Marikina, Adamson capture softball invitational diadems

MANILA, Philippines - M.S. Marikina topped Philippine Air Force, 3-1, for the men’s crown while Adamson tripped Manila, 13-9, for the women’s plum at the close of the 2011 Cebuana Lhuillier-Chooks To Go Summer Grandslam Softball Invitational Championships at the Wangal Sports Complex in La Trinidad, Benguet yesterday.

Due to the heavy rains last Saturday, UST and UP were adjudged joint third placers in women’s play while Zamboanga and Cavite City shared second runner-up honors in the men’s side.

Rodel Mariano belted a crucial two-run homer in the fourth inning and Marikina surged ahead to stay in ruling the men’s competition of the event hosted by Benguet Gov. Nestor Fongwan and sponsored by Pera Padala, Just Jewels, Le Soleil de Boracay, Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions and Phiten.

Gov. Fongwan, together with Asaphil executive vice president Atty. Rolly Rivera, Asaphil secretary-general Danny Francisco, Asaphil director Randy Dizer, and local board members Opring de la Cruz and Joel Panes, presented the championship trophies the winners.

Adamson, a perennial UAAP champion handled by Blu Girls coach Anna Santiago, saved its best for the last and beat Manila in the distaff side.

The Lady Falcons showed their serious intention to bring home the crown right in the first inning, scoring four runs to Manila’s solitary run.

The Manilans had their own streak to tie in the third inning but the Lady Falcons, led by MVP awardee and starting pitcher Veronica Belleza, came through with another attack to regain control at 10-8.

The trio of Sara Agravante, Marissa de la Cruz, and Shierylou Valenzuela combined for Adamson’s runs in the fifth inning that hike their lead to 13-8.

Earlier in the semifinal round, Belleza scored the game’s only run to edge out University of the Philippines, 1-0.

Manila defeated University of Sto. Tomas (UST), 6-4, in the other semifinal match.