FEU, La Salle seek UAAP finals rematch

Far Eastern University (FEU) and De La Salle University earned the advantage heading into the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 women’s football tournament Final Four, but the defending champion and perennial contender know they must make the most of their positions if they hope to move one step closer to another championship showdown.

Armed with the top two seeds, FEU and La Salle look to capitalize on their twice-to-beat advantage when they face Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines, respectively, today at the Rizal Memorial Football Field.

FEU and La Salle, who have contested the last five finals, take on their respective rivals at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Blue Eagles and Fighting Maroons, meanwhile, are out to force rubber matches and prevent a sixth consecutive championship showdown between the Lady Tamaraws and Lady Booters.

Top-seeded FEU (27 points) aims to take another step toward securing a fifth consecutive title as the Final Four begins.

Bannered by league-leading scorer Judie Arevalo (eight goals), alongside Jelani Pabuaya and Julia Sacmar (four goals each), the Lady Tamaraws are eyeing a season sweep of the Blue Eagles, having previously defeated Ateneo, 3-2, on 3 October and, 4-1, on 24 October.

While the odds are stacked in their favor, the defending champions know they cannot afford to be complacent, as semifinal action presents an entirely different challenge from the elimination round.