JONELA Albiño struck in the 111th minute as Far Eastern University became the most successful program again following a 2-1 win at extra time over De La Salle in the UAAP Season 86 women’s football Final at the Rizal Memorial Stadium Friday night.
Albiño converted on a free kick that broke the 1-1 stalemate to put the Lady Tamaraws ahead and eventually complete a perfect season for a record 12th title overall.
Anicka Castañeda tried to restore parity late in the match but her shot sailed past the crossbar.
With the victory, FEU had a chance to complete a second straight golden treble as its men’s team goes for the crown against University of the Philippines at 5 p.m. on Thursday at the same Malate venue.
The Baby Tamaraws last March won a record 11th high school boys football title.
Tournament MVP Dionesa Tolentin produced the equalizer before halftime right after Maria Layacan opened the scoring for the Lady Booters in the 16th minute.
Tolentin, who also won the Golden Boot and Best Striker awards, was happy that her team did not lose composure despite trailing by a goal.
“Nandoon pa rin po ung eagerness na palunin yung game namin ito yung pinaka importante sa lahat kase sa sibrang yuing preparation namin maaga kami nagigising maraming mga challenges na nararanasan namin pero ito po yung kinalabasan ng paghihirap namin,” said Tolentin.
It was the second straight season that the women’s Final went at extra time, as FEU also won the same scoreline, 2-1, last year.
“Una magkahalo emosyon kasi kanina talaga nag-lose hope nako eh dahil wala yung play namin so since the start ng round one hanggang second round ang ganda ng play namin ang ganda ng passing, pero today hindi lumabas yung passing namin,” said coach Let Dimzon.
“Pero I’m happy pero yung players ko talaga nagtratrabaho ng husto yun yung pinaka highlights ko sa team yung sipag ng players ko when it comes to field and everty time nagso-score sila di natatapos dun laging bumabawi. Yung pinaka importante samin yung resiliency ng players and yun nga masaya kase di namin ineexpect na makukuha pa namin. Credit to all my players salahat ng trinabaho nila ngayon para sa kanila to ngayon,” she added.
