Maroon Booters book UAAP Final 4 spot

Defending champion University of the Philippines became the second semifinalist in the UAAP Season 79 men’s football tournament despite battling University of Santo Tomas to a goalless draw Thursday at Moro Lorenzo Field.

Fighting Maroons garnered their 25th point, just one behind league-leader Ateneo, as they make their fifth straight Final Four appearance.

“I thought we started the game very well. In the first 15 minutes, we could have scored probably two goals. Unfortunately, we didn’t finish those opportunities,” said coach Anto Gonzales after his Maroons shared points with the Growling Tigers.

UST dominated majority of the possession in the second half but UP held its ground up to the very end.

“Attacking side, I think we need have more smarter movements in the forward line. Our movements were very predictable,” said Gonzales.

The Tigers, still trying to stay on course for a Final Four slot, hiked their total to 14 points, two off the Bulldogs’ 16, good for sixth place.

The Maroons were at full strength with the return of Ian Clariño and reigning MVP Daniel Gadia after missing the last two matches due to national U22 team duties.

Later, De La Salle nipped National University, 1-0, to close in on its victims in fourth place with 15 points.

Iñigo Gonzales, with a solid one touch, struck in the 12th minute from a Rafael Siggaoat cross for the Green Archers.

Women’s action at the FEU-Diliman pitch on Wednesday saw early finalist De La Salle defeat Ateneo, 5-0, to stay perfect with 18 points.

A brace by Kyra Dimaandal, and goals by Nina Arrieta, Kyla Inquig and Sara Castañeda powered the Lady Archers to their sixth straight victory for a maximum of 18 points.

Titleholder UP kept its Finals hopes alive following a 1-1 draw with FEU. The Lady Maroons improved to five points.