Photo: UAAP Media Team
The De La Salle University Lady Booters concluded their UAAP Season 88 campaign with a hard-fought 0–2 defeat to the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in the Women’s Football Finals on November 15 at the UP Diliman Football Pitch.
La Salle opened the finals with confidence, pushing the tempo early through aggressive attacking play led by Maria Layacan, who forced FEU goalkeeper Jessa Lehayan into two early stops. Team captain Steph Goñe anchored the backline with key defensive interventions that helped steady the Lady Booters’ structure in the opening minutes.
FEU converted a corner in the 14th minute to break the deadlock, but DLSU responded with composure. Layacan, Jodie Banzon, Chenny Dañoso, and Elisha Lubiano generated multiple chances before halftime, testing FEU’s defense and maintaining offensive pressure despite Lehayan’s timely saves.
The Lady Booters continued their momentum in the second half, highlighted by back-to-back on-target attempts from Banzon. La Salle sustained its attacking mindset through quick transitions and well-timed long balls, while goalkeeper Jessica Pido delivered crucial stops to keep the match within reach. A composed sliding clearance by Goñe late in regulation preserved DLSU’s defensive shape as the team pressed for a late equalizer.
In stoppage time, FEU capitalized on another corner to extend the lead to 2–0, sealing the final score. Despite the deficit, La Salle battled until the final whistle, demonstrating the resilience and determination that marked its Season 88 journey.
The evening also brought individual recognition for the Lady Booters. Lubiano received the Best Defender award for her consistent performance in central defense. Meanwhile, Jodie Banzon earned Rookie of the Year honors after a solid first season, giving La Salle another reliable option in its attacking unit.
