De La Salle University retained the PFF Women’s League title after defeating UST, 2-1 in the final match of the season last Sunday, November 11 at the PFF-National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.
With only a point separating the two sides, the Lady Archers only needed a draw to retain the crown and they did more than just that, completing another unbeaten season with 25 points.
Maria Del Carmen Castellanos put the champions ahead in the 15th minute, firing a right-footed shot past UST goalkeeper Carmela Sacdalan on a breakaway.
La Salle made it 2-0 inthe 21st minute when Jannah Barcemo’s free kick bounced past Sacdalan and into the net.
UST had a chance to pull a goal back from the spot after a Mariell Tejada handball in the 23rd minute, but Natasha Lacson denied Nina Ricci Yanto to preserve the scoreline until the half time break.
The Tigresses pressed in the second half to no avail, until Cecile Deita scored from way outside of the box just in the 90th minute.
But La Salle held firm deep into added time to score their second consecutive Women’s League title, extending their unbeaten run to 22 matches dating back from last season.
FEU 3-2 Tuloy FC
In the curtain-raiser, Far Eastern University came from two goals down to defeat Tuloy FC, 3-2 to take the 2nd runner-up spot.
Isabella Bandoja continued to polish her Golden Boot award by putting Tuloy FC ahead 2-0 early in the first half, scoring in the 16th and 21st minute respectively.
However, the Lady Tamaraws came back and scored two goals in the final ten minutes, courtesy of Rose Marie Lecera in the 35th minute and an own goal by Jamielyn Nanez in added time as the match drew level, 2-2 at the break.
And in the 80th minute, Mary Hariette Lam scored the winner from close range.
Hiraya 3-2 OutKast
Hiraya FC finished the season in fifth place, withstanding a late comeback from OutKast FC, 3-2 in the second match.
Marice Magdolot and Natasha Alquiros teamed up for the goals, with the former scoring the first one in the 18th minute of a deflected shot.
Alquiros then turned provider for Magdolot, who doubled the lead in the 44th minute with a breakaway strike for a 2-0 halftime lead.
In the second half, Magdolot added her second to make it 3-0 in the 51st minute with a right-footed effort, before Jennizel Cabalan pulled one back in the 55th minute.
OutKast pulled to within a goal in the 67th minute with a tap-in by substitute Shella Ninobla that was rendered a consolation.
Awarding
By retaining the title, La Salle also dominated the individual awards, led by tournament MVP Chelo Hodges.
Joining Hodges in the Roll of Honor were Tejada and Lacson, who were adjudged as the league’s best defender and goalkeeper respectively.
UST will not leave empty-handed apart from being the runner-up, with Hazel Lustan was adjudged as the best midfielder.
Despite losing their final match to finish fourth for the season, Tuloy FC went home with two awards in the debut season, the Fair Play plum and Bandoja the Golden Boot for a league record 24 goals.