By Jean Malanum
MANILA – Adamson University clobbered University of the Philippines, 4-0, Saturday to sweep the UAAP Season 87 softball finals series at Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.
Season 85 Best Pitcher and Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) Glory Alonzo towed the Lady Falcons to their 12th straight crown and 21st overall in the league, tying them with the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws as the most successful program in UAAP softball history.
Alonzo allowed just one hit — a fifth-inning knock from Martine Francisco — and gave up one walk to Aila Subaldo in the third.
Adamson, banking on Roma Cruz and Mae Langga, took the best-of-three title series opener, 6-3, on April 1.
“After Game 1, one of the things I had to address was my pitcher, Alonzo. What happened to her was very rare, so we had a heart-to-heart talk. I told her, ‘You have to redeem yourself because, for me, that wasn’t you. You may have had a bad game, but it doesn’t define your character. And at the same time, we’re giving you the chance to redeem yourself. I just want to show you that whatever happened in Game 1, the past is past,’” long-time Adamson coach Ana Santiago said.
“And this is your now — this is your moment to do something. Keep this in mind: I’m letting you feel that I believe you can bounce back, that you’re capable of this. I know it because I was once a player too,” Santiago recounted telling Alonzo.
The Lady Falcons scored two runs each in the second and fifth innings en route to victory.
Remelie Herrero broke the stalemate in the second inning with a single past UP second baseman Generose Torremocha, allowing Rookie of the Year Jhaycel Roldan to plate the game’s opening run.
Roldan, a graduate of Bacolod City National High School, finished with two hits and an RBI. She was named Finals MVP.
“Surprisingly, she’s just a rookie, but she really stepped up. Especially during crucial moments when we needed to score, she was the one who delivered. That’s really our thing — someone else stepping up when others are down,” Santiago, also the Blu Girls coach, said of Roldan.
UP skipper Nickole Dela Cruz was Season 87 top player after earning the Best Hitter (.692 BA), Best Slugger (1.077 SA) and Most Runs Batted In (14) honors. Her teammate, outfielder Angel Pascual, won the Most Stolen Bases (4) award.
Angel Bedaño was named Home Run Queen after hitting the tournament’s lone home run, helping University of Santo Tomas secure its third straight bronze medal.
“It feels so good to hear a dozen championships. I just want them to enjoy this season first because the girls truly deserve it. As for me, I’ll probably take a short break, but after this, it’s back to the national team,” Santiago said. (PNA)
