While women’s football continues to fight for visibility and competitive opportunities, national team goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel is making sure to make the most of every moment.

“This is the life we chose,” said McDaniel after steering Stallion Laguna FC to a gritty 1-0 victory over Capital1 in the PFF Women’s League before the Holy Week break. “It’s a privilege to be able to play for the national team and then come here and play right away.”

In front of a lively crowd at the Mall of Asia Football Pitch, McDaniel’s heroics between the posts helped preserve a 59th-minute goal by her sister, Chandler McDaniel, as Stallion secured its third straight win and rose to the top of the standings with nine points.

Chasing closely behind are Kaya-Iloilo FC and Makati FC, both holding six points and games in hand. Capital1 remains at three points, tied with University of the Philippines, which recently claimed a 2-1 win over University of Santo Tomas.

Patricia Espinosa (44th) and Isalyn Tundag (66th) provided the goals for UP, while UST’s Stephanie Lungastua found the back of the net during stoppage time.

For Olivia McDaniel, the heavy workload—three games in eight days—is just part of the journey she embraces. “We can’t have people feeling bad for us because there are many girls who would want to be in our position,” she said. “I’m just really grateful. I’m tired and my body hurts, but there’s nothing I’d rather be doing.”

The Women’s League has become a vital platform for Filipino female footballers to extend their careers beyond collegiate play. Capital1 goalkeeper Yasmin Elauria, a standout from Far Eastern University, is among those who appreciate the league’s existence.

“There was a time when after you graduated, there was nowhere else to play football,” said Elauria. “But now, there’s an opportunity to play in a semi-pro tournament like the Women’s League. So I’m thankful, because it’s an improvement.”

The league continues to offer players like McDaniel and Elauria not just competition, but also purpose—a stage to keep growing and inspiring the next generation.