
Reality check for Claret, Southridge
FAR Eastern University-Diliman and University of Santo Tomas gave guest schools Claret and PAREF Southridge a reality check in UAAP high school boys football competition Saturday at the UP Football Stadium.
The Baby Tamaraws began their quest for a 13th consecutive UAAP championship with a 6-0 romp over the Red Roosters, marking a historic day for the league.
Meanwhile, James Sunog and River Solis led the Junior Golden Booters to a 5-2 win over the Admirals as they began their redemption bid after last season’s runners-up finish.
This was the first time that guest teams were allowed to participate in any UAAP sport.
FEU-D showcased its attacking prowess with four players scoring goals to take a 4-0 lead at halftime.
“Medyo struggle rin talaga kasi every year maraming gruma-graduate, so maraming bago at maraming kailangang sumabay. I think right now this Season 87, prinepare naming lahat mula sa attacking, defending, at pati ‘yung pace naming sa field. We’re very happy, kami ni Coach Paolo (Bugas), na nakuha naming ‘yung galaw namin. Yung winning mentality andoon, so masaya kami sa pinakita ng mga boys ngayon,” said Baby Tamaraws head coach Jake Murillo.
Czam Acuesta, James Torres, Arvin Alayon Jr. and Jerriemy Biton netted first half goals before Joerby Anito and Edgar Renopal put up finishing touches for the Baby Tamaraws.
“Mas maraming games na ang UAAP juniors, and at the same time, parang nag-iinvite tayo sa community natin sa football. It is growing and it’s getting more competitive. Nabigyan natin ng chance ‘yung iba na magpakilala.
Start pa lang ng season, so marami pang paghahandaan against the other teams,” said Murillo, a former FEU standout.
After reaching the Final for the first time last season, UST showed its intentions early in its match against Southridge.
“From last year Final, hanggang ngayon, ‘yun na yung target namin is mag champion so nag-prepare talaga kami na mameet yun,” said assistant coach David Basa.
Meanwhile, Brycen Padauan’s second half header gave La Salle-Zobel a 1-0 victory over Ateneo in the other opening day fixture.