With Far Eastern University on the brink of another historic campaign in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament, team captain Inday Tolentin is leaving no stone unturned to guide the Lady Tamaraws to the ultimate goal – a championship finish.
A member of the Philippine Women’s National Team and a two-time UAAP gold medalist, Tolentin has taken on the challenge of keeping her team grounded, especially when emotions run high during games.
She candidly addressed the importance of managing her teammates’ reactions, particularly when disputes arise with the referees.
“As a team captain, yung goal ko talaga is gabayan yung team ko na di magpapadala sa pressure,” she shared. “Lalo na, minsan kase, nagre-referee ung mga teammate namin din like gusto nila ‘Uy, foul ref’ pero di naman pala foul (at) kumukuha sila ng call sa sarili nila.
“Yung goal ko as a team captain is putulin yung kaba nila and gabayan sila na matama yung mga mistake na magagawa namin sa game and then lagi ko ire-remind sa kanila na kaya namin kunin ung title na gusto namin.”
Tolentin has been a force to reckon with this season, leading the league with seven goals, ahead of De La Salle University’s standout rookie, Dani Tanjangco.
Her dominance on the field is no surprise, given her accolades from Season 86, where she won the Most Valuable Player, Golden Boot, and Best Striker awards.
Although another individual milestone would be an achievement to cherish, Tolentin’s focus remains firmly on the team’s success.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Di ko talaga ina-aim na makuha yung Golden Boot award,” she admitted. “Yung gusto ko lang is makuha yung three-peat. Ngayon, binigyan ako ng chance na andun ako sa taas ng points, nakakasabay ako sa kung sinoman maraming goal so andun na ako.
“Kung pwede makuha, kukunin ko talaga siya so thankful ako na may goals ako and then nasa high points ako ng goal. And then gusto ko lang i-keep yung momentum na kahit sa final, mahirap man maka-goal, pero ita-try ko yung best ko para makuha ko nalang din yung Golden Boot na yun para sakin.”
For FEU, the stakes are high. The Lady Tamaraws aim to secure a record 13th title in the women’s division and their first three-peat since Seasons 75–77.
This pursuit aligns with a potential golden weekend for the university, as the men’s final between the Ateneo Blue Eagles and FEU Tamaraws is scheduled the following day, while the FEU-D Baby Tamaraws’ title defense begins on January 18.
Instead of being overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenge, Tolentin views it as a privilege, and she’s rallying her team to stay united, especially with a tough opponent like La Salle awaiting them.
“Pressure is privilege kasi,” Tolentin emphasized. “Para samin, yes andun parin ung pressure kase La Salle is malakas and that paulit-ulit kami nagtatalo sa Final.
“Siyempre La Salle is eager talaga na talunin kami so kami as a team, kailangan lang talaga namin maging buo sa laro at ipakita sa audience, sa FEU community, na deserve namin makuha ung three-peat. Mag-pe-perform kami as a unit and papakita namin sa kanila na kaya namin tong kunin kahit anong mangyari.”
As the Lady Tamaraws gear up for this decisive match, their captain’s leadership, determination, and passion will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their quest for glory.
