2 weeks Ago By N/A (Manila Bulletin Sports)
Pitcher Glory Alonzo terrorized the opposition with a variety of pitches and rookie Jhaycel Roldan was again deadly on offense as Adamson cemented its status after annexing a historic 12th straight UAAP softball crown. Pitcher Glory Alonzo terrorized the opposition with a variety of pitches and rookie Jhaycel Roldan was again deadly on offense as Adamson cemented its status after annexing a historic 12th straight UAAP softball crown. With Alonzo’s masterful performance and Roldan’s rare offensive show from a neophyte, the Lady Falcons blanked the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 4-0, to complete a grand sweep of the Season 87 Softball Finals Saturday, April 5, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
This latest triumph to Adamson’s amazing title run marked its 21st championship overall in the league, tying them with Far Eastern University as the most successful program in UAAP softball history. It also served as the university’s first title for Season 87. Alonzo was masterful through seven innings, allowing just a single hit—a fifth-inning knock from Martine Francisco—and giving up only one walk to Aila Subaldo in the third.
The dominant outing was a redemption arc for the ace pitcher, who struggled in the opener of their best-of-three title series which they won 6-3, thanks to key performances from seniors Roma Cruz and Mae Langga. Roldan, on the other hand, finished with two hits and an RBI, plus a key putout on a Generose Torremocha fly ball early in the game. Her all-around brilliance earned her the Finals MVP honor apart from winning the Rookie of the Year award.
“Surprisingly, she’s a rookie pero nag-step up siya. Lalo na yung crucial na kailangan naming umi-score, siya yung andun para umi-score. Yun naman yung ano namin eh, yung may mag-step up na iba, pag nawawala yung iba," said coach Ana Santiago said of her prized recruit from Bacolod City National High School.
Season host UP had its own moment of pride, with team captain Nickole Dela Cruz returning to action and earning the distinction of Season 87’s top athlete. She was crowned Best Hitter (.692 BA), Best Slugger (1.
077 SA), and Most Runs Batted In (14). Fellow outfielder Angel Pascual added to the accolades with the Most Stolen Bases award (4). With another championship secured and her team’s legacy further cemented, Santiago couldn't help but reflect on the journey with pride.
“Napakasarap marinig yung isang dosenang kampeonato. Gusto ko munang enjoy-in muna nila tong season kasi deserve ng mga bata,” said Santiago, who also serves as head coach of the Philippine national team, the Blu Girls. ”Ako naman, siguro magpapahinga rin pero after nito kasi balik naman ako sa national team,” she added.
.
