DE LA SALLE completed a nine-match sweep with a 3-1 conquest of University of Santo Tomas, 3-1, for its ninth championship in the UAAP Season 79 women’s football tournament Sunday night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
It was a glorious campaign for the Lady Archers, who went undefeated to end a seven-year title drought.
The victory, capping Season 79’s final weekend, followed up De La Salle’s successful back-to-back women’s volleyball title run Saturday night.
“It’s surreal. Grabe, all the hardwork, I can’t even put into words. I’m so happy, I’m so proud of everyone,” said Inna Palacios, who manned the post for one final time for the Lady Archers.
After Chelo Hodges was fouled inside the box in stoppage time, Palacios, in a rare instance that a goalkeeper will take a penalty, converted the spot kick that iced the match for De La Salle.
After a scoreless first-half, Kyra Dimaandal nailed her 11th goal of the season in the 57th minute to put the Lady Archers ahead.
Hazel Lustan nailed the equalizer 16 minutes later for the Tigresses before Sara Castañeda, receiving a pass from her fellow national teammate Irish Navaja, put the Lady Archers back in the lead with a scintillating finish in the 87th minute.
“It’s about time. The girls deserve this considering what I said before that we’re not a complete team, healthy team. And with the injuries and everything there and coming out champions with with a perfect season, what else can I say?,” said De La Salle coach Hans Smit.
Kyla Inquig took the season MVP award while Dimaandal was named the Best Striker for the Lady Archers.
Palacios (Best Goalkeeper), Castañeda (Best Midfielder) and Regine Metillo (Best Defender) also won individual awards, while De La Salle bagged the Fair Play plum.
UST’s Marie Indac went home with the Rookie of the Year honors.
