A stacked De La Salle University bludgeoned hapless rivals Ateneo de Manila, 5-0, to mark the UAAP debut of World Cup veteran and Philippine Women’s National Football Team’s Anicka Castañeda on Saturday’s Season 86 women’s football opener at UP Diliman.

The 24-year-old Castañeda, fielded at central midfield, played a distributor’s role to the striking trio of fellow Filipina Shai Del Campo, Mari Layacan, and reigning top scorer Lyka Teves, which contrasts her attacking prowess for the national team, where she scored 11 international goals.

“I was very nervous, but it was fun,” Castañeda, who had a botched shot on goal in the first half injury time, said after the game.

“Other than trying to help them get the championship back, it’s also my first and possibly last year so I’d also want to win it,” she added.

Castañeda was subbed out in the 60th minute, a few moments after folding to apparent cramps.

Vice-captain Del Campo, who likewise has 11 international goals, and Layacan, paced the Lady Archers with their respective braces, with former scoring in the 17th and 77th minute and the latter in the 24th and 88th minute.

Center back Reese Jumawan joined the scoring party with a corner set piece header in the 74th minute.

Ateneo, still undermanned with only 17 players, started the game with better offense with their 4-3-3 formation but the daring running attacks of new forwards Tootchie Eval and Angely Alferez were all saved by goalkeeper Alexandrea Gumilao.

However, the Lady Eagles lost steam in maintaining possession, leading to a relentless La Salle charge in the second half.

“It’s still the same line as of coach Hans [Smit], yung mag-dominate talaga kami. So we have to push them na yung mistakes dapat minimized talaga. We cannot settle for a 1-0 win, we just have to finish strong talaga. That’s the mentality from coach Hans that pushed us before,” said newly-promoted manager Alvin Ocampo, alluding to long-time manager Hans-Peter Smit

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