compact backline consistently took over possession high up the pitch. Kaya continued to capitalize on the Lady Booters’ defensive gaps. Pido denied Camille Rodriguez from close range after a pass from Carpio in the 61st minute; however, the resistance was short-lived as Rodriguez converted Jysabella Tolentino’s delivery three minutes later to make it 3-0.
With momentum firmly on their side, the yellow shirts maintained control of possession and continued to create chances through quick passing combinations. The Lady Booters remained pinned in their own half as Kaya’s sustained pressure limited them to scarce attacking opportunities, with Dañoso unable to break through the defense in the 80th minute. The Green-and-White finally found a goal in stoppage time as Dañoso broke through to score in the 90th minute, trimming the deficit to 3-1. However, the late strike proved insufficient for the Lady Booters as they were outmatched throughout the second half, with the defending champion’s superior pace, defensive organization, and clinical finishing securing a convincing victory.
The Lady Booters look to turn the page after finishing the first round with a 1–2 record as they open the second round against the UAAP Season 88 champions FEU Lady Tamaraws on Saturday, July 25, at 4 pm at the same venue.