Lady Booters seal Finals ticket after victory against Ateneo

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Booters have secured their Finals ticket for the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Football Tournament after pulling off a 3–1 victory against arch-rivals, the Ateneo de Manila University (Ateneo) Blue Eagles earlier today at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Football Pitch.

The game kicked off with a bit of uncertainty, despite the Lady Booters leading the charge with their offensive plays as the Blue Eagles surprised them with their strong defense and quick steals. Despite Chenny Dañoso's persistent efforts to score for La Salle, the ball just wouldn't find its way into the net. This made it even more difficult with Ateneo's goal-stoppers within the first few minutes of the game.

Well within ten minutes, the Eagles managed to slip in a powerful goal courtesy of Kassandra Zalamea, 0–1, much to La Salle's demise. Hot from the fresh goal, the Eagles swarmed to dominate the midfield, allowing them to build impenetrable defenses and consistently thwart La Salle's attacks led by Anicka Castañeda.

La Salle was eventually granted the opportunity to secure a goal off a penalty kick but Dañoso's shot was saved by Adrielle Lee and Angelica Teves' subsequent attempt sailed over the goal. Despite having zero goals, the Lady Booters dominated the statistics, with 13 shots and six shots on target to end the 1st half.

Coming off halftime, Castañeda consistently kept La Salle's offensive alive despite Lee's denial of another goal attempt by the former within the 47th mark. Shortly after, Michaela Maligalig ended up on the floor after a collision with Ateneo's Vanessa Angeles, although no yellow cards nor penalty kicks were given.

Eager to avenge their teammate, the Lady Booters relentlessly pressured the Blue Eagles, keeping the latter busy defending their side of the field and thwarting any offensive moves toward La Salle's goal. After building momentum with a flurry of shots, Alisha Del Campo finally broke through in the 52nd minute, scoring La Salle's first goal and leveling the playing field, 1–1.

Maligalig and Del Campo further added to La Salle's arsenal with multiple attempts between the 55th to the 63rd mark. Four minutes later, a great strategic play had Del Campo open to take another shot, only to be deflected slightly by Lee once more. But, Castañeda was there to capitalize on the rebound play, securing La Salle's second goal in less than 20 minutes, 2–1.

Later, in the 79th minute, a precise pass from Rocelle Mendaño found Del Campo with Ateneo's goal wide open. Although the ball veered slightly off target, its near miss sent a tremor through the Ateneo defense. The Blue Eagles shortly received a yellow card near the 86th-minute mark, after Castañeda ended up on the ground following a heavy collision. In a clear bout for revenge, Dañoso's penalty kick smoothly evaded Lee for a magnificent bullseye to secure La Salle's third goal of the game, 3–1.

Despite no further goals produced from either team after three minutes of added time, La Salle finally snatched their Finals ticket after holding onto their lead for the rest of the match. Del Campo was hailed Best Player of the Game after leading the offensive charge and producing one of the three La Salle goals.

The DLSU Lady Booters aim to extend their winning streak as they take on the FEU Lady Booters on April 27, Saturday, 6:30 PM, at the same venue.