By Joshua Kyle Beltran
With the pressure and responsibility of defending their crown, Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Paddlers and last season’s Rookie of the Year (ROY) awardees Cate Sarmiento and Christine Golez wholeheartedly put their trust in the team as they gear up for the upcoming University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 women's table tennis tourney on November 8 to 15.
Dubbed by Morayta-based head coach Noel Gonzales as the team’s ‘super rookies’ last Season 88, eventual ROYs Sarmiento and Golez played vital roles in leading the Lady Tamaraw Paddlers to an undefeated campaign that led them to clinch their first-ever title in 15 years.
Sarmiento, who described her rookie campaign as a “hard-fought” experience, acknowledged the stark contrast between being part of the team that was seeking to end its long-standing title drought and returning as the team to beat.
“It feels different now, knowing the preparation and efforts last season [yielded] an incredible outcome for our team… As we, FEU, defending champs last season, I would say yes that there is added pressure and responsibility,” she shared in an online interview with FEU Advocate.
Despite the heightened expectations, Sarmiento believes that thorough preparation and stronger teamwork will outweigh the pressure of defending the title.
“What's important is our teamwork, how we plan, and be as one Tamaraw claiming the crown,” she added.
Meanwhile, Golez recounted her freshman run as ‘exciting yet nerve-wracking,’ echoing Sarmiento’s statement while emphasizing the importance of enjoying the game and playing with their hearts on their sleeves.
“Andun naman ‘yung pressure, but we stick to our plan. Hindi kami nagpapadala sa pressure and we set our mind before [the] season [to] just enjoy the game… Ang nagse-stick lang lagi sa utak ko always is to have a good performance every season, to contribute, play with my best, and to compete with all my heart (Pressure will always be there, but we stick to our plan. We don’t let it get the best of us as we set our minds to just enjoy the game. I always remind myself to contribute and do my best),” she expressed in a separate interview.
Made the dream work
As part of their effort to further bolster their teamwork, the Lady Tamaraw Paddlers constantly remind themselves to “move forward.”
Having gone undefeated in Season 88, Sarmiento highlighted how their flawless run was anchored in their pre-game rituals and faith.
“Behind those wins, our team planned through preparation and meaningful meetings to conquer every match with courage and determination… We value praying and having inspirational talks before every game, which strengthens our trust and support for each other, serving as our foundation as we face every challenge with a heart of green-and-gold,” she expressed.
On the other hand, while Golez admitted to overthinking her performance last season, she saw a positive side thanks to how her seniors and coaches helped ease the pressure.
“As a rookie that time, hindi naman siya pina-feel sa amin na we need to always win the game… pero hindi nila kami pine-pressure… There [were] days na pangit talaga ‘yung laro ko, diyan na ako magsisimula mag-overthink kung kaya ko ba. Pero I know na kung magpapadala lang ako sa mga emotions, lahat ng hirap at pagod ay masasayang lang. I’m very grateful to feel that pressure (They never let us feel the pressure to win. I used to overthink whenever I played terribly, but I know that if I let it get the best of me, my hard work will be pointless),” she said.
New plan, same green and goal-d
While the squad aims to keep the women’s table tennis crown painted in green-and-gold, with it comes some new approaches to the competition.
Unlike last season where players were assigned as singles and doubles specialists, each member will now be expected to compete in both formats — a change FEU believes is vital to maximize the team’s performance.
“This season, expect the team to play versatile and flexible. Every player will play both singles and doubles, as our team prepared variations of line-ups. So, whatever the situation calls for, we are prepared to adapt, adjust, and compete at our best,” Sarmiento said.
Alongside the former ROYs, the title-defending roster includes reigning Most Valuable Player Chrishien Santillan, Mikylla Dinauanao, Shai Gabisay, Faith Malagan, Krisha Reyes, Ash Sobrevilla, Pauline Danabar, Precious Gerongco, Winona Orteza, and Marjuri Santillan.
The Lady Tamaraw Paddlers will launch their campaign at Gamesville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
(Photo courtesy of the UAAP Media Team)