ANGELICA Teves’ penalty was the difference as De La Salle University edged past Ateneo de Manila University 1-0 in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Teves, who comes from Negros Oriental High School, slotted home the spot-kick in the 18th minute following a foul in the Ateneo box.
For La Salle coach Alvin Ocampo, getting the three points was paramount amid his team’s need to improve on different things.
“The objective really was to win,” said Ocampo. “Getting the three points was very important. They played badly but they were able to manage the game.”
On the back of Teves’ goal, La Salle now has an 11-game winning streak over Ateneo, stretching back from Season 78.
The last time the Blue Eagles prevailed over the Lady Booters was in Season 77: a 2-0 victory on December 14, 2014, with goals from Aina Martin and current assistant coach Cam Rodriguez at the Moro Lorenzo Football Field.
National team forward Shai del Campo had a goal ruled out due to offside in the 52nd minute, while substitute midfielder Aliexa Mae Casi had two chances to add to La Salle’s tally in the second half, but she failed to hit the target both times.
Behind their third straight win, the Lady Booters strengthened their hold on first place in the standings to nine points with a plus-5 goal difference.
Defender Maye Mendaño missed the game for La Salle due to her graduation.
La Salle will next face defending champion Far Eastern University in a rematch of last season’s final on October 30 at 6:30 p.m. on the same pitch.
“We have time to prepare for that match,” said Ocampo. “Still back to training to prepare for that match. Still, a long season to go.”
Meanwhile, Ateneo will close the first round against University of Santo Tomas this Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the same venue.
