MANILA, Philippines - After its strong showing in recent Philippine Sports Commission Chairman’s Cup, National University seeks to sustain its top form in the UAAP Season 76 baseball competition which blasts off today at Rizal Memorial.
The Bulldogs sent a strong warning to their UAAP rivals when they finished a fighting second to veteran-laden Philab in the Chairman’s Cup, emerging ahead of Season 75 UAAP titlists Ateneo, La Salle, Adamson and University of the Philippines.
“Our boys’ performance in the recent PSC Chairman’s Cup is a barometer of our preparedness and determination for the forthcoming UAAP Season,†said businessman/sportsman Wopsy Zamora, who manages the NU team backed by tycoon Henry Sy.
“Our comprehensive pre-season team build-up will serve us well in our bid to contend for the title,†added Zamora, who also acknowledged the PSC for organizing a high-level grassroots tournament to help develop collegiate baseballers.
The NU Bulldogs came close to winning the Chairman’s Cup diadem, bowing to national mainstays-bannered Philab in two games.
“Although we did not prevail against veterans and former national players of eventual champion Philab Ballbusters, what mattered most was we hit our target of scoring victories against our collegiate rivals,†said Zamora.
The Sampaloc clouters will again unleash a powerhouse at the mound, with Aries Oruga and Alfred Turaray determined to stay sharp and sustain their solid form from the Chairman’s Cup.
The rest of the gang is expected to contribute defensively and offensively for the wards of coach Saki Bacarisas.
“We’re confident NU will have another fruitful season in the UAAP,†said Zamora.
NU IX has made a remarkable turnaround in recent years, saying good-bye to its days in the doldrums with a long-overdue UAAP championship two years ago. The Bulldogs reached the finals once more last season but just fell short to Ateneo.