Benjamen stars as Lady Falcons close in on ‘five-peat’

MANILA, Philippines—Showing its class, Adamson University moved on the brink of a fifth straight title with a masterful 6-0 victory over University of the Philippines in the Finals opener yesterday in the UAAP Season 77 softball tournamenf at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

Reigning MVP Annalie Benjamen had 12 strikeout as the Lady Falcons extended their winning run to 61 games.

Adamson can annex its 14th crown overall with another win in Game 2 slated Thursday at the Malate venue at 9 a.m.

It was the first time that the Lady Falcons emerged victorious this season by going into full route after winning all the first 12 matches via mercy rule.

“Of course, this is the championship, it’s an entire new level,” said Adamson coach Ana Santiago. The Lady Falcons took three innings before scoring a run and took a 2-0 advantage after Queenie Sabobo tallied a RBI.

Krisna Paguican’s RBI triple gave Adamson 4-0 lead in the fourth inning before adding two more to put the game out of reach.

The Lady Maroons, who are already assured of their best finish in five years, worked hard especially in the early goings, but the Lady Falcons were too overpowering.

“I reminded them not to think that even we have the thrice-to-beat advantage, it’s a sure win. We have to work hard for it,” said Santiago. CC