National University attempts to secure a third straight UAAP Collegiate Men’s Baseball championship as it goes for a reverse sweep against De La Salle University in the winner-take-all Game 3 on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
The Bulldogs are chasing their first three-peat in league history following a massive turnaround in Game 2, where they secured a 9–3 victory over the Green Batters. This came after a narrow 1–2 loss in Game 1.
First pitch is at 8:00 AM at the historic Malate venue, with the tournament held in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission.
In what is expected to be the final game of both the season and the stadium before it undergoes a major renovation, NU looks to build on the lessons from its Game 1 defeat and the momentum gained from its Game 2 triumph.
“After Game 1, una, in-accept talaga namin na talo kami dahil sobrang ganda ng nilaro ng La Salle, especially ‘yung pitcher nila, si Liam De Vera. Tinanggap muna namin sa sarili namin na may kulang pa, and from there, do’n kami nagsimula ng adjustments para sa team, in preparation sa Game 2,” said third-year head coach Romar Landicho.
The Maulit twins, Kenneth and Kevin, aim to cap their collegiate careers as the winningest Bulldogs in baseball history as they look to replicate the heroics they displayed throughout the season — particularly in the must-win Game 2 last Friday.
Their offensive surge, combined with the stellar outing of Hilario Espina III on the mound, powered the reigning back-to-back champions and extended their title hopes for at least four more days.
“Yung hitting namin kasi, isa na lang na-score namin from [Game 1], so ‘yun lang pinagtuunan namin ng pansin. And, of course, ‘yung motivation na hindi pa naman tapos ‘yung laban ‘eh. Kumbaga, may Game 2 pa; mag-focus tayo sa Game 2, and then, ‘pag nakuha natin ‘to at saka natin problemahin ‘yung Game 3.”
Now just one win away from a historic three-peat, Landicho hopes his squad can deliver when it matters most.
“Dadalhin namin ‘yung run, tapos ‘yung roll namin ngayon. We’re coming from a win. So, ‘yun din ‘yung magiging motivation namin going to Game Three. At talagang paghahandaan namin; alam naman namin kung sinong pupukol, paghahandaan namin,” he said.
“Yung attitude lang na hindi bumibigay; ‘yun lang naman ‘yung sandigan namin eh. Oras na bumigay ka sa mga ganitong laro, especially championship, wala talagang mangyayari. We have to be mentally prepared hanggang sa dulo. Hanggang sa last out, lalaban kami tiyak,” Landicho added.
Standing in NU’s way are the two-time bridesmaids Green Batters, who feel determined to shed that tag and reclaim the championship they last won in Season 85 (2022–2023).
With ace players Tuting Samuel and Liam De Vera leading the charge, La Salle looks to regroup and pull out all the stops in its bid to return to the top.
