Strong bond
The Blue Batters made history last year when they placed third in the UAAP, the highest feat for the Ateneo baseball team. But with only ten remaining players this season, the question is: will they be able to match that achievement?
“Definitely,” Carlo Banzon, the team captain, says confidently. “Our team bond will help us win despite the fact that we’re undermanned.”
The Blue Batters lost seniors CK Chua, former captain Nikko Dizer, and Carlo Olivares, who decided to forfeit his last playing year. Center field Gab Bagamasbad also left the team to focus on his studies.
“Right now, we only have ten players. We don’t have center field and right field. The remaining players are not playing in their proper positions so it’s really hard for us,” says co-captain Alex Tolome. Tolome served as the team’s starting pitcher last season, although he was originally a shortstop.
However, there are two key additions to the team that will help them this year. Philippine Team member Junifer Piñero will join as assistant coach, while rookie Kevin Ramos from Marist High School will serve as third baseman.
The Blue Batters have been training since summer and are focusing on stamina building; since their lineup is short, they can’t afford to get worn out during games.
Continuous rise
The Ateneo Lady Batters ended their losing streak with last year’s stellar performance. With a more experienced roster and the addition of impressive rookies, their bid for the Final Four this season may not be too far away.
“The team improved on a lot of aspects like hitting and fielding. The previous season really did good to the team,” assistant coach Maria Corazon Soberre says.
To prepare for the upcoming season, the Lady Batters held their first inter-school invitational tournament, the Ateneo Open. Schools such as La Salle, University of the East, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and Rizal Technological University were invited to play. The team emerged victorious against PUP, 15-2, on November 22.
Soberre said, “The team started off slow, but their batting went all out after the third inning.”
Despite the loss of four players due to academic issues, the team was able to acquire three impressive rookies. “First there is Bada La’o, she has been pitching for many years, and one of the best in the league,” sophomore Gianna Banzon says. “There is also Cheska Almonte, who is a slugger and a great third baseman. Marianna Vargas is a fast runner, and she plays outfield. We are so happy to have them.”
Veteran Tiffany Mathay agrees with Banzon. “They are already playing in the starting line-up and they did well during the last game with PUP.”
Soberre, Banzon, and Mathay all believe that the team can reach the Final Four this season. “As long as we play our A-game on every match we will have on the UAAP, I am confident that our team can reach the Final Four,” Mathay said.
The UAAP baseball tournament will run from January to February at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium while softball will be held at the UST baseball field on the same months.
