UC claims 7th, SLU retains men’s title

UNIVERSITY of the Cordilleras and Saint Louis University scored a flawless ball game to share the top honors in the softball competition in the 25th Baguio – Benguet Educational Athletic League at the BSU grounds during the weekend.

The UC Lady Jaguars are now in seventh heaven as it shut-out Benguet State University, 17-0, to lay claim on the women’s title for their seventh crown in seven years of the annual collegiate tournament.

“I’m owed, thankful, it’s meaningful. It will be a legacy. The young ladies of UC are writing history,” said coach Joel Panes of UC.

The ladies defending champion opened the first inning with a six to nothing blasts before scoring another four in the second inning.

BSU had a glimpse of a possible point in the third inning after two walks but the Lady Wildcats failed to capitalize on that walk as UC went home to win their eighth crown in ten years.

“A shut out is a difficult achievement. The defense was just tight and the pitchers did a good job in limiting hits,” quipped Panes.

Saint Louis also shutdown BSU in their match to win their fourth consecutive crown in the men’s division as it also fashioned out a 17-0 win Sunday afternoon.

“It’s the same core as last year except that three of them are rookies and three of them will also graduate this year,” said coach Joey Jocson.

“We owe this  a lot to our players but without the proper guidance of their coaches, this championship would not be possible,” added SLU athletic director Henry Fuentes shortly after the team’s victory.          

The softball tournament will also mark a history in the BBEAL as it partnered with the Amateur Softball  Association of the Philippines and Cebuana Lhuillier to support the softball tournament. Roderick OSis