By Joie G. Espineli
The long wait for vengeance is over.
Lady Tams had their payback after kicking out their rival University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tigresses, 1-0, last January 31 at the Ateneo de Manila University’s Ocampo Field.
Far Eastern University (FEU) remained focused until the last minute of the game winning via one goal to rout the white and black squad.
Attack mode
In terms of attack, FEU led the charge in offense having more hits compared to UST.
However, UST’s goal keeper Arlene Gavile anticipated the attacks and covered her territory from FEU booters’ attempts.
Gavile’s effort on defense was not enough as FEU rookie Karen Ladero and striker Frea Fado’s combined efforts helped the Lady Tams to score the only goal of the game. Ladero crossed the ball over to Fado at the right side giving the latter a free look at the net in the 43rd minute mark.
“Sobrang saya talaga namin saka gusto talaga namin manalo (We’re very happy and we really wanted to win),” Fado said.
She added that teamwork and confidence along with their training helped them win the game.
The white and black squad tried to counter Fado’s goal but Tam goalie Ma. Jayneth Loren Mercado had a tight defense denying every ball near FEU’s corner.
Coach Marnelli Dimzon said that she is satisfied with the team’s performance.
“Sa ngayon masasabi naming may chance kami for championship pero ayaw namin maging masyadong kumpiyansa (For now, I can say that we have a chance for championship but we don’t want to be too confident),” she stated.
During the second half of the game, FEU changed their strategy by making their defense on top of their list.
Dimzon said that they have five defenders down the field but added one more to make sure that FEU was well-covered.
She added, “Kasi once na naka-score na kami, mag-focus kami sa depensa (Once we scored, we focus more on our defense).”
Like in the first half, the España-based booters had some attacks but they had difficulty in penetrating FEU’s defense. UST even got closer at the net but Team Captain Sarah Sumalde’s persistence in defense impeded the opponent’s chance.
Fado said that they don’t consider UST as their toughest rival but it looks that way on their preparation towards the match. Nevertheless, never-say-die attitude and confidence was their weapon in defeating the Tigresses.
As of press time, De La Salle University is on top followed by FEU and UST.