By Krizza Gabrielle Tabora

After sweeping the first round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s football tournament, it is no surprise that the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Booters remain a dominant force. With round two underway, however, the defending champions face the challenge of sustaining their momentum while carrying the weight of being the league’s most decorated team.

In Season 85, the Lady Tamaraw Booters made their mark on the pitch, beginning a golden run that would secure them a three-peat by Season 87.

However, carrying the glory of 13 gold medals comes with the burden of expectation to protect this legacy. Yet for the green-and-gold squad, it is also another chance to prove they deserve their place at the top.

As the round progresses, FEU remains hungrier than ever. After a first-round sweep which delivered them a ticket to the finals, their championship dream draws nearer with every victory—but under a weight that feels all too familiar.

Pressure into purpose

For the Let Dimzon-led team, the weight of upholding the Morayta-based team’s history in football is a privilege and a driving force to move forward.

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, forward player Judie Arevalo admitted how living up to said reputation is both a challenge and an honor for the current lineup.

“It’s a challenge for us on how we can exceed what is expected. At the same time, it’s a privilege that we’re experiencing this, how we carry this kind of responsibility as we aim to defend our title, it signifies that we have already gone so far in the league, but we are not done yet,” she explained.

No room for complacency

With the stakes rising and other UAAP teams determined to dethrone the green-and-gold squad, FEU team captain Jonela Albiño mentioned how the team never allowed itself any margin for error.

“Even in our postseason we didn’t have time to relax, thinking we are here to defend our three-peat. I think they should expect us to be better because we are in our A-game right now since we are preparing for the championship and every game for us is a championship match, so they should expect that they won’t see us give up until the final whistle,” she expressed.

Recognizing that every opponent is now hungrier to take them down, forward Jelan Pabuaya emphasized the importance of consistency and teamwork in preserving the Lady Tamaraw Booters’ reign.

“We know na mas magiging challenging na this round kasi lahat ng teams mas gutom manalo, so we really have to step up. Every game is a chance to improve, so hindi kami titigil hangga’t hindi namin nabibigay ‘yung best namin (We know this round will be more challenging since all teams are hungrier to win, so we really have to step up. Every game is a chance to improve, and we won’t stop until we’ve given our absolute best),” she added.

The Morayta-based booters remained relentless following their wins over University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines, as their drive to aim for the title burns stronger than ever. 

However, with what has so far been a commanding season, the Lady Tamaraw Booters now face their biggest challenge–meeting the expectations of the FEU community. 

Despite the mounting pressure, the green-and-gold strikers continue to treat it as a driving force rather than a hindrance, proving once again why they stand as the benchmark of resilience and excellence.  
(Photo by Aleena Louise Abad/FEU Advocate)