AdU Softbelles ‘sweetest championship ever’: Santiago

By Allysa Mae P. Saldivar

The Adamson Softball Team and head coach Ana Santiago returned home as UAAP Season 85 Champions, its 10th consecutive championship.

The San Marcelinobased Softbelles defeated the University of the Philippines, 2-0, yesterday at the UP Diliman Baseball Field.

Adamson won its 19th overall title, and its 15th UAAP softball championship in the last 17 years.

“Pangarap ko talaga na maka-isang dekada ng kampeon, 'yun talaga ang isa sa [mga] pangarap ko bilang coach,” Santiago shared.

Talking about the struggles they faced throughout the season,

Santiago admitted how proud she is of her players' eagerness and drive to defend their title.

“Ang maganda sa nangyari today, si Rusia, noong natalo kami sa UP, sinisi niya 'yung sarili niya. Natutuwa ako sa kaniya dahil 'yung championship, nanalo kami dahil sa kaniya,” she expressed.

Meanwhile, the Softbelles also claimed multiple individual awards.

Best Pitcher Glory Alonzo was named as Finals' MVP, while Madaelene Domaug had the Most Stolen Base, and Ma. Angelu Gabriel received the Most Home Runs.

The multi-awarded coach added, “Lumalaban silang lahat hanggang sa huli.

Hindi sila bumibigay.”

Mae Langga, a firsttimer team captain, believed that her teammates' talents were initially not enough as they entered the season struggling to harmonize the team.

"Pero nu'ng second round, nag-usap kami na kailangan naming ipanalo every time na naglalaro kami,” Langga said. “Nu'ng papataas na 'yung competition, nandoon na 'yung unity, 'yung goal na magcha-champion kami," she added.

The pinch hitter also acknowledged the support of the Community, "'Yung panalo po natin ngayon, para po sa inyo 'to.”