In a showdown brimming with intensity and a longstanding rivalry, Ronniel Acorin, last year’s Intramurals and 2023 MSUSAA most valuable player from the four-peat-seeking College of Engineering ASTEEGS, delivered a series of perfect pitches to outlast a fierce, tooth-and-nail battle against their long-time archrivals, the College of Fisheries Anglers, ultimately securing the title with a 1-0 victory at the University Baseball Field, October 15.
photo by John Ross Sambanan and Krisczer Dave David
The game began with both teams locked in a tense battle, each side displaying remarkable skills with Acorin and the Anglers Neil Magbanua set the tone early on with their razor-sharp, pitch-perfect throws, however in a dramatic twist, Gian Granada stepped up for the ASTEEGS made a daring sprint around the diamond, broke the deadlock and secured the only point of the game, giving the COE the critical advantage.
In the following innings, both teams were locked in a fierce see-saw battle, with every swing met by sharp catches and near-flawless fielding. Acorin’s curveballs and Magbanua’s rapid shoot-out throws kept the intensity high, but in the final inning, the score remained a razor-thin 1-0, with the ASTEEGS barely holding onto their lead against the Anglers.
As the final inning began, the Anglers stepped up to bat with the pressure mounting, fully aware that they needed a run to tie the game. Each swing was met with intense focus, but the COE batters skillfully caught every hit, turning the tide in their favor.
With three quick outs, the ASTEEGS sealed their victory, securing their fourth consecutive title and marking a new chapter in their history while solidifying their legacy in baseball.
In an interview, Acorin, who also claimed the MVP award this year, reflected on the evolving competition dynamics. He noted that the pressure he feels now differs from their past matches, including those from three years ago and last year.
COE's Acorin acknowledged the Anglers' commitment to excellence, which was evident in their strong performance on the field. This, in turn, motivated the ASTEEGS, "Mao to wala mi nag-kompyansa og nag-prepare pud mi para ma-defend ang crown," he emphasized, underscoring their determination to defend their title.
The MVP further added, "Sa past games nag dula ko pero wala ko nag-pitch; karon lang ko sa championship nag-pitch. Akong mga kabuan ang nag-dula ato para sa amoa. Strategy siya sa amo [ASTEEGS] kay para ma-prepare nako akong kamot para ma-condition pag-abot sa finals."
Looking ahead, Acorin made a commitment for next year, stating, "Gina-promise nako na among training mas taasun namo, tapos mas seryoso na para maka-five peat og ma-defend ang crown."
At the conclusion of the tournament, the Anglers secured the silver, while the Reapers from the College of Agriculture claimed the bronze after defeating the College of Social Sciences and Humanities Vanguards yesterday.
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