Angelu Gabriel felt incredibly fulfilled leaving Adamson University with another championship, having worked hard throughout the season and ticking off a significant achievement with three trophies to her name.
“Ang goal talaga namin kasi kapag may aalis sa amin is kailangang mag-champion,” the 23-year-old standout from Fort Bonifacio High School shared.
“Unang goal namin is to be in the top two talaga, then ang final goal po talaga namin ay mag-champion this season. Bonus na lang ‘yung may mapunta sa ‘ming awards.”
With a consistent performance throughout the season, Gabriel clinched the titles of Best Hitter and Best Slugger, consequently earning the Season’s MVP award.
For Gabriel, becoming MVP wasn’t part of the plan.
(C) Mia Montayre/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Hindi ko po talaga in-expect na mag-MVP po ako this season,” the RP Blu Girl said.
“Kasi ang iniisip ko lang lagi talaga na kailangan kong makita ‘yung bola. Kasi sabi ni aAe Ana (Santiago), ‘when you see the ball, you hit the ball’ at ‘yung talaga ng makatulong sa team. Maglalaro po ako kung ano po ‘yung nilalaro ko, ‘yun lang po talaga.”
With three championships under her belt and her evident talent, Gabriel has decided to retire her collegiate cleats in favor of a professional offer in Taiwan.
Despite her desire to continue representing Adamson, the shortstop knew she had given her all, and that was sufficient for her to consider her job done.
(C) Mia Montayre/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Parang ang lungkot po kasi mawawala na ko after this season. Syempre, hindi naman po lahat nag-stay sa (league) na ‘to, matatapos at matatapos po talaga,” Gabriel said.
The third-year Lady Falcon, who also played for the first-ever co-ed fastpitch squad, believes that despite her departure, the San Marcelino-based team, now 11-time champions, still possesses the necessary tools to maintain its dynasty.
“Message ko lang sa mga matitira na huwag lang silang bibitaw, laban lang nang laban. Kasi every game is a different story talaga, so kailangang tatagan lang nila at dapat lang andon lagi sila sa laro namin.”
