Lady Booter Lovely Fernandez’s brace led UST to prevail against the Ateneo Blue Eagles to keep their postseason hopes alive, 3-1, in the second round of the UAAP Season 85 women’s football tournament at the UP Diliman Football Stadium on Saturday.
Both teams ended the first half tied at 1-1, but Fernandez came out blazing in the second half after converting a goal in the 59th and 86th minute of the match, securing UST’s much needed victory.
UST’s striker Nathalie Absalon scored her fourth goal of the season after drawing the first blood in the fourth minute.
Traci Lim struck the lone goal of Ateneo in the 36th minute, but the Blue Eagles could not sustain another conversion at the second half after UST’s strong defensive plays.
UST remained in the fourth seed tallying a total of 10 points built on a 3-1-3 win-loss-record, while the Blue Eagles ended their season winless.
UST needs to overcome the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons in their next game to stay alive in the season.
Even if they win this game, UST’s fate lies in the hands of the Far Eastern University’s win against the DLSU Lady Booters to force a playoff matchup for a Finals slot. If DLSU wins against FEU, UST will end their Season 85 campaign early.
The UST Lady Booters and Lady Maroons will face each other on Saturday, May 6, at the same venue.
