By Yani Ferrer

By Maxine Agno

The Ateneo Girls’ Football Team moved one step closer to the dream on Sunday, March 1, turning the Ateneo Ocampo Field into a fortress. The Blue Eagles showcased their offensive prowess with a commanding 3–0 shutout of Assumption College (AC) before falling in a tough 0–2 bout against La Salle Green Hills (LSGH).

The Blue Eagles wasted no time asserting dominance against AC; from the opening whistle, the Eagles dictated the tempo. Narra Carsi Cruz broke the deadlock, providing Ateneo with an early cushion heading into the break.

In the second half, co-captain Louise Doque doubled the lead with an assist from Carsi Cruz, and just two minutes later, team captain Ry Dolor effectively put the game out of reach, capitalizing on a play where the AC goalkeeper was pressured by the Ateneo frontline to make it 3–0.

However, the team’s resilience was truly tested by logistical hurdles. Schedule delays meant the Blue Eagles had to face LSGH with only a four-minute break following their first match. “It’s tough not getting that essential rest time to recharge and regroup, Doque shared.

She also noted that she was not subbed out during the second game. “I really had to ensure that I wasn’t pushing myself past my limits, knowing that I had to finish the game strong.”

The strategy for the coming week focuses on vocal leadership, echoing the head coach’s reminder: “Ang team na nag-uusap, malakas at nananalo.”

For Doque, staying calm is a personal mission to support the squad. “I try to remember that my teammates are relying on me … it’s more about working past my own anxiety in order to help boost the tempo we have as a team.”

Coming off a strong championship campaign last year, the Blue Eagles remain confident that their early-season performance has them on the right track. While the loss to LSGH stung, the path to the championship remains open.

The math for the Katipunan-based squad now includes a victory over STC in their matchup the following week to make Ateneo a shoe-in for the finals.