Bleachers' Brew podcast special: Interview with the Azkals' Rob Gier and Ray Jonsson

Conducted a quick interview with Azkals defenders Rob Gier and Ray Jonsson. This was recorded on the morning of the Philippines vs. Malaysia match.

Look for Football Philippines at the Philippines-Malaysia match tonight!

Look for this issue later at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. It contains the story I wrote about the 1991 Philippines-Malaysia match titled, "Kings for a day" and two other ones (UFL and the Sendong charity match) of which you can click on the images below to see them. 

Metallica and the Malaysian lineup for tday's match vs the Philippines

Hope we get to play Metallica's "Enter Sandman" after the match and a win by the Philippines. This was played in 1991 after that 1-0 win against the Tigers during the Southeast Asian Games. And is the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium wasn't already in a state of frenzy, the music drove everyone nuts.

And here's the lineup of the Malaysian team.

And here are the officials from the match later:

Ma. Christina Ramos - Match Commissioner

Kao Jung Fang - Referee

Kuo Chan Yu - Referee Assistant 1

Lee Hung Ping - Referee Assistant 2

Wilfredo Bermejo - Fourth Official


And here's the shirt of the kit that the Philippine team will be wearing come game time.

Philippines-Malaysia International Friendly Press Conference Tuesday, Discovery Suites

Tuesday, February 28, 2012. 41st Floor Discovery Suites. Selamat datang! Today was the manager's meeting and the pre-match press conference for the Philippines-Malaysia International Friendly that will be played the following day. Finally got to meet and talk with Tigers' head coach Datuk Krishnasamy Rajagopal. It was Coach K who helped build Malaysia's current program where they have won every major football title in Southeast Asia in the past four years. Coach K was in Manila last year for a talk but I was unable to attend. We spoke for about 15 minutes where we talked about the Sea Games, the Suzuki Cup, and the Malaysia-Liverpool friendly last year. He is well aware of the Philippine team and was pleasantly surprised by the ascent that began in the 2010 Suzuki Cup. He too, is aware that the last time Malaysia played at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, they tasted defeat. "History is history. That was 21 years ago. If a team plays well, they can upset anyone in any situation. But the Philippines is on the right track. I know it is not easy. We built the program in 2003 and we saw the benefits in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Hopefully, we can sustain it." 

Coach K also complimented Stephan Schrock, Neil Etheridge, Chieffy Caligdong and the Younghusband brothers as those who have made the biggest strides. "Every one has played better. But those five stand out."

With the lads -- Neil Etheridge, Phil Younghusband, Jason Sabio, and Michael Weiss post-press con. They are all excited to play the champs. All I can say is, "Isang tulog na lang."

The 1991 Philippine Men's Football National Team: Kings for a day

This appears in Football Philippines magazine (the January-February 2012 edition)

Members of the 1991 RP Men's National Football Team. From the left: Filamer Rossel, Jess Baron, Judy Saluria, Edgar Berja, Coach Eckhard Krautzun, Assistant Coach Consurcio Manresa, Maron Maro, Nonoy Fegidero, Melo Sabacan, and Hersey Salmon. Kneeling is Roroy Piñero.

Kings for a day

by rick olivares

It’s a moment frozen in time. If you look at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium today, many of the structures built that day remain in place even if unused. There’s the clock that has stopped as if to mark a time and place. An event.

It wasn’t just an event. In fact, it sent ripples down and helped father today’s football generation.

On Thursday, November 28, 1991, the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, the old sports complex along Adriatico was packed and rocking following an improbable win by the Philippine Men’s Football National Team as they defeated regional power Malaysia, 1-nil.

In their first game of the group stage, the Philippines led Vietnam 2-1 but a late goal in the 84^th minute saw the Vietnamese draw level. Despite the disappointment of not coming away with the three full points, the Filipinos were confident that they could beat Malaysia. It wouldn’t be easy but it was very much doable.

Against the Tigers, the Philippine team, as coached by Eckhard Krautzun and Rolando Plagata, played with an ultra-defensive 5-3-1-1 formation. “Ang game plan namin ay maglaro ng depensa tapos tirahin sila sa mga counter,” explained defender Marlon Maro. “We were almost successful because we had very good opportunities to score.”

