Defending Champions Extend Winning Run with 4-1 Ateneo Rout
Far Eastern University moved closer to an outright UAAP Finals berth after defeating Ateneo, 4-1, at UP Diliman. The four-time defending champions extended their unbeaten run to 38 matches while recording a 22nd consecutive victory.
FEU Scores Three Minutes Into Ateneo Victory
ABS-CBN News detailed FEU’s commanding victory as the Lady Tamaraws continued their push toward another championship appearance. Iries Dela Cruz opened the scoring after three minutes, giving the league leaders an immediate advantage against Ateneo.
Daniella Balicaria doubled FEU’s advantage during the 27th minute, establishing a two-goal cushion before the halftime whistle. FEU entered the interval leading 2-0 after two different scorers converted opportunities during a productive opening half.
Image from: The UAAP / Facebook
Dela Cruz and Balicaria Build Early FEU Advantage
Dela Cruz needed only three minutes to score, while Balicaria added FEU’s second goal during the 27th minute. Their first-half goals established the foundation for another victory during FEU’s unbeaten UAAP Season 89 women’s football campaign.
Sacmar and Arevalo Complete FEU’s 4-1 Win
Julia Sacmar extended FEU’s lead two minutes after halftime, scoring during the 47th minute for a 3-0 advantage. Ateneo eventually responded through Jada Bicierro, whose 86th-minute goal reduced the deficit during the closing stages.
Judie Arevalo also had a penalty opportunity, but Ateneo goalkeeper Chelssy Casals prevented another FEU goal from the spot. Arevalo later scored three minutes into stoppage time, completing FEU’s 4-1 victory after remaining involved following her penalty miss.
Casals Saves Penalty Before Arevalo Scores Late
Casals denied Arevalo from the penalty spot, preventing FEU from extending its advantage earlier during the second half. Arevalo eventually found the net during stoppage time, becoming FEU’s fourth different scorer before the final whistle.
FEU Extends Unbeaten Run to 38 Matches
The victory extended FEU’s unbeaten run to 38 matches while pushing its winning streak to 22 consecutive games. Those streaks accompany a championship run that has already produced four consecutive UAAP women’s football titles for the Lady Tamaraws.
FEU is now pursuing a fifth straight championship while maintaining first place during the decisive stage of Season 89. The Lady Tamaraws have combined sustained results with another strong campaign as the postseason qualification picture approaches resolution.
Lady Tamaraws Record 22nd Consecutive Victory
FEU’s victory over Ateneo became its 22nd straight win while extending an unbeaten sequence spanning 38 matches. The Lady Tamaraws remain four-time defending champions as they pursue another Finals appearance and fifth consecutive UAAP championship.
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FEU Moves One Win From Outright Finals Berth
FEU improved to 27 points after beating Ateneo, maintaining first place in the Season 89 women’s football standings. Ateneo remained fourth with 10 points after suffering a three-goal defeat against the four-time defending UAAP champions.
The Lady Tamaraws can secure an outright Finals berth by defeating De La Salle University during Wednesday’s pivotal match. A victory would send FEU directly into the championship round while pushing the remaining contenders toward the stepladder playoff.
Ateneo Remains Fourth With 10 Points
Ateneo remained fourth with 10 points after Bicierro scored its only goal during the 86th minute against FEU. Casals also denied Arevalo from the penalty spot, providing another notable Ateneo moment despite the eventual 4-1 defeat.
La Salle Stands Between FEU and Direct Finals Entry
FEU now faces La Salle with an outright Finals berth available after establishing a commanding position atop the standings. Head coach Let Dimzon acknowledged that their previous meeting presented difficulties in both attacking execution and defensive organization.
Dimzon wants FEU to improve those areas before Wednesday’s decisive match against an opponent that previously challenged her squad. Her assessment provides direct context for the adjustments FEU is prioritizing while attempting to bypass the Season 89 stepladder.
Dimzon Identifies Areas for Improvement
Dimzon identified attacking execution and defensive organization as priorities after recalling the difficulties FEU encountered against La Salle previously. Her comments establish the tactical focus before Wednesday’s match, where victory would secure FEU’s direct passage into the Finals.
“‘Yung maayos ‘yung attacking namin kasi the last game namin against La Salle, nahirapan kami because they had players in front. Nahirapan kami defensively, so we’ll focus more on that,” said Dimzon.
Analytical Breakdown: Early Goals Help FEU Control Matches
FEU’s early breakthrough forced Ateneo to chase the match, creating additional spaces for the Lady Tamaraws to exploit. Four different scorers make FEU particularly difficult to contain because opponents cannot consistently concentrate defensive attention on one attacker. Against La Salle, FEU must preserve attacking numbers while maintaining enough defensive protection to control dangerous transitions after losing possession.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did FEU beat Ateneo in UAAP women’s football?
FEU defeated Ateneo, 4-1, moving closer to an outright UAAP Season 89 women’s football Finals berth.
Who scored for FEU against Ateneo?
Iries Dela Cruz, Daniella Balicaria, Julia Sacmar, and Judie Arevalo scored FEU’s four goals against Ateneo.
How long is FEU’s unbeaten streak?
FEU extended its unbeaten run to 38 matches while recording its 22nd consecutive victory against Ateneo.
How can FEU clinch an outright Finals berth?
FEU can advance directly into the Finals by defeating De La Salle University in its next Season 89 match.
How many points does FEU have?
The Lady Tamaraws reached 27 points after defeating Ateneo and remained atop the Season 89 women’s football standings.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from ABS-CBN’s Website.
