AdU softbelles go for 5-peat vs UP side

Game today (Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium)

9 a.m. – UP vs AdU (softball finals)

MANILA, Philippines - High-flying Adamson Lady Falcons seek to complete a perfect run to the UAAP Season 77 softball title today against upset-conscious University of the Philippines at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

The Lady Falcons, who swept the elims en route to an outright finals berth, blanked the Lady Maroons last Tuesday, 6-0, to move closer to a five-peat and their 14th title overall in the league.

AdU coach Ana Santiago, whose wards are on an unparalleled 61-game winning streak over the last five years, cautioned the Lady Falcons against complacency.

“Hindi porke’t thrice-to-beat kami, panalo na; kung gusto namin manalo, trabahuhin namin bawat game (Enjoying thrice-to-beat advantage doesn’t necessarily mean the title’s in the bag. If we want it, we have to work hard each game of the finals),” said Santiago.

She said their training for the finals focused more on mental preparations.

“Sabi ko sa kanila (I told them): how badly do we need this championship? So mas maraming pep talk kesa field training,” added the multi-titled Santiago.

The challenge is also to adjust to the tight schedule, given just one day to prepare for today’s 9 a.m. Game Two.

“First time na nasa championship kami na one day lang ang pagitan. We’ll see,” said Santiago.

The Lady Maroons are hard-pressed to stain the Lady Falcons’ unblemished record and extend the series.

“We’ll do our best to bounce back in Game Two,” said UP coach Kiko Diaz.