Adamson keeps UAAP softball title with win over UST in rubber match

By Dugout Philippines

MANILA--Queeny Sabobo and Annalie Benjamen kissed their collegiate careers goodbye as champions as Adamson University nipped University of Santo Tomas, 5-3, to complete a six-peat in the UAAP Season 78 softball tournament on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

"It's not all about talent, it's all about heart and mental," said a jubilant Lady Falcons coach Ana Santiago.

Adamson University prevailed the best-of-three series, 2-1, to annex its 15th crown overall.

The Lady Falcons ended their remarkable string of 73 consecutive victories this season after losing to the Tigresses at the end of the eliminations and lost again to the España-based batters in Game 2 that forced the decider.

But in the very end, Adamson University's desire to win another championship prevailed.

"This is the biggest challenge for me. Unlike sa past five years na nag-champion kami na masasabi kong easy eh. This year, napakahirap ng pinagdaanan namin pero ito na ang pinaka-sweetest victory namin," said Santiago.

Sabobo and fellow graduating player Annalie Benjamen homered for a 4-2 lead in the third inning.

Sabobo was not yet done as the 21-year old short stop slammed another homerun in the fifth inning to give the Lady Falcons a 5-2 advantage.

"Kinausap ko yung tatlo (Sabobo, Benjamen and third base Krisna Paguican) at sinabi kong ito na ang huling beses kayong tutuntong sa Rizal Memorial as Adamson players at mag-step up.

Kayo ang magsimula at susunod mga kasama ninyo," said Santiago. Sabobo and Benjamen were named co-Finals MVP.

Despite its failure to regain the title it won six years ago, there's nothing to be ashamed of for UST.

Among those who shone for the Tigresses this season were CJ Roa and pitcher Mary Ann Antolihao, Santiago's aces in the national team.

"Well deserved na nandito sila sa Finals," said Santiago on UST.

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