The University of Santo Tomas Tiger Softbelles have already over-achieved this season according to head coach Sandy Barredo.
“Ang plan kasi is next year pa may chance makapag-champion. Next year wide-open na kasi yung race,” Barredo said. “Pero nandito na rin at sabi ng mga bata lalaban sila. Sana mapaaga yung trajectory namin.”
One of the Tiger Softbelles who believed that this year is their year is fifth year right fielder Kristine Lacupa.
After dropping the Game One of the Finals in an atrocious showing by the Espana-based squad, the Tiger Softbelles regrouped and were able to hand the Adamson Lady Falcons their second loss in five years.
“Sabi namin, atin yung Game Two. Gagawin natin lahat para manalo pero kung matalo tayo basta iwasan lang yung error,” the 22 year old shared. “Nagka-error kami pero sabi ko kelangan bawiin sa palo.”
“Positive lang talaga kami pagpunta dito. Kahit ako, positive lang talaga ako nun.”
With their backs against the wall, Lacupa stepped up big for last season’s third placers in going 2 for 3 at-bat in the first five innings of the game. She was able to connect on a single and a double that led to two runs and an RBI. Moreover, it helped UST gain a 5-0 lead entering the sixth inning.
But then, the expected Adamson rally happened that tied the game at 5-all entering the bottom of the seventh inning with the top of the UST batting order on deck. Lacupa admitted that nerves got the better of her in the inning that resulted for two quick outs. “Siyempre, na-pressure na ko nun. Sabi ko kelangan lang talaga maka-score nun,” she said. “Kinabahan ako lalo nung two outs na.”
After Lacupa grounded out to first base, Celestine Palma was able to salvage the inning after a base hit. Lacupa’s name was called again to pinch run for Palma. This season’s best hitter then connected to far left field and Lacupa just ran as if there was no tomorrow. “Buti na lang nakapalo si CJ (Roa), sabi ko eto na. Tatakbo na lang ako ng tatakbo. Kaya nung na-hold yung bola sa first, diretso na lang talaga nasa isip ko,” she said.
“Hindi na ko nagdalawang isip kasi alam ko mabilis naman ako.”
She then added that Coach Barredo guided her all throughout her run to second, then third base, and, finally, home for the game-winning run. “Si Coach gina-guide lang ako. Pag naghintay naman ako, may tendency pa na ma-out yung next batter,” she reflected. “Kita ko naman na kaya umabot ng home plate kahit kinakabahan ako nun.”
Looking forward to Game Three, the senior admitted that she was just happy to finally be part of the Finals. “Sobrang special nito kasi last playing year ko na rin. Nung unang dating ko dito lagi fourth place kami. Sabi ko, ‘hindi ako maggragraduate hangga’t hindi ako umaabot sa championship,” she closed.
“Buti na lang sinagot ni God prayer ko.”
