The inaugural PFF Futsaliga Women’s Division, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), is headed for a thrilling finale after Far Eastern University (FEU) sizzled and Beach Hut FC survived contrasting semifinal battles last Sunday, May 10, at the Philsports Arena, the country’s rapidly growing “House of Futsal.”
The Lady Tamaraws became the first team to secure a place in the Women’s Cup Final after blanking Enderun Colleges, 4-0, despite missing head coach Let Dimzon for a second straight match due to national team duties.
UAAP Golden Boot winner Judie Arevalo brought her finishing touch from the football pitch onto the hardcourt, scoring a brace to power FEU into the championship match. The Lady Tamaraws initially struggled to capitalize on their numerous scoring opportunities before finally breaking through late in the first half through her efforts and taking full control afterward.
“Marami po kaming chances na hindi na-convert, so nag-adjust po kami during the last minutes and eventually na-convert na namin yung scoring chances,” Arevalo said after the match.
The FEU standout also credited the team’s constant training and determination to prove that the Lady Tamaraws can excel not only in football, but in futsal as well.
“Araw-araw pa rin po kaming nagt-training kahit wala si Coach Let. Yung mga kulang namin noong last few games, iyon yung ini-improve namin. Gigil din po kami kasi ngayon lang po ata sumali ang FEU sa futsal, kaya gusto naming ipakita na hindi lang sa football kami magaling, pati rin sa futsal,” she added.
The second Cup semifinal produced arguably the most intense match of the tournament so far, as Beach Hut FC edged Azkals Development Club (ADC), 1-0, in a tactical and physical showdown decided only in the final minute.
The match appeared headed toward extra time after both teams repeatedly denied each other with crucial defensive stands and goalkeeping heroics.
Beach Hut goalkeeper Kayla Santiago, a stalwart of the Filipina5, produced a huge double save against ADC’s Caitlyn Panilan to keep the match scoreless entering the closing minute.
Moments later, Beach Hut launched a decisive counterattack as Jodi Banzon powered past ADC captain Dai Dolino before finding Samantha Toledo, who buried the winning goal with just 42 seconds remaining to send Beach Hut into the final against FEU on May 17.
Beach Hut head coach Fitch Arboleda described the semifinal as the toughest and best match he had witnessed in the competition so far.
“Actually, with this game, I think this is the hardest game and best game na nakita ko sa Futsaliga. Yung resilience talaga ng team namin sobrang taas kanina, and yung grit na makakuha lang talaga kami ng isang goal, yun lang naman yung kailangan namin,” Arboleda said.
He also praised ADC for pushing Beach Hut to the limit while commending his own squad for showing composure under pressure.
“Hands down pa rin sa ADC dahil pinakita talaga nila na isa sila sa pinakamalalakas na team dito. Luckily, naka-score kami with 40 seconds left. Kudos sa team namin na talagang nag-show up para manalo,” he added.
Arboleda also highlighted Toledo’s work ethic and determination after scoring the dramatic winner.
“Nakita ko talaga yung hard work ni Sam ever since she joined the team. She really showed what she can bring to the team. And now we’re excited for the final because this is the first Futsaliga and gustong-gusto talaga naming makuha ito,” he said.
Meanwhile, in the Women’s Plate semifinals, the University of Makati stormed into the final with a dominant 16-0 victory over Forza. Jules Cabal exploded for five goals to strengthen her hold on the Golden Boot race in the Women’s Division.
Joining UMak in the Plate Final is the Philippine Women’s University (PWU), which escaped Azzurri, 2-1, in another tightly contested encounter. Noelle Urmeneta delivered the decisive second-half goal that sent PWU into the Plate championship match.
With FEU and Beach Hut both displaying championship-level performances in contrasting styles, the stage is now set for a blockbuster Women’s Cup Final at the House of Futsal on May 17 at the Philsports Arena. Kickoff of the Cup final matchday is at 8 AM and admission is free. There will also be a free livestream via The Philippine Football Federation YouTube channel.
