MANILA, Philippines - Far Eastern University completed a football double in UAAP Season 76 yesterday, nipping UP, 1-0, for the men’s crown, and edging UST, 2-1, for the women’s diadem at the FEU-Diliman pitch in Quezon City.
It was FEU’s ninth championship in both divisions, fashioning out the victories via a sweep with its last men’s title coming in Season 72 while repeating as champion in the women’s side. The Morayta-based school could make it a golden treble if its juniors’ squad beats Ateneo on Saturday.
The Tamaraws struggled early on but Jess Mellizza, the league’s top scorer, drilled in a spectacular header above Fighting Maroons goalkeeper Ace Villanueva in the 72nd minute.
In the women’s battle, Sharmine Sioatong opened scoring in the 19th minute with Alesa Dolino making it 2-0 for FEU in the 57th minute. Marice Magdolot struck in the 87th minute but time ran out on the Tigresses.
Paolo Bugas, FEU’s top player in the elims, was named men’s Most Vauable Player, while teammate Arnel Amita was declared Best Midfielder. Villanueva was named Best Goalkeeper and fellow Green Booter Patchy Santos the Rookie of the Year.
Graduating Lady Tamaraw Mae Sollano was named the women’s MVP and her teammate Barbie Sobredo the Best Scorer and Best Midfielder.
UST keeper Rara Luna took the women’s Best Goalkeeper plum and teammate Jena Abuan clinched the Best Defender honors.