Adamson, UP softbelles begin title duel

MANILA, Philippines -- Adamson University stakes its unbeaten record as the defending four-time champions battle University of the Philippines Tuesday in the championship round of the UAAP Season 77 softball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.       

Holding a thrice-to-beat advantage for sweeping the double-round eliminations, the Lady Falcons, who are on a 60-game roll, need only to win twice to capture their fifth straight title and the 14th overall.       
       
The title series will start at 9 a.m. 
        
Lady Maroons coach Kiko Diaz is hoping that his troops will play their A-game to post one of the biggest upsets in league history       
       
"We are prepared to beat Adamson," said Diaz. "If Adamson wins, we give it to them, but we will do our darnedest best to win."  
       
UP, which last won in 2008, clinched the second championship berth with an abbreviated 9-1 victory over University of Santo Tomas in their do-or-die playoff last Sunday.       
       
The Ana Santiago-mentored Lady Falcons are coming off a long 13-day break after registering another perfect elimination round campaign.       
       
Game 2 of the league's final event for Season 77 is scheduled on Thursday at 9 a.m. also at the Rizal ballpark.