Adamson captured its 10th consecutive UAAP Softball championship after surviving a gritty challenge from the University of the Philippines, 2-0, on Saturday at the UP Diliman Baseball Field.
The win was the Lady Falcons’ 19th title overall and the 15th in the last 17 years. The championship is also the first for the season hosts.
Two homers in the second inning turned out to be the difference between the two proud sides, with Jenette Rusia and Alaiza Talisik both sending the ball to left field and out of Fighting Maroon Danica Aquino’s reach.
With that two-run advantage still hanging in the balance in the seventh inning, the defense got to work after Jamm’ Rasco got on base. Rasco was left stranded as the Lady Falcons tightened up their defensive screws for the win.
“Isang dekada…actually nung pumasok yung season, sabi ko sa mga players ko dito sa team na ‘to, ito na ata — importante naman lahat — pero ito na yata yung pinaka, magiging sweetest because of the time, because of that one decade. Yun talaga ang target ko,” said Adamson coach Ana Santiago after completing the two-game Finals sweep.
The season’s Best Pitcher, Glory Alonzo, proved her worth at the mound, blanking UP despite giving up three hits and three walks. The eventual Finals MVP, Alonzo, and the Lady Falcons’ defense then made amends by stranding four Fighting Maroons on base.
Rusia ended her collegiate career with a .333 batting average, and a run for the Lady Falcons, while first baseman Remilie Herrero was solid on defense with nine putouts.
The biggest chance for UP to earn a run came at the start of the match when Danica Aquino came into scoring position on second base but was eventually tagged out on the relay throw.
