High school baseball is back in the UAAP after a six-year hiatus, and the return is made even more special with the inclusion of guest team PAREF-Southridge School.
The Admirals’ entry turns the tournament into a five-team competition, joining defending champion University of Santo Tomas (UST), Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle Zobel, and National University Nazareth School.
The Junior Golden Sox will open their long-awaited title defense — seven years in the making — Wednesday at the historic Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium. They will face the Junior Green Batters in the opening game.
First pitch is scheduled for 8:00 AM.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“We are very much eager to defend the title. Kami ang kauna-unahang UAAP champion at kahuli-hulihang champion, kaya we want to be the champion again sa pagbabalik ng UAAP high school baseball,” said UST head coach Jeff Santiago.
Southridge will make its tournament debut at 11:00 AM against Ateneo, and the matchup carries extra meaning for Admirals head coach Bocc Bernardo.
A former champion catcher for Ateneo and current assistant to Blue Eagles head coach Pepe Jose, Bernardo finds himself facing familiar faces while leading the Admirals on a bigger stage.
“Madami nagtatanong sa akin niyan. I’ve always been an alumnus of both. Siyempre, I played longer sa Southridge during my high school days, but Ateneo holds a very special place in my heart,” Bernardo said.
“Very excited ako na makakalaban yung mga ka-tandem ko na si Coach Pepe (Jose) and Coach Randy (Dizer). Hopefully, maging maganda yung laban.”
Bernardo, clearly thrilled about the tournament’s return, also acknowledged the opportunity it gives high school players who have been waiting for a competitive platform.
“Actually, it’s something that all high school players are looking forward to. Yung mga pending na naghihintay sa college kasi walang paglalaruan, ngayon nakabalik na. Everyone has been looking forward to this. Very happy ako na nagawan ng paraan and happy ako nakasama yung Southridge,” he added.
Southridge will lean on ace pitcher Joaquin Salvador, supported by JC Basañes and Amiel Belga, along with slugger Matt Gelota.
Ateneo counters with Grade 12 ace Lorenzo de Guzman, catcher Nicolas Sevilla, infielder Santiago Afuang, and former Xavier standout Tres Saguisag.
“This year, we aim for the top two and work from there. Well, we all know that our baseball team can compete. Marami sa alumnus ng Southridge is nakukuha sa college like Ateneo,” Bernardo said confidently.
National University Nazareth School will begin its campaign on Saturday at 8:00 AM against UST.
Games will be played every Wednesday and Saturday.
