Adamson extends softball reign to a twelfth straight season

c/o UAAP Media Team

WITH Glory in her name and greatness in her game, Glory Alonzo stood tall on the mound and carried Adamson University to a historic 12th straight UAAP softball crown.

The Season 85 Best Pitcher and Finals MVP delivered a masterful performance, leading the Lady Falcons to a dominant 4-0 shutout of the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons to complete a season sweep in the UAAP Season 87 Softball Tournament, Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

This latest triumph extended Adamson’s dynasty to 12 consecutive seasons and marked their 21st championship overall in the league, tying them with Far Eastern University as the most successful program in UAAP softball history. It also served as the university’s first title for Season 87.

Alonzo was masterful through seven innings, allowing just a single hit—a fifth-inning knock from Martine Francisco—and giving up only one walk to Aila Subaldo in the third.

The dominant outing was a redemption arc for the ace pitcher, who struggled in Game 1 after surrendering two early runs to the Fighting Maroons. Still, Adamson recovered to take the series opener, 6-3, thanks to key performances from seniors Roma Cruz and Mae Langga.

"After Game 1, ang isa sa kinailangan kong i-solve ay 'yung pitcher ko, si Alonzo. Very rare kasi talaga sa kanya na mangyari 'yung gano'n, kaya talagang nag-heart to heart kami. Ang sabi ko sa kanya, 'You have to redeem yourself kasi for me, hindi ikaw 'yon. You may have a bad game pero it does not define your character and at the same time pagbibigyan ka namin ng chance para i-redeem mo ang sarili mo. Gusto ko lang ipakita sa 'yo na whatever 'yong nangyari sa Game 1, past is past,'" said long-time head coach Ana Santiago.

("After Game 1, one of the things I had to address was my pitcher, Alonzo. What happened to her was very rare, so we had a heart-to-heart talk. I told her, 'You have to redeem yourself because, for me, that wasn’t you. You may have had a bad game, but it doesn’t define your character. And at the same time, we’re giving you the chance to redeem yourself. I just want to show you that whatever happened in Game 1, the past is past.")

"And this is your now, meron ka ngayong magagawa. And ilagay mo 'to isip, ipinaparamdam ko sa 'yo na alam kong makakabalik ka, alam kong kaya mo 'to. Alam ko 'to dahil naging player rin ako dati," added the Adamson legend.

("And this is your now—this is your moment to do something. Keep this in mind: I'm letting you feel that I believe you can bounce back, that you’re capable of this. I know it because I was once a player too.")

The Lady Falcons backed Alonzo with timely offense, scoring two runs each in the second and fifth innings to secure the shutout win.

Remelie Herrero broke the stalemate in the second inning with a single past UP second baseman Generose Torremocha, allowing Rookie of the Year Jhaycel Roldan to plate the game’s opening run.

Roldan, who finished with two hits and an RBI, also recorded a key putout on a Torremocha fly ball early in the game. Her all-around brilliance earned her the Finals MVP honor.

"Surprisingly, she's a rookie pero nag-step up siya. Lalo na 'yung crucial na kailangan naming umi-score, siya 'yung ando'n para umi-score. 'Yun naman 'yung ano namin eh, 'yung may mag-step up na iba, 'pag nawawala 'yung iba," Santiago said of her prized recruit from Bacolod City National High School.

("Surprisingly, she's just a rookie, but she really stepped up. Especially during crucial moments when we needed to score, she was the one who delivered. That’s really our thing—someone else stepping up when others are down.")

Season host UP had their own moment of pride, with team captain Nickole Dela Cruz returning to action and earning the distinction of Season 87’s top athlete. She was crowned Best Hitter (.692 BA), Best Slugger (1.077 SA), and Most Runs Batted In (14). Fellow outfielder Angel Pascual added to the accolades with the Most Stolen Bases award (4).

From University of Santo Tomas, Angel Bedaño was named Home Run Queen after hitting the tournament’s lone home run, helping the Tiger Softbelles clinch a third consecutive bronze-medal finish.

With another championship secured and her team’s legacy further cemented, Santiago couldn't help but reflect on the journey with pride.

"Napakasarap marinig 'yung isang dosenang kampeonato. Gusto ko munang enjoyin muna nila 'tong season kasi deserved ng mga bata," said Santiago, who also serves as head coach of the Philippine national team, the Blu Girls.

"Ako naman, siguro magpapahinga rin pero after nito kasi balik naman ako sa national team."

("It feels so good to hear 'a dozen championships.' I just want them to enjoy this season first because the girls truly deserve it. As for me, I’ll probably take a short break, but after this, it’s back to the national team.")

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