The Malaysians however, found cracks in the defense to pepper the Philippine goal with a variety of shots. But keeper Melo Sabacan was magnificent at goal. With 15 minutes left in a tightly contested match, Philippine midfielder Alfredo Dioso Jr. found Elmer Bedia, who was just sent in the match to provide fresh legs, racing up the right flank. Drawing the defense, Bedia sent a perfect cross to striker Norman Fegidero Jr. who controlled the ball with his chest. Fegidero, faked the goalkeeper one way then sent the ball with his strong left foot to the back of the net.

The Malaysians were in shock. They hosted the Philippine team for a month in Kuala Lumpur. Their coach, Bakhri Ibni, helped train the Filipinos and the Football Association of Malaysia paid for their expenses. Three months later, the pupil bested the teacher.

As the referee blew the final whistle that marked full time, the venerable stadium that bore the name of the nation’s national hero erupted in pandemonium as they celebrated their new heroes. The technicians working the stadium’s sound system played Metallica’s “Enter  Sandman” and the throbbing pulsating music whipped the fans all the more into a frenzy. There was dancing and singing in the stands. Grown Malaysian men, veterans of many a football war, openly wept. The crowd surged forward to the pitch to embrace and celebrate with the players.

Bob Guerrero, the voice of the Azkals, was in college back then and he was one of those who ran down to the pitch to celebrate. “I remember going down and hugging whoever player I saw,” reminisced Guerrero.

“All of a sudden, you had all the media – foreign and local – trying to get interviews with us,” Fegidero described of that moment. “It was crazy. It was like when the Azkals beat Vietnam in the 2010 Suzuki Cup. The difference is that was the pre-internet age.”

Added Rudy del Rosario who also played striker for the team, “The headline in Malaysia the following day read: ‘national disaster.’ That was how big it was. They were the defending SEA Games champions and the whipping boys of Southeast Asia just beat them. We were giant killers. We were kings if only for just one day.”

The coaching staff preached caution as dangerous Indonesia lurked around the corner, their last assignment of the group stage. They had four points in two matches and they had an opportunity to advance farther than they’ve ever done before.

And it looked like they would fell another giant as the Philippines led Indonesia 1-0. But defender Judy Saluria fouled an Indonesian inside the box and that led to a penalty. The Filipinos never recovered from that as not only did the Merah Putih equalize but they also scored a second goal to win 2-1.

In the next stage of the competition, Singapore, all too aware of the capabilities of the Filipinos, did not allow the home team to get in the game as they blanked the Filipinos for the first time in the competition to beat them 2-0 for the bronze medal. The Philippines finished fourth in the seven-nation football tournament.

Following the 1991 Southeast Asian Games where the Philippines placed second in the medal tally, the Men’s Football Team, after eight months of playing together, was disbanded while their German advisers went back to their home country.

For one brief and shining moment, the draw against Vietnam and the win against Malaysia (followed by the thrilling match against Indonesia that ended in a loss), gave the country something to cheer for. And it inspired many of the current generation playing football today.

The starting XI during the Philippines vs. Malaysia game:

Melo Sabacan – goalkeeper

Adolfo Alicante – sweeper

Judy Saluria – stopper

Marlon Maro – stopper

Rolando Piñero – left fullback

Edgar Berja – right fullback

Hersey Salmon – left wing

Eduardo Duran – right wing

Alfredo Dioso Jr. – midfield

Filamer Rosell – striker

Norman Fegidero Jr. – striker

The 1991 Philippine Men’s Football National Team:

Adolfo Alicante, Iloilo, DF

Jess Baron, Iloilo, DF

Elmer Bedia, Iloilo, FW

Edgar Berja, Iloilo, DF

Nonoy Carpio, Manila, GK

Rudy del Rosario, Manila, FW

Jun dela Cruz, Iligan, DF/MF

Alfredo Dioso Jr., Bacolod, MF
Eduardo Duran, Dumaguete, MF

Norman Fegidero Jr., Bacolod, FW

Herbert Ignacio, Dumaguete, DF/MF

Eduardo Marasigan Jr., Batangas, MF

Marlon Maro, Dumaguete, DF

Rolando Piñero, Dumaguete, DF

Filamer Rosell, Manila MF/FW

Melo Sabacan, Bacolod, GK

Hersey Salmon, Davao, MF Acer

Judy Saluria, Iloilo, DF Manila Army

Coaching Staff:

Consultant: Eckhard Krautzun, Germany

Goalkeeper coach, Riko Weigand, Germany

Rolando Plagata, Iloilo, head coach

Consurcio Manresa, Iligan, assistant coach

Where are they now?

