CASSANDRA Alleje's goal via free kick in the final minute gave University of the Philippines Women's Football Team X (UPWFT-X) a 2-1 win to dethrone defending champion University of Santo Tomas (UST)-B in yesterday's title match of the 4th Pinay in Action (PIA) Cup at Tionko field, Barangay 76-A in Matina, Davao City.
UST-B's Shelah Cadag netted the game's first goal in the third minute to grab a 1-0 lead but Red Sajonia of UPWFT-X answered her shortly with a goal in the fifth minute to equalize the match at 1-all.
A series of possession changes then ensued as both squads also tightened their defenses until Alleje at last sealed the match for UPWFT-X with her free kick.
Alleje, who was hailed best defender and most valuable player (MVP) of the tournament, admitted she was herself was surprised by what she did.
"Normally yan yung lagi kong pinapraktis yung free kick. Ilang beses kong pinaprapaktis and I hoped lang talaga na pumasok yun kasi minsan (sa practice) hindi sya pumapasok. Nagpray ako na pumasok, nung pumasok medyo nagulat ako pero masaya ako (laughs)," Alleje said in an interview with SunStar Davao on the sidelines of the awarding rites.
UP coach Andres Gonzales, in a separate interview, said UST was a very strong team.
"We prevailed with our wit and determination. They controlled much of the game. They had more attempts. Fitness wise, we're quite fit," Gonzales said, adding that they never had expectations in joining the league and that the title was just a bonus.
He continued, "We came here, we wanted to improve the team spirit which we did as the competition progressed. We were playing new formation and style. We had significant improvements."
UPWFT-X was also composed of best goalkeeper Nicole Adlawan, Nadine Sebastian, Donnabelle Fagsao, Yanzie Yalong, Andrea Montilla, Kaitlyn Dabalos, Mhartina Cruz, Ikeesha Aquino, Erica Jalandoni, Mikhaela Jumawan, Red Sajonia and Abby Dumada-og.
UST's Charisa Leomoran was named best midfielder while teammate Shelah Cadag bagged the top goal scorer award having knocked in a total of 13 goals in the three-day bootfest presented by PIA founder Taguig City Representative Pia Cayetano, sponsored by Ulticon Builders, Inc. (UBI) and supported by SunStar Davao.
UST-A finished third after beating UPWFT-Y, 1-0.
UBI's Anton Lopez and South Davao Region Football Association (SDRFA) president Engr. Henry Sabate awarded the medals, plaques and caps to the winners and special awardees.