Adamson extends UAAP Softball dynasty with 13th straight title

The longest active championship streak in UAAP collegiate events continues for a 13th consecutive season.

Adamson University captured the record-extending title with another 5–0 victory over the University of the Philippines, completing a two-game sweep of the UAAP Season 88 Softball Finals on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

The Lady Falcons have now overtaken Far Eastern University as the winningest squad in the sport, breaking the deadlock with their league-best 21st championship.

The Lady Falcons also won 5-0 in last Monday’s opener.

The San Marcelino-based squad used a strong start to fuel this historic victory.

(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team

“Siyempre, grateful and super happy no. And siyempre, thank you, Lord. Pinagdasal namin ‘to, pinagdasal ng players ‘to. And talagang I’m so, so proud sa lahat ng aking players, kasi nung tinanong ko sila bago mag-start ang season kung ano ang gusto nilang makuha,” said long-time head coach Ana Santiago in this milestone for the program.

“Nung sinabi nila sa‘kin na gusto ulit nilang mag-champion para matuloy nila ‘yung legacy, sinabi ko sa kanila, ‘Being a champion is not easy, so you must be prepared sa lahat ng preparations na gagawin natin’,” she added.

“Kasi, if you want to become a champion, then we will practice like a champion. And super happy ako na nag-step up ‘yung mga nawalan namin ng positions, nag-step up talaga ngayon. And kahit mga bata pa sila, pinakita nila na deserving sila 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.

Instead, the rookie Fighting Maroon misplayed the catch, allowing Roma Mae Cruz to score the go-ahead run. Villamin was then rewarded with a run of her own after another defensive error from left fielder Laica Atlas drove in the second run.

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.

The eventual Season 88 MVP and Adamson team captain 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.

“Iba talaga na nag-level up ‘yung kanilang laro. Pero sinabi ko nga sa kanila, at the end of the day, whatever you get this season, be proud of yourselves, kasi kayo ang dahilan kung bakit tayo mag-chachampion,” Santiago, the concurrent Blu Girls head coach, added.

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, who was named the season’s Best Pitcher, then induced a long fly ball from graduating Reuel Caogdan that Villamin easily caught for the final out, sealing the shutout and the dynastic championship for the Lady Falcons.

Alonzo finished with five strikeouts in the clincher.

(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team

“Sabi nila malas raw ‘yung 13, pero pinatunayan namin na hindi, this is our lucky 13th. And nataon pang Season 88, masaya lang ako na bumalik pa ako. No regrets,” said the graduating senior, who ended her UAAP career with back-to-back Best Pitcher awards and two Finals MVP plums.

After two complete-game shutouts in the Finals, Alonzo ended her UAAP career with another Finals MVP plum, replicating what her Season 77 seniors achieved against the same UP squad (winning both games via 6–0 and 10–0 routs).

Langga also collected the awards for Most RBIs (13) and Most Home Runs (3) in her final season for the now 21-time UAAP softball champions.

University of Santo Tomas finished 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 claimed the Most Stolen Bases award with six.