SARINA Bolden, one of the country’s leading female goalscorers, has been sensational in the AFF Women’s Championship.

Scoring three goals in Sunday night’s 4-1 win over Indonesia that carried the Philippines to a second consecutive semifinals stint in the region’s biggest football showcase, Bolden was delighted for what she achieved.

Hiking her total to five, Bolden has tied Australia’s Amy Sayer in the best goalscorer race.

“Really special. It’s not every day you get a hat-trick at home in your home country, the Philippines, so I’m really proud of that,” said Bolden, who has now scored 14 international goals.

“I’m really proud of my teammates for not giving up, bouncing back like what coach (Alen Stajcic) said but I know we could do more,” she added.

The Indonesians opened the scoring in the first half – the first time that the Filipinas conceded a goal – but the hosts unleashed their might in the second half behind Bolden and skipper Tahnai Annis, who produced the equalizer just three minutes after the restart, to improve to 12 points.

The Philippines seeks to win Group A as it tangles with Southeast Asian rival Thailand in the final day of the group stage at 7 p.m. tonight at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

A draw will be enough for the Filipinas to top their pool, as they will face the second-ranked side in Group B.

Bolden emphasized the need for a team effort as they brace for the tougher battles ahead starting with the duel with the Thais, who are eyeing to secure the remaining semis slot in Group A.

“I couldn’t do it alone. Those were great balls that were played into me. Like what coach has been preaching: composure, composure,” said Bolden.

“Again, I couldn’t do that without the team, couldn’t do that without the staff that we have motivating us, supporting us, and reminding us to stick to our principles. It’s just a really great feeling and again I feed off that crowd. We all feed off that crowd so it’s really more special doing it in the Philippines.”

Thailand is sitting in second place in the group table with 10 points, three off Australia, which will face already-eliminated Malaysia at the City of Imus Grandstand in Cavite at 7 p.m.

A draw by the Thais will eliminate the Matildas, who need to win big against the Malaysians and for the Filipinas to emerge victorious.