Cadag's hat trick tows UST to first win

SHELA MAE CADAG hit a hat trick as University of Santo Tomas (UST) routed Green Archers United FC, 7-1, to open its 2018 Philippine Football Federation Women’s League (PFFWL) campaign with a bang on Sunday at the PFF National Training Center Artificial Turf Pitch in Carmona, Cavite.

Cadag struck twice in the first half then buried another goal early in the second half, propelling the Lady Golden Booters to a massive season-opening victory.

Last season’s runner-up UST moved to the second spot with three points and only an inferior goal difference to early leader OutKast FC, which took a lopsided 10-2 win over De La Salle Santiago Zobel a day ago.

Lalaine Durano quickly followed up Cadag’s opener in the fifth minute before Mika Punzalan, reigning Best Midfielder Charisa Lemoran and Nathalie Absalon scored a goal apiece to fuel the Españabased squad’s second half explosion.

New addition Nicole Andaya, who came from De La Salle University, scored the lone goal for Green Archers United in the 81st minute.

Meanwhile, Far Eastern University pulled off a come-from-behind 2-1 triumph at the expense of University of the Philippines.

Trailing behind by a goal at the break, Carmela Altiche netted the equalizer in the 58th before Elna Bongol delivered the game-winning goal at the death to lift the Lady Tamaraw Booters to a winning start.

With the thrilling victory, last year’s third placer Far Eastern U earned a share of No. 3 with defending champion La Salle, which also toiled to get an opening 1-0 win against league rookie Tuloy FC.

Second match day losers Green Archers and Lady Maroon Booters fell on No. 9 and No. 8, respectively, of the 10team table to start their campaigns.