UST XI closes in UAAP finals, repels Ateneo

MANILA, Philippines - Unbeaten University of Santo Tomas blanked host Ateneo De Manila U, 3-0, to remain on top of the 72nd UAAP men’s football event at the Erenchun field inside Ateneo campus over the weekend.

The Golden Booters banked on the goals of Christian De Juan (8th minute), Mario Clarino (68th minute) and Mandie Lunag (72nd minute) while holding the Blue Booters scoreless to improve to 6-0-2 (win-loss-draw) slate. They continued to lead the pack with 20 points.

With two more playdates, UST needs to win one to advance to the finals.

“We just need to be more consistent to earn a title shot again,” said Clarino.

De La Salle University shocked Far Eastern University, 1-0, behind Nico Laluces’ goal at the 63rd minute to keep its flickering finals hopes alive with a 3-4-1 slate for 10 points.

La Salle, however, needs to win its remaining games against University of the East (1-6-1 for 4 points) and University of the Philippines (3-3-2 for 11 points) to stay in the title hunt.

UP and UE battled to a scoreless draw in the other game of the event supported by Mizuno and host Ateneo.

In women’s play, reigning champion UST blasted host Ateneo, 6-0, to improve to 4-2-1 win-loss-draw slate while top seed La Salle (4-0-3) and FEU (2-0-4 card) settled to a draw.

In the junior division, Ateneo (4-0-1 win-loss-draw) stayed on top with a 2-1 win against La Salle-Zobel (1-4-0) and FEU (4-0-1) tied host Ateneo on top with a 7-0 routing of winless UST (0-5-0) in the other junior’s game.