MANILA, Philippines—Ateneo’s quest for its first ever baseball crown could end Tuesday afternoon at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
The Blue Eagles look to unseat defending champion National University in Game 2 of their best-of-three Finals series.
“Nakuha na natin, bakit hindi natin kunin ulit. Ito na ang chance namin,” said Ateneo coach Emer Barandoc.
Ateneo, hoping to finish NU off in Game 2 to avoid a repeat of last year’s championship where the Eagles lost despite a 1-0 lead, will bank on reigning homerun king Matt Laurel, rookies Ryon Tionloc and pitcher Miguel Salud, Bocc Bernardo, brothers Dio and Pelos Remollo.
But don’t expect NU to fold just yet with coach Saki Bacarisas expecting his wards to fight back and forge a decider.
“Until the last out, up to the last inning, may mangyayari pa,” said a hopeful Bacarisas.