When the UAAP opened its doors to guest teams in last season’s High School Boys’ Football Tournament, it not only achieved its goal of enhancing competitiveness in the division, but also set a strong precedent for other sports.
Baseball has long been a strong suit for the Philippines, and the league reaffirmed its commitment by bringing back the High School division to its calendar.
For PAREF Southridge School, the timing of the division’s return and the inclusion of guest teams couldn’t have been better.
Now that Southridge is participating, it’s only natural that one of its seniors, ace pitcher Joaquin Salvador, feels thrilled with the development.
“I was really excited to play. We are a guest team, and we’re happy to show that we belong here,” said the 17-year-old pitcher.
The Admirals pulled off a dramatic opening-day finish against Ateneo, winning 13-12 in a walk-off that averted a meltdown after initially building a 10-2 lead. However, they struggled in their seven-inning, 7-17 defeat to neighboring De La Salle Zobel.
For Salvador, those contrasting results have made the squad tougher as they move forward. After all, the UAAP is the only tournament at this age level that plays nine innings.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“It is different, ‘cause we’re playing nine innings. We usually play five or seven innings, so the game’s a lot longer, and even if we were down early, we can still come back,” the graduating senior shared.
“I guess it was pretty fun. All the teams came here to play, and you just got to have fun.”
In his final year of high school baseball, Salvador feels determined to make the most of this UAAP opportunity, setting both immediate and future goals.
“Obviously, we want to win the championship. So, I just think I have to play better. Personally, I think I have to get fitter; I can’t be tired in the field. And as a team, I think we just have to play better,” said the Grade 12 Accountancy, Business, and Management student-athlete.
With two games behind them, Salvador and the rest of the Southridge squad must learn from their early experiences to improve in their maiden UAAP season.
“We have to communicate better,” said the former Philippine U-18 national team member, pointing out what he wants to see from the Admirals in their upcoming games.
Salvador added, “We have no communication, so it led to a lot of errors. And those made us lose (this game).”
The Admirals need to regroup quickly, with National University Nazareth School up next on Wednesday, followed by a clash against defending champions University of Santo Tomas on Saturday.
Salvador knows the team must turn things around fast to reach their ambitious goal.
“Our team goal is obviously to win the championship,” the ace pitcher said.
