LA Salle Zobel struck hard in the second half to fend off University of Santo Tomas, 3-0, and this allowed them complete a first round sweep of the 79th University Athletic Association of the Philippines junior football tournament Saturday at the Moro Lorenzo Field.
Marco Ibana scored twice for the Junior Archers, who fought their way out of a one-goal deficit.
This earned the Junior Archers a total of nine points to remain on top of the standings.
Chester Pabualan also netted a brace as defending champion Far Eastern University-Diliman blanked Ateneo, 4-0, to stay in second place with six points.
Ibana found the back of the net in the 51st and 53rd minutes to hike his goal total this season to three.
Miguel Basmayor (66th minute) and Sherwin Basidanan in the (76th) found their way in the scoresheet for De La Salle-Zobel.
The Tiger Cubs, who remained tied with the Blue Eaglets at one point, actually opened the scoring via a Rojim Catap goal in the ninth minute.
The top two teams after the elimination round will progress in the one-game final.
Action in the second round resumes on Jan. 14 after the Christmas break.