In a thrilling showdown at the UP Diliman Football Stadium, the University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Booters secured a hard-fought victory against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tigresses in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Football Tournament. Anya Fuentes’ first-half goal proved decisive as UP clinched a narrow 1-0 win over UST in a fiercely contested match.

The lone goal of the game came in the 21st minute when Anya Fuentes found the back of the net, giving UP an early lead. Despite dominating play in the first half and creating numerous scoring opportunities, UP was unable to extend their advantage, leaving the door open for UST to mount a comeback in the second half.

Reflecting on the match, UP head coach Anto Gonzales praised his team’s performance in the first half, highlighting their ability to execute their game plan effectively. However, Gonzales acknowledged that UST controlled proceedings in the second half, posing a significant challenge to UP’s defense.

Anya Fuentes, who played a pivotal role in UP’s victory, was forced to leave the field in the second half following a collision with UST goalkeeper Lizlie Garcia. Both players sustained injuries in the incident and were substituted shortly after. Despite the setback, UP’s defense held firm, with defender Maria Rica Juliana Gerona stepping up to assume goalkeeping duties for the Lady Booters.

UST had several opportunities to equalize, with Lovely Fernandez and Gleydile Anonuevo leading the charge, but UP goalkeeper Frances Caroline Acelo stood tall to deny their attempts and preserve the lead for her team.

With the victory secured, UP looks ahead to their next challenge as they prepare to face De La Salle University in their upcoming match. Meanwhile, UST aims to bounce back from the defeat as they set their sights on a showdown against defending champions Far Eastern University.