WITH a chance to extend its dynasty, Adamson University is going all out in its bid for a 12th consecutive UAAP softball title.
The Lady Falcons look to sustain the longest active championship streak in the league’s collegiate division as they aim for a season sweep against University of the Philippines today (Saturday) at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.
Adamson will attempt to set the tone early when they take the first swing against UP’s expected starting pitcher, KC Valino, at 9 a.m.
In Game 1 last Tuesday, the Lady Falcons had to recover from a rough start, committing errors in the opening inning that allowed the Fighting Maroons to take an early 2-0 lead. However, they mounted a comeback behind the leadership of seniors and game-changers Roma Cruz and Mae Langga.
“I’m proud of them dahil may mga nag-step up nung kailangang-kailangan, kasi medyo hindi maganda ‘yung naging start namin. Ito na siguro ang isa sa pinakamarami naming errors sa first inning. Siguro may kaunting pressure sa kanila,” said head coach Ana Santiago.
“Ang mahalaga is nakabalik sila. Sabi ko sa kanila nung nag-timeout ako—pinakamaaga kong timeout, first inning pa lang—na mahaba pa ang laban. Huwag nating intindihin ang score, ang importante, makabalik tayo. Walang bibigay at maniwala tayo na kaya pa nating ipanalo ‘to.”
With the game tied at three runs apiece and the bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth inning, Adamson needed a hero. Enter Langga, a third-year standout from the University of Santo Tomas, who was called from the dugout to pinch-hit for lead-off batter Neomay Mahinay.
Langga took the first pitch from Valino before perfectly timing the second, sending the ball deep into left field and past Kate Nueva. The crucial hit allowed Mary Jane Libaton and Madaelene Domaug—who had come in as a pinch runner for Aliza Pichon—to score off a clutch double.
Roma Mae Cruz, who had substituted for Mae Tubongbanua and was intentionally walked in the previous sequence, added an insurance run in the sixth, scoring off an MJ Maguad sacrifice fly to UP right fielder Laica Atlas.
Despite the win, Santiago reminded her squad to stay locked in, anticipating a strong fightback from the Fighting Maroons as former RP Blu Girl Danica Aquino looks to make an impact, and Season 85 MVP Nickole Dela Cruz seeks redemption after going hitless at 0-for-4 in Game 1.
“Ang mindset ko talaga is bawat laro may ibang kuwento, kaya kailangan nilang mag-focus sa kung ano ang dapat gawin. Ano man ‘yung mga naging pagkakamali, tulad ng early innings kanina, pag-aaralan namin kung paano ito itatama. ‘Yung comeback nila, dapat nilang isa-isip at isa-puso ‘yon—huwag nilang kalimutan kung paano sila bumangon,” said the concurrent Blu Girls head coach.
“At the same time, hindi kami magpapabaya sa training, pero hindi rin kami mag-o-over kumpiyansa. I-aanalyze pa namin kung ano ang dapat idagdag at i-improve. Walang dapat maging kampante.”
Game Saturday
(Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium)
9 a.m. – UP vs AdU