NU batters eye UAAP title repeat vs Ateneo

Games today (Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium)

9 a.m. – AdU vs NU (softball finals); 12 noon – ADMU vs NU (baseball finals)

MANILA, Philippines - National University seeks to relive the glory days of the 1960s with back-to-back UAAP baseball romps against an Ateneo side hungry for a first-ever diadem as they tangle in a winner-take-all match for the Season 75 crown today at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

Gametime is set at 12 noon for the rubbermatch, which was supposed to be played last Sunday but was reset due to heavy rains.

The Bulldogs aim to duplicate the school’s feat in 1967, when they snagged a second straight plum on the diamond. Interestingly,  a long title drought ensued after that and NU snapped it only last season, when they came from behind in the series to beat Ateneo, 2-1.

The Eagles took Game One, 6-2, then the Bulldogs stole Game Two in a smashing last-inning fightback, 9-8, to level the series and force the decider.

NU team manager Wopsy Zamora felt that the four-day lull brought about by the re-scheduling somehow extinguished the momentum they got and afforded the Blue Batters to recover from the shock of their heartbreaking loss in Game Two.

“This game will be a true test of our champion’s hearts as the postponement negated the momentum and mental advantage we enjoyed had Game Three been played last Sunday. Now NU and Ateneo are on even grounds but the team is ready,” he added.

The Ateneans appeared on the threshold of a breakthrough title when they led 8-6 going through the bottom of the ninth inning. But instead of sealing it with an easy 1-2-3, the Blue Batters gave up three runs, allowing NU to draw level.

In softball action, powerhouse Adamson go for the icing on the cake to yet another unbeaten season in the Lady Falcons’ 9 a.m. outing against NU.

The Lady Falcons, who enjoyed thrice-to-beat advantage after sweeping the elims, scored a 6-2 triumph last Friday to move a win away from a three-peat. Adamson has been spotless for 33 games already, dating back to 2010.

Meanwhile, defending champion University of Santo Tomas and La Salle begin their best-of-three championship series for the women’s tennis crown as they hit the center court of the nearby Rizal Memorial Tennis Center at 9 a.m.