INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines?Far Eastern University and La Salle University spoiled what could have been a scintillating weekend for University of Santo Tomas by ruling the men?s and women?s football tournament of the 72nd UAAP Season Sunday at Ateneo de Manila University?s Erenchun field in Quezon City.

The FEU Tamaraws bucked the absence of three players to nip the UST Tigers, 1-0, for their first title in three years, while the Lady Archers captured a record eighth title with a 1-0 victory over the Tigresses.

UST?s twin defeat in football came a day after the España-based school completed a sweep of the volleyball tournaments, the first school to achieve the feat in six years.

Over at the Rizal Memorial ballpark, Adamson University moved within a victory of a third straight baseball title after dumping National University, 3-1.

After a dull opening half, rookie Dexter Jae Chio pounced on the confusion just outside the penalty area to volley home the game-winning goal in the 75th minute for the Tamaraws, who played without top striker Jason Cordova, Jason Almenar and Romnick Jover.

?It was a surprise goal,? said FEU coach Rodolfo Alicante. ?Our plan was to hold them in the first half and just attack in the final 15 minutes.?

The Tigers came close to an equalizer 10 minutes from time when Mario Clarino?s attempt sailed inches above the goal. Things turned from bad to worse for the Tigers when Mandie Lunag was sent off for punching FEU defender Mark Devora in the 81st minute.

Adrianne Yniguez struck in the 56th minute to lift the Lady Archers to their first title since the 2005-2006 season.

Receiving a near-perfect pass from rookie Isabella Kilayko, Yniguez made no mistake to beat Arlene Gavile from close range.

?This is the sweetest championship I?ve ever had because we had four rookies and a lot of injuries,? said La Salle coach Hans Smit, who also praised central defender Andrea Frumenti for holding the fort when the Tigresses launched a desperate attack.