La Salle survives Tuloy to open title defense

ALISHA DEL CAMPO fired the lone goal as De La Salle University started its title defense with a hard-earned 1-0 win over newcomer Tuloy FC in the opening match day of the 2018 Philippine Football Federation Women’s League (PFFWL) on Saturday at the PFF National Training Center Artificial Turf Pitch.

Del Campo, a rookie striker out of De La Salle Santiago Zobel School and a national team forward, netted the game’s only goal in the 15th minute, propelling the inaugural champions Lady Booters to the season-opening triumph.

La Salle swept the 13 league matches last season to capture the first PFFWL crown but this season would look to be a tall task for the back-to-back UAAP champs after little-known Tuloy held them to a single goal.

Last year’s eighth placer OutKast FC, on the other hand, went on a rousing 10-2 victory at the expense of another league rookie in La Salle Zobel.

Sharmine Siatong struck a rare double brace, scoring two goals each in opposing halves to spearhead OutKast’s explosive offense.

Lindsay Whaley, national players Jennizel Cabalan and Dai Dolino, Loreta Ladero, Monica Trebol and Kim Cupal chipped in a goal apiece.

With the lopsided win, the Rhea Penalesmentored team snagged the early lead with the maximum points and a massive goal difference advantage over La Salle.

Malina Hill and Kara Isobel were the only bright spots for La Salle Zobel, which lost star striker Del Campo who moved up to the collegiate ranks, as they buried a goal each in the 24th and 47th, respectively.

Meanwhile, last season’s runner-up University of Sto. Tomas is kicking off its campaign against fourth placer Green Archers United while third placer Far Eastern University is taking on ninth placer University of the Philippines at press time.

Ateneo De Manila University and Hiraya FC will make their season debuts in the second edition of the 10-team league next week.