The Far Eastern University(FEU) listed their second win in as many games, with no goals conceded, as the Lady Tamaraws walloped the University of Santo Tomas (UST), 3-0, in the UAAP Women’s Football Tournament Saturday evening at the University of the Philippines (UP) Football Stadium.

In the first game, the UP Lady Maroons earned back-to-back wins with a 1-0 squeaker against winless De La Salle University.

The Lady Tamaraws displayed optimal defensive efficiency as they frustrated the Tigresses buildup, resulting in two goals from interceptions from UST’s back third.

Katrina Magbitang opened FEU’s account with a running goal off an interception in the 20^th minute while  Lylhanie Cayabyab capped the night with a similar goal in the final minute.

Diminutive winger Carmela Altiche booted FEU’s second goal from an off-speed cross by Dionesa Tolentin in a 65^th minute counterattack.

“We understood the game of UST and we attacked them from their weakness and yung defending namin sa strength nila, which is lahat nagdadala ng bola,” explained FEU coach Let Dimzon.

“I encouraged the players to analyze the game. Naka-focus sila sa game, sa opponents so nakuha nila yung mga sinong kailangang i-mark,” the four-time champion coach added, explaining their emphasis  of “covering the middle” of UST’s offense to frustrate their offensive play from the wings.

In the first game, national team standout Alyssa Ube finally scored a goal in Season 85 in State U’s win versus the Lady Archers.

Ube found the back of the net in the 54^th minute with a sizzling run against three defenders and goalkeeper Jessica Pido off a through pass by Kamea Mangrobang.

Lady Archer Angelica Teves had several chances in tying the game but their shots were off target, thanks to the Lady Maroons’ solid defensive transition.

Unfortunately, Ube, who came in as a first half substitute, had to exit in the 70^th minute of the second half due to an ankle sprain, putting into question her availability in UP’s first round closer versus FEU.

“I’ve been feeling down and Coach Anto and the team are trying to build my confidence with the team. I think that goal will give me confidence,” Ube, a veteran of the 2022 AFC Asian Cup qualifying tournament, said after the game.

FEU and UP continue to lead the tournament with a 2-0 and two-win-one-draw card, respectively.

La Salle shares the cellar with Ateneo de Manila at 0-2 while UST has made one win, a loss and a draw.

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