Adamson University stands on the brink of history as it chases an unprecedented 12th consecutive UAAP softball championship.
But standing in its way once again is a University of the Philippines squad determined to end its reign.
The best-of-three finals series for the UAAP Season 87 softball championship begins on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
Adamson looks to extend its golden era, while UP fights to carve out its own legacy.
The Lady Falcons are aiming to maintain the longest active championship streak in the collegiate division and surpass University of the East’s 11 consecutive titles in high school boys’ fencing — a record set to be challenged next month.
Just last Saturday, University of Santo Tomas ended the longest championship streak in UAAP history when it snapped Far Eastern University-Diliman’s 12-year dominance in high school boys’ football.
The first pitch is set for 8:00 AM.
Adamson secured the Season 85 (2022–23) championship with a series sweep but faced a daunting 0-1 series deficit against UP in Season 86 (2023–24). The Lady Falcons clawed their way back to claim their 11th title, sealing the championship with a thrilling 4-3 comeback victory.
Head coach Ana Santiago stresses the importance of staying focused, knowing that the road to the championship will not be easy.
“Siguro ‘yung mindset nila towards the game; kung paano nila i-a-approach ‘yung championship (games) kasi that’s championship na eh. Lagi ko namang sinasabi sa kanila na basta huwag lang nilang i-pressure ‘yung sarili nila and at the same time, trust the process,” said Santiago, who also serves as the concurrent head coach of the RP Blu Girls.
“Magtiwala lang sila sa kung ano ‘yung pinag-ensayuhan nila; pagkatiwalaan lang nila ‘yung sarili nila. And focus lang do’n sa goal,” she emphasized.
“Mag-focus lang kami, one game at a time. Mag-focus muna kami sa Game 1 namin; huwag muna naming isipin ‘yung ibang bagay. Hopefully, ‘yung mindset nila, mai-ayos nila.”
The Lady Falcons seniors — led by team captain Remelie Herrero and powerhouse hitter Alaiza Talisik — will take the field one last time in their UAAP careers, determined to secure the championship. Top pitchers April Minanga and Glory Alonzo are ready to dominate from the mound.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons are eager to move past the heartbreak of the past two seasons, particularly in Season 86, when they won Game 1 of the series 3-2 but fell short in the decisive Game 3 after extra innings.
To capture their first UAAP title since Season 70 (2007–08), the season hosts must execute the small details better than they did in their last elimination-round game against UST.
“Preparation namin ‘to for the championship pero hindi pa ‘ko satisfied. Marami pang dapat i-improve kung gusto talaga nilang manalo. So, pagbalik namin sa training, mag-focus kami sa mga maliliit na concerns na dapat ma-adjust namin. Pagdating sa Finals kasi, mag-iiba na ‘yan eh,” said fourth-year mentor Ron Pagkaliwagan.
“One hit, two hits, OK na ‘yon eh, basta no errors; depensa lang din talaga na maayos. And at the same time, may kailangan talaga kaming i-adjust sa opensa namin,” he added.
“From the start talagang aim na naming makarating ng Finals, so napaghandaan na namin ‘yung gusto naming gawin. Basta hiling ko lang sa kanila, mag-one hit lang bawat isa sa kanila every game, OK na sa ‘kin. One hit and then no error (sa depensa),” he added.
Season 85 Athlete of the Year Nickole Dela Cruz aims to carry her strong elimination-round performance into the Finals. Meanwhile, her longtime teammates KC Valino and Reuel Caoagdan will anchor UP’s defense as the squad’s main battery.
Later in the day, at 10:00 AM, De La Salle University will compete for its first podium finish since Season 81 (2018–19) when it faces last year’s bronze medalists, the Tiger Softbelles.
