THE UST Lady Booters maintained composure until the final whistle as they blanked De La Salle University, 1-0, in the UAAP women’s football tournament at the Far Eastern University-Diliman field last Nov. 27.
Capitalizing on a clearing error by a La Salle defender, UST striker Marice Magdolot deflected the ball and sent it straight to the goal in the 68th minute.
“We’ve had lots of chances [to score] so it’s good that she finally converted,” said JR Judal, an Asian Studies alumnus who took over coaching duties from Bon Estrabon in August.
La Salle kept trying, challenging the Lady Booters’ defense with a goal attempt in stoppage time.
A Lady Archer was open for a goal after a pass from her teammate, but UST’s Jae Abuan quickly cleared the ball. La Salle had a similar chance to tie earlier in the match, but its striker’s attempt was likewise cleared by Lady Booter Chanda Solite.
“Our passing was key. It penetrated La Salle’s defense well,” Judal said.
The Lady Booters almost extended their lead to two, but Magdolot’s attempt hit the goal’s left post. She tried to strike once more but was off-target as the ball went out of bounds.
UST opened its Season 76 campaign with a goalless draw against Ateneo de Manila University last Nov. 24.
Both teams had plenty of opportunities to score, but neither of them was successful.
In the 67th minute, UST almost drew first blood as rookie striker Daryll Mendoza emerged ahead of the pack to receive a pass, but the Ateneo goalkeeper was quick to respond and dove for the ball before Mendoza was able to strike a goal.
Ateneo had its chance in the 69th minute after Camille Rodriguez picked up the throw-in near the left corner of the penalty box, but she was immediately hounded by UST defenders, which forced her to pass the ball toward the middle, but it rolled past her teammate.
The Katipunan-based booters almost lost possession, but Nona Amoncio recovered the ball. She made a goal attempt, but Magdolot deflected and cleared the ball.
The Lady Booters again went for the attack in the 73rd minute, capitalizing on a free kick awarded off a hand ball error. Mendoza took the kick, hurling the ball near the lower left corner of the goal post.
“The game will serve as an adjustment for us,” Judal said. “I was impressed with our rookies since they stepped up considering it’s only their UAAP debut.”
However, he expressed frustration when it came to “finishing the game.”
“We were dominating the first half. But at the onset of the second half, [the Lady Booters’] fitness became a problem as they no longer fought for the ball,” Judal said.
