Queeny Sabobo and Annalie Benjamen gave themselves a fitting farewell as Adamson University nipped University of Santo Tomas, 5-3, to complete a six-peat in the UAAP Season 78 softball tournament Friday at 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 prevailed in 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 same team in Game 2 that forced the decider.
“This is the biggest challenge for me. Unlike the past five years that we easily won the championship, this year, we really had to go through some adversity but this is our sweetest victory,” 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.
“I talked to the three (Sabobo, Benjamen and third base Krisna Paguican) and told them to step up because this will be the final time you’re going to set foot here in Rizal Memorial as Adamson players. You started this and your teammates will follow,” said Santiago.
Sabobo and Benjamen were named co-Finals MVP.
Despite its failure to regain the title it won six years ago, UST has nothing to be ashamed of.
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 that they’re here in the finals,” said Santiago on UST.