A late penalty conversion allowed the UST Lady Booters to salvage a 1-1 draw with the UP Lady Maroons in their UAAP Season 85 women’s football tournament opener at the UP Football Stadium on Saturday.
UP was called for a costly handball violation in the 87th minute of the match, allowing UST’s Nathalie Absalon to convert a penalty kick to tie the game.
“For me, it’s pressure kasi kakapasok ko lang tapos lahat puro mga bata, ako lang ‘yung senior na naiwan. Ang inisip ko kahit anong mangyari kailangan namin mag-score,” Absalon told the Varsitarian.
Karnea Mangrobang scored UP’s lone goal in the 16th minute.
There was an on-court scuffle that led to UST and UP players receiving yellow cards in the second half.
UST’s key defensive player Carmela Benett also sustained an injury during the match.
UST assistant coach Geraldine Cabrera said initial findings suggested a possible posterior ligament injury.
The UST Lady Booters will next face the De La Salle Lady Booters at the same venue on March 4, Saturday, at 4 p.m.
