UAAP Football: UST Lady Booters triumph, beat DLSU for the title

No longer denied the crown after two consecutive runner-up finishes, the University of Santo Tomas Lady Booters finally raised the UAAP women's football cup, sneaking through a 1-0 win against De La Salle University at the Ateneo High School field on Sunday.   Jowe-Ann Barruga headed Christin Fuertes' cross to beat a confused goalie Hanna Ibarra, who was blocked in mid-air by a teammate at the 67th minute.   "Prinevent namin na mangyari yung penalty ulit kasi medyo hirap kami," said UST coach Rozano Estrabon.

  Coming into the finals with a twice-to-beat advantage, the España squad was forced to play Game 2 after losing to DLSU on penalties in Game 1, as the two sides produced a scoreless draw after extra time.   "[Kailangan] matapos sa regulation time talaga," added Estrabon, whose team has now won two titles overall. "Masaya na nakabalik ulit kami sa Finals at nanalo kami."   Despite the loss, DLSU coach Hans Smit said he's proud of his girls who did not "give the game to UST on a silver platter" despite the injury spells that hounded the team throughout the season.   "We were the walking dead. For the girls to reach this far says already a lot about the team," said Smit, who said his side "showed a lot of character."   "I can't ask for more," he added.   Far Eastern University finished third to round out the top three.   In the post-game awarding ceremonies, UST's Marice Magdolot won the Most Valuable Player award, while fellow Tigresses Marian Narciso and Aiza Mondero took home the best striker and best midfielder awards, respectively.   Second place DLSU also bagged major awards as Miel Ampil won best defender while Ibarra was declared the best goalkeeper.   The University of the Philippines won the fairplay award for having the least number of cautions, while Maroon Cristina de los Reyes bagged Rookie of the Year.  - AMD, GMA News