UNIVERSITY of the Philippines showed its readiness on its much-awaited Thursday showdown with Ateneo following a 2-1 win over University of the East in the UAAP men’s football tournament yesterday.

The Fighting Maroons now have 18 points, four clear of the Blue Eagles to boost their bid for a return stint to the Final Four.

Francis Tacardon opened UP’s account right in the first minute.

The Red Warriors leveled courtesy of a Kieth Hermoso’s 14th minute strike, before the Fighting Maroons restored their lead via Liam Lampayan’s 60th minute goal.

UP and Ateneo clash in the Katipunan derby on Thursday afternoon which could decide their Final Four fates.

UE remained at four points.

In women’s football, UST earned its breakthrough win by blanking Ateneo, 3-0, on Saturday night.

Goalkeeper Lizlie Garcia and goalscorers Rica Gerona, Biancy Sy, and Gly Añonuevo combined to snap the Lady Booters’ five-matche losing streak this season and reverse a 0-2 first-round loss the Blue Eagles last March 23.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado