Photo: DLSU Sports | Jasmin Diandani
The De La Salle University Lady Booters suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat against rivals Ateneo earlier today at the UP Diliman Football Pitch in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Football Tournament, marking their second straight loss as they continue their push for a Finals berth.
La Salle started strong, pressing high and dictating most of the early tempo. The Green and White created several promising chances inside the opening minutes, highlighted by attempts from Mari Layacan, Chenny Dañoso, and Dani Tanjangco. However, Ateneo’s defense held firm, and goalkeeper Chelssy Casals managed key stops to keep the match level.
Despite controlling possession, the Lady Booters were caught on a counter in the 27th minute, allowing Ateneo to slip in the lone goal of the match through a close-range finish off a cut-back from the right side.
Unfazed, La Salle continued to knock on the door. Layacan nearly equalized before halftime, while the second half saw relentless pressure from the Green and White. Jodi Banzon, Alforque, and Dañoso kept the attack flowing, forcing Ateneo to sit deep and defend in numbers. Even as the match grew more physical, La Salle pushed forward and continued creating chances inside and outside the box.
Captain Stephanie Goñe exited late due to an injury after a defensive challenge, but the Lady Booters refused to let up. Several late opportunities came close, including extra-time attempts from Layacan, Tanjangco, and Villacin, yet the equalizer remained out of reach as Ateneo held on.
With back-to-back tight defeats behind them, La Salle now turns its focus to regaining form after the holiday break. The Lady Booters return to the pitch in a pivotal matchup against the defending champions FEU Lady Tamaraws on Wednesday, November 5, at the same venue.
