Adamson University has dominated the UAAP Softball tournaments for over a decade, but not without its setbacks.
This season, Season 86, is no different, as evidenced by the Lady Falcons’ narrow, highly defensive 3-0 victory against the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Softbelles in the reigning champions’ first game this year.
For long-time Adamson head coach Ana Santiago, this competitive environment is a positive development for the sport.
“I’m happy. Masaya ko na makikita mo na very competitive na ang softball sa UAAP.
“Sabi ko sa mga players ko, wala nang dominanteng team sa UAAP. Dominant in the sense na binubugbog mo ang kalaban, malalaki ang score mo. Ngayon, kailangang mag-expect ka na marami tayong games na close game; na talagang makalaglag-puso,” shared the concurrent RP Blu Girls mentor.
With such a competitive atmosphere, Santiago believes that the Lady Falcons should always be on their toes.
Despite having the reigning Best Pitcher Glory Alonzo and sluggers like Aliza Pitchon and Alaiza Talasik, team effort is needed to win games.
This was evident in how second-year pitcher April Minanga stepped up for Alonzo and the team in that debut win against UST.
“Ang maganda lang kasi sa kanila, nag-susupport sila. Kaya kung may nawawala, may nag-i-step up, may lumalabas. Like ngayon, si Minanga, nag-step siya despite na hindi ko ginamit si Alonzo as a starter, kasi nga para makatuklas nga ko ng iba pa nga na panlaban ko rin,” Santiago shared.
“So, I think lahat sila na players ko ay capable na pwedeng mag-lead; kahit sino sa kanila.”
