When Celina Salazar woke up on the morning of October 25, she had no idea she was about to make history later that day.
The first-year midfielder delivered the winning goal for Ateneo de Manila University in its 1-0 victory over archrival De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament — the Blue Eagles’ first triumph over the Lady Archers since a 2-0 shutout back on December 14, 2014, during Season 77.
“I felt really happy that the team was able to win that game,” Salazar shared. “As a rookie, nakaka-proud kase I saw how much effort we’ve been putting in our games and trainings. Tapos parang finally, after how many years, we were able to win against La Salle.
“I wasn’t expecting to be the one to score because it could’ve been anyone, but I am just grateful to be the one in front of the goal to take the shot.”
Salazar was recruited by Ateneo head coach Bob Manlulo after he watched one of her matches for Beach Hut in the 2024 PFF Women’s League. And now, she’s finally making the kind of impact that the long-time Blue Eagles mentor had envisioned.
Manlulo — who previously coached Ateneo standouts such as Cam Rodriguez and Martie Bautista — believes Salazar has the potential to become a major figure not only for the Blue Eagles but in the entire UAAP women’s division in the coming years.
Instead of shying away from the pressure, the AB Interdisciplinary Studies student has chosen to embrace it as motivation.
“I am inspired to even do better and give my all in our upcoming games, given that coach sees the potential in me,” she said.
“Nakaka-pressure din as a rookie, pero I always made it clear na I would contribute as much as I can to the team. I also want to improve more to be able to reach the national team level and maybe one day play in the PWNT.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Thanks to Salazar’s heroics, Ateneo now stands on the brink of making its first-ever championship appearance.
The Blue Eagles currently have 11 points — one behind second-running La Salle — heading into their crucial clash against defending champion Far Eastern University on November 8.
The outcome will play a major role in determining which of the two archrivals earns the right to challenge the four-peat-seeking Lady Tamaraws in the November 15 final.
The pressure is on Ateneo to deliver a win, as a loss would automatically send La Salle to the title match.
A draw, meanwhile, would force the Blue Eagles to hope for La Salle to drop its last two matches in order to force a playoff for a finals berth.
“I think having a chance for a finals appearance and a possible podium finish, the team just needs to maintain what we have been doing. And personally, I just need to keep my focus and continue playing with heart,” said Salazar.
“Going up against FEU, knowing that they are the defending champions, it will in no way be an easy match. But none of our matches this season have been easy either. With the team’s bond and our individual strengths combined, I’m sure we’ll give FEU a good fight.”
