FEU Lady Tamaraws dethrone DLSU, completes golden ‘treble’

By Jianzen Deananeas

May 23, 2023

(Photo sourced from ABS-CBN News)

The first UAAP women's football champion since 2019 was named after 120 minutes of play.

Far Eastern University won the Season 85 championship and completed a "treble" for the Tamaraws football program on Sunday at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium after defeating De La Salle University, the defending champion, 2-1 in overtime.

"Never talaga nag-give up ang players namin," coach Let Dimzon said. "Even when we played La Salle in the first round, even though the score was close, we won our final game in the second round as well.”

‘Yan ‘yung pinaka-highlight ko sa team ko — hangga’t hindi natatapos, never sila nag-gi-give up. Considering na halos lahat ng players ng La Salle is coming from the youth national team and ‘yong experience ng players ko is not that high pero the way they work inside the field, hindi matatawaran," she added.

Regine Rebosura of FEU took the lead for the Lady Tamaraws 46 minutes into the game, but Shai del Campo of DLSU scored a consolation goal in the 100 minute of regulation to tie the score.

The Lady Tamaraws pressured the Lady Booters’ goalkeeper Alexandra Gumilao, who made several saves. Still, Dimzon's team fought back, and Rebosura poked the ball home in the 118th minute to clinch the title.

“Galing siya from futsal and then nag-football,” said Dimzon. “‘Yan na talaga yung malaking reveal from Regine but again siguro sa quality, kaya niya technically. Nakikita mo ‘yong work ethic, kung papaano siya nag-a-adjust every training, every game. Kahit maraming mistakes, pero tina-try niya makisabay.”

This was the Lady Tamaraws' 11th championship in the UAAP women's division.

The Lady Tamaraws achieved the school's third-ever treble, the first two occurring in Seasons 76–77. They also won the boys' and men's crowns this season.

For her exceptional efforts all season long, Rebosura was selected Best Midfielder and Rookie of the Year. With eight goals, Angelica Teves of La Salle was voted Best Striker.

Frances Caroline Acelo and Jennifer Baroin, from the University of the Philippines, won awards for best goalkeeper and best defender, respectively.

Katrina Magbitang of FEU was selected as the 85th season's Most Valuable Player.

The Fair Play Award was given to the Ateneo de Manila University.

UP, which lost to De La Salle University 1-0 in the playoff on May 13, rounds out the podium for the competition.