Adolfo Alicante led FEU to several football titles and is now coach of Green Archers United.

Jess Baron is with the Philippine Army.

Elmer Bedia lives in Australia where he handles a variety of football clinics.

Edgar Berja recently retired from the Air Force and now resides in his native Iloilo.

Nonoy Carpio works with the Asian Football Confederation.

Rudy del Rosario is one of three people to form Kaya FC and is currently the head coach of the Homeless World Cup Team

Alfredo Dioso Jr. works with an electric company.

Norman Fegidero Jr. coached the Azkals for a spell and is the successful head coach of West Negros University. He also coaches Pachanga FC in the UFL.

Herbert Ignacio works with a bank.

Eduardo Marasigan Jr. now resides in the United States.

Marlon Maro is coach of the College of Saint Benilde, the Street Child World Cup Team, and Navy FC.

Rolando Piñero is an assistant coach with the Azkals and was there with the team in Vietnam in that momentous 2010 Suzuki Cup.

Filamer Rossel works for Mama Sita.

Melo Sabacan is a goalkeeper coach today with Navy.

Hersey Salmon works with Acer.

Judy Saluria is with the Army.

Eckhard Krautzun still does football work for FIFA.

Riko Weigand is still a goalkeeper coach.

Rolando Plagata passed away.

Consurcio Manresa works with the PFF as Technical Director for Mindanao.

Poll results: The All-UFL Starting XI

Two weeks ago, I asked the readers of Bleachers’ Brew to vote for their All-UFL Starting XI (those who are playing in the current league tournament). And the poll drew 176 votes. And here are he results:

Coach: Juan Cutillas

The subs are: Ruben Doctora Jr., Jake Morallo, William Guerridon, Carli de Murga, and Tats Mercado.

The winners for the raffle (they win a UFL t-shirt).

Saba Garmaroudi (thanks for sending your entry!)

Gemmy Lontoc

Ralph Barcos

Dimple Belono

Jules Batisla-Ong

Here is Saba's starting XI vote:

Thanks to the UFL – Phil Hagedorn, Santi Araneta, and Coco Torre for helping with this. And thank you to those who voted! Much appreciated.

UAAP Football Finals: Maroon at the top

Maroon at the top

It was a difficult season for UP but the finals game was a cinch.

by rick olivares pic by brosi gonzales

February 26, 2012

Ateneo High School Football Field

The football season began as it started. With UP playing the first and last games and both, wins. More importantly, they were defending champions when the tournament kicked off and after two months of intense competition, they remain champions. And for good measure, for the third time in four years.

The Fighting Maroons dominated the championship game against punchless UST and they only needed one goal to confirm their mastery of their España-based foe that has yet to beat them in two years. A simple through ball in the 61^st minute by winger Jay Eusebio slipped past central backs Ronald Batisla-Ong and Dadam Regis and that put striker Jinggoy Valmayor in a one-on-one situation against keeper Mon Borigas that was almost too easy. Valmayor simply slotted it in for his fifth goal of the season.

At the start of the game, it looked like UST’s rookie left back, John Timothy Bolo was battling a case of nerves as he misplayed a series of first and second balls that UP was quick to exploit. Valmayor dashed forward with Bolo and Batisla-Ong trying to close him down. But the rock solid forward managed to get a shot off that Borigas parried away.

The Maroons forced the Tigers to make their runs from the flanks and the wingers were not successful in sending playable crosses for striker Ojay Clarino. Instead, they overshot their target or were picked off by UP keeper Tyrone Caballes.

UP ended the first half with Ghanaian midfielder Ayi Aryee volleying from some 25 yards out that was a little high above the crossbar. Another message that the Maroons were finding the range.

UST, making its third consecutive men’s football finals appearance (sadly all losing efforts), only found some life to their attack when Nigerian forward Uche Ememandu came in after Valmayor’s strike. But UP’s vaunted defense (that has surrendered only one goal all season including two last year) clamped down and left the Tigers with no shots on goal.

