By Jean Malanum
MANILA – Adamson University completed a two-game sweep of the UAAP Season softball finals after beating the University of the Philippines (UP), 5-0, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila on Friday.
It was a historic win for the Lady Falcons, who secured their 13th straight crown, becoming the winningest team with 21 titles overall.
Adamson took Game 1, 5-0, last Monday.
“Of course, grateful and super happy. Thank you, Lord. We prayed for this, the players prayed for this. And I’m really so proud of all my players, because when I asked them before the season started what they wanted to achieve. When they told me they wanted to be champions again so they could continue their legacy, I told them, being a champion is not easy, so you must be prepared for all the preparations that we will make,” long-time head coach Ana Santiago said.
“Because if you want to become a champion, then you will practice like a champion. And I’m super happy that those we lost positions to stepped up, really stepped up now. And even though they’re young, they showed that they deserve it this season.”
Down to one out in the first inning, Reyae Villamin sent a deep fly ball to right field that could have been an easy catch for UP’s Sathia Romero-Salas.
But the rookie Fighting Maroon made an error, allowing Roma Mae Cruz to score the go-ahead run. Villamin was then rewarded with a run of her own after another defensive mistake from left fielder Laica Atlas drove in the second run.
Skipper Mae Langga, the season’s Best Hitter (BA .480) and Best Slugger (SA 1.040), then delivered her lone hit of the day – a triple down the right-field line past Romero-Salas – to spark the third-inning rally.
Langga, who eventually bagged the Season 88 MVP award, then extended the lead to three after a sacrifice hit to right field from Villamin.
Three straight hits from Mea Tubongbanua, Jhaycel Roldan, and MJ Libaton produced two more runs, which ultimately stood as the final score as the Adamson defense shut down UP.
“It’s really different that they’ve leveled up their game. But I told them, at the end of the day, whatever you get this season, be proud of yourselves, because you’re the reason why we’re champions,” said Santiago, who also coaches the Blu Girls.
The Fighting Maroons had a chance to get on the scoreboard after back-to-back hits from substitutes Erika Ocampo and Airess Libaton, but Glory Alonzo eventually struck out Cali Adriatico for the second out.
Alonzo then induced a long fly ball from graduating Reuel Caogdan that Villamin easily caught for the final out. Alonzo finished with five strikeouts in the clincher.
“They say 13 is unlucky, but we proved it’s not; this is our lucky 13th. And even though Season 88 is here, I’m just happy to be back. No regrets,” said Alonzo, who won her second Best Pitcher award.
She also pocketed the Finals MVP award, replicating what her Season 77 seniors achieved against the same UP squad (winning both games via 6-0 and 10-0 routs).
Meanwhile, Langga also captured the Most RBIs (13) and Most Home Runs (3) awards in her final season.
The University of Santo Tomas placed third for the fourth straight season, with freshman standout Anna Rose Macatbag winning Rookie of the Year honors.
De La Salle University’s Cassandra Inot won the Most Stolen Bases award with six. (PNA)
