MANILA, Philippines – De La Salle University (DLSU) and defending champion University of Sto. Tomas (UST) are on a collision course anew in the Finals after they trounced separate opponents in the 72nd UAAP women’s football at the Ateneo Field.

Over at the Erenchun Field, UST blasted University of the Philippines (UP), 2-0, to momentarily claim the solo lead with its second win against a lone draw for seven points.

Marianne Narciso scored all UST’s goals – one in the first half and another in the second half – to inch ahead in the standings.

Few minutes later, however, the Lady Archers dislodged the Tigresses from the top after downing their rivals from Ateneo via a 1-0 shutout at the Ocampo Field.

Paula Victoria Bravo’s goal in the 44th minute propelled the Lady Archers on top with eight points to boot following their second win against two draws.

UST and DLSU figured in the Finals last season with the former zapping the latter’s twice-to-beat edge. The Tigresses outlasted the Lady Archers in two gruelling games with the clincher going the distance. UST prevailed in a kick-off, 4-1, to complete an improbable run for the title.

UP tumbled down further in the cellar with three losses. Ateneo, meanwhile, remained with a solitary point on a draw against two losses.

A win is equivalent to two points while a draw merits one point. -- by Alder T. Almo