Far Eastern U (FEU) accomplished a rare feat in football after sweeping the men’s and women’s divisions in Season 70 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Thursday at the Ateneo Field.

And the Tamaraws, who were challenged in both games, did it by beating the league’s most storied teams.

The men’s team defeated Ateneo, 1-0, after the ladies won over De La Salle 4-1 in a penalty shootout.

“Ito na ang pinakamagandang araw para sa FEU,” said men’s coach Rodolfo Alicante.

“Mas kumpiyansa kami ngayon dahil alam naming lamang kami sa kanila,” said women’s coach Malou Rubio.

Nadia Galang’s defensive gems proved critical in the Lady Tamaraws’ victory. The RP women’s team goalkeeper, who played her last collegiate game, saved two shots by De La Salle during the penalty shootout that completed the women’s repeat dreams.

Only Clarissa Lazaro scored for the Lady Archers in the shootout as Galang’s blocked attempts by first kicker Charmaine Lazaro and third kicker Samantha Nierras.

Ruchell Latap, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, recovered from an anemic shootout in the first game to score the first goal. Maria Jayneth Mercado and Emma Omictin made it 3-1 before rookie Airene Decena clinched the championship with the game-winning boot.

“Pinaghandaan namin ang penalty kicks namin dahil baka umabot uli sa shootout ’yung laro,” said Rubio, who retired from the national team only recently.

While the ladies team won for a second straight season, it was the men’s first championship since 1980.

Glester Sobremisana helped snatch the title with an open shot off a cross from inside the penalty box into the back of the net in the 29th minute for the Tamaraws.

“Naging defensive kami last game pero ngayon, dinagdagan namin mga players sa taas para maka-opensa kami,” added Alicante, who dedicated the victory to his late predecessor and long-time FEU coach Orlando Plagata. Plagata passed away while the Tamaraws were campaigning in the 2005 University Games in Bacolod City.

FEU, which held a twice-to-beat advantage in both finals series, lost to Ateneo and De La Salle in the first game Sunday. Ateneo won over the Tamaraws 2-0, and De La Salle beat the Lady Tams 3-2 in a penalty shootout.

Ateneo and De La Salle are the winningest schools in UAAP football.

FEU’s Francis Gustillo captured the Most Valuable Player, while teammate Jovanie Simpron won the Best Striker award.

Other awardees were Ateneo’s Rufino Matos (best goalkeeper), Patrick Ozaeta (best defender), and Miguel Tuazon (rookie of the year); and Santo Tomas U’s Ricardo Becite (best midfielder) and the Tigers team (Fair Play award).

In the women’s play, Galang was named best goalkeeper of the tournament while teammate Farrabeth Limbo was adjudged best striker).

Other awardees were De La Salle’s Stephanie Pheasant (best defender) and Samantha Nierras (best midfielder and Rookie of the Year), and the Ateneo team (Fair Play).

In baseball, University of the Philippines beat Adamson, 7-5, and forced a rubber match in a semifinal game Thursday at the Rizal Ballpark.

UP and Adamson meet again Sunday 9 a.m. at the same venue with the winner taking on Santo Tomas U in a best-of-three title showdown.

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