MANILA – Adamson University Lady Falcons got a huge lift from Arianne Vallestero to score an 11-2 win over University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses and capture the UAAP Season 81 softball crown on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
Vallestero, a transferee from National University, capped off her collegiate career by delivering two hits and three runs as the Lady Falcons captured its ninth consecutive UAAP title, 18th overall.
Vallestero was splendid all season long that she emerged as the season MVP, Best Hitter (.556), Best Slugger (.972) and Most RBIs (16). She shared the Most Homerun award with UST’s Charlotte Sales with three and Most Stolen Bases with her teammate Angelu Gabriel with six.
“Dito ko kailangan [si Vallestero] sa year na ito. Siya ang nagdala ng game na ito. Lahat ng individual awards halos kinuha niya,” said Lady Falcons head coach Ana Santiago. “Sabi niya, salamat at nakaranas siya maging champion sa UAAP.”
Vallestero’s teammate Lyca Basa took the Finals MVP honors reclaiming the Best Pitcher plum. Nicole Padasas also shone with four hits and three RBIs, while MJ Maguad and Jeanette Rusia scored two runs for Adamson University.
Meanwhile, Gino Tantuico belted out a two-run homer in the bottom seventh as Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles extended the baseball championship series with a 7-3 win over De La Salle University Green Archers.
Javi Macasaet delivered four hits while pitcher Miggy Angeles struck out two batters to help the Blue Eagles tie their best-of-three duel to one game apiece. Game 3 is set on Friday noon at the same Malate venue./PN
