DESPITE a rousing start that brought them atop the standings, the UST Golden Sox suffered a late meltdown and settled for fourth place anew in the UAAP Season 81 baseball tournament.
After winning three of their first four games, the Golden Sox dropped five of their last six matches to finish with a 4-6 win-loss slate.
UST head coach Jeffrey Santiago attributed the collapse to the team’s lack of mental toughness, especially with 11 of the 20-man roster being rookies.
“Nawala ‘yong killer instinct (ng mga players). Nawala sa focus after our big 10-3 win over powerhouse La Salle sa first round, naging super relaxed ang mga bata,” the 56-year-old mentor told the Varsitarian.
In their last six matches, the Golden Sox registered just 7.83 hits per game and failed to capitalize on their base runners, leaving an average of 7.33 sluggers on base.
Santiago cited the lack of training days due to consecutive events at the UST field as a factor of their hitting deterioration.
To address the situation, Santiago said he will ask the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics office to allow them to practice at the Rizal Memorial Stadium once a week.
“Mag-re-request ako na ganoon nga ang mangyari para ‘yong mga bata maging acquainted doon. Law of adaptability din kasi ang baseball. Kapag sa UST, magaling, kapag sa Rizal nawawala ang palo,” he said.
In the Golden Sox’s six losses, two of them came from the lowly University of the Philippines (UP), which loss all but two of its games.
Team captain Alwen Calbang said the two defeats against UP caused their midseason meltdown.
“Doon kami sa dalawang talo sa UP nag-mental breakdown. Lesson na lang ‘yon na i-aim na kahit anong team ang katapat, need talaga talunin para magtuluy-tuloy ang panalo hanggang sa finals,” the former best first baseman said.
Santiago added that if they had not lost to the Fighting Maroons twice, they would have been in the finals.
The Golden Sox will lose the services of Jamil Santiago, Ian Llave and Calbang after exhausting their playing years.
Bright future
Despite a disappointing finish this season, Santiago is confident of UST’s chances next year as eight Junior Golden Sox are expected to move up the seniors’ team including two-time UAAP juniors’ Best Pitcher Michael Cabang.
“Mataas ang expectation ko sa team next year kasi alam ko na ang mga galaw nila at kung saan sila palalakasin. Dati hindi ako nangako pero ngayon ipangangako ko na magfa-finals kami next season,” he said.
Aside from Cabang, Santiago said he will bank on Junior Golden Sox JM Barsales, Godie Apolinario, Mhigeil Cerda, Marvin Trillana, Christian Samson and Reden Tapia next season.
“Maganda talaga kapag galing sa high school ng UST ‘yong kinukuha kasi adjusted na sila sa plays namin. Makatutulong sa opensa namin at makakadagdag sa bullpen ‘yong mga bago,” the multi-titled coach said.
The Golden Sox will see action again in the Philippine Amateur Baseball Association League this April.
