Adamson IX seals third straight UAAP title

MANILA, Philippines - Luzviminda Embudo delivered the winning runs as Adamson nipped National U in eight innings, 4-1, to complete a spotless championship drive for the third straight year in the UAAP Season 75 softball tournament yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

Embudo blasted a two-run double and scored a run at the top of the extra frame as the Lady Falcons secured the come-from-behind title-clinching victory and extended their amazing winning streak to 34 games dating back to 2011.

“We had to grind it out and I give to the girls for showing the heart of a champion. Even if our hitting was off in the early goings, they kept going,” said AdU coach Ana Santiago in Filipino.

The Lady Falcons yielded an early run in the second inning and took them until the top of the fourth to get on the scoreboard and level the count via Clarice Palma’s RBI single.

The two teams failed to gain headway the rest of regulation play but Adamson emerged the one with steely nerves in extension.

Analie Benjamen, who started the eighth on second base per softball’s tie-breaker rule, advanced to third on a bunt by tournament MVP Michelle Lentija. Embudo then let loose a blast to deep center to score the duo as Adamson seized a  3-1 lead.

Embudo later reached home on a base hit by Angelyn Ursabia for a three-run cushion.

The Lady Falcons held off the Lady Bulldogs in their last at bat, sealing the deal with a spectacular throw by center fielder Lorna Adorable that extinguished NU’s Carla Payapaya at home plate.

It was the third straight unbeaten season for the San Marcelino-based clouters. Unlike the previous years when a sweep of the elims merited an automatic title, the Lady Falcons this time had to go through the finals, where they enjoyed thrice-to-beat advantage. Adamson beat NU in Game One, 6-2. 

“This year’s tournament is exciting because every team got stronger and it’s everybody’s ballgame,” said Santiago.

Lentija led the individual awardees. Aside from the MVP plum, Lentija also took home Most Home Runs (3) and the Best Slugger (.906) accolades. Other awardees were teammates Embudo (Most RBI, 17), Queeny Sabobo (Best Hitter, .500), and Julie Muyco (Best Pitcher, 29 strikeouts).

State U’s Jullian Tanaka got Most Stolen Bases citation, while Santo Tomas’ Mary Louise Garde was adjudged Rookie of the Year.