It wasn’t an easy season for the champions as they only had one win and four draws to show after five matches. While the team was clearly not in sync (with some flashes of infighting seen during or after games), their defense, as anchored by central back Deo Segunial, held them. They faced strong challenges from the other teams but in the second round, they rediscovered their winning form.

The Tigers on the other hand, started the tournament well but faded in the second round. Suspensions to starting midfielders Ronnel Lagrimas and Ken Parao didn’t help their cause one bit in the finals as their mids failed to feed Clarino a decent ball. They ended the season once more in heartbreak and with more questions. With Clarino graduating, there’s a hole up front that has to be filled. But perhaps, how can this team bounce back after three successive defeats in the finals (2010 to FEU and 2011 and 2012 to UP).

As for next year, “I’ll think about that in a few month’s time,” said UP co-head coach Anto Gonzales after the match. Gonzales won two titles as a player and three as head coach (with Frank Muescan). “I want to celebrate first and savor this.”

Season Awardees:

Most Valuable Player – Nathan Octavio (UP)

Best Striker – Jesus Melliza with seven goals (FEU)

Best Midfielder – Ayi Nii Aryee

Best Defender – Shirmar Felongco (UST)

Best Goalkeeper – Tyrone Caballes (UP)

Rookie of the Year – Michael Simms (UP)

With Ayi, Deo and Jay. 

UAAP Baseball Finals: Bulldogs even it up to book a Game Three

This appears in ateneo.edu

Bulldogs even it up to book a Game Three

by rick olivares

February 26, 2012

Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium

The National University Bulldogs feasted on the early pitching of Ateneo’s Adriane Bernardo in the early innings then held off the Blue Batters’ late charge for a 5-2 win to send the UAAP Baseball Finals to a decisive Game Three.

Both starting pitchers for the two teams – NU’s Aries Oruga and Ateneo’s Bernardo – did not have their stuff but it was the Bulldogs who made the Blue Eagles pay for the bad pitching and failure to stop their aggression on the base paths.

Oruga wasn’t 100% after his recent injury in the match against UST while Bernardo was pitching on three days’ rest. But NU did it on the offensive end as their hit and run tactics and base running tested the arm of Ateneo catcher Dio Remollo as well short stop Charles Catangui and second baseman Kevin Ramos. The Bulldogs were 7-1 in steals and were up 4-0 after four and a half innings.

In the second inning, designated hitter Mark Elic and short stop Ram Alipio got on base with a double and a walk respectively. As Bernardo unloaded a pitch to left fielder Herxel Fortunato, Alipio took off for second base. Remollo tired to gun him down but the ball went through Ateneo shortstop Charles Catangui. Elic easily dashed for home; 1-0 NU.

At the top of the third inning, NU first baseman Aprix Santos had two RBIs when his hit Bernardo’s second pitch into the gap between second and third for a 3-0 lead.

Prior to the start of the fourth inning, Bernardo looked up high to the sky as if to implore for help as he had thrown 54 pitches in the first three innings. But the Game One winner’s misery continued as NU second baseman Jezeel Rosita added a RBI single to make it 4-0.

After Rosita’s hit, Ateneo coach Emer Barandoc took the ball from Bernardo’s glove and handed the pitching reigns to Tantuico (while Bernardo moved over to short stop while Kevin Ramos shifted over to second base).

Tantuico proceeded to pitch three and 2/3 innings of shut out ball as his power pitching baffled the NU batters.

With Ateneo steadier on the mound, the Blue Batters’ bats came alive. Tantucio followed his fourth inning of relief with a towering home run to left field (some 315 feet) for a run. An inning later, Catangui hit a RBI single to make it 4-2.

Ateneo had two chances to overhaul the lead when they loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh and the ninth innings but Tantuico popped out and Bocc Bernardo struck out respectively. 

Obviously bothered by his crucial out at the bottom of the seventh, Tantuico’s pitching suffered and he walked Elic in a bases loaded situation on the top of the ninth to give NU a 5-2 lead that the Bulldogs would hold on to the end.

When Tantuico took the mound, he not only silenced the NU bats but also their loud and vociferous bench with a display of power pitching. But the Blue Batters inability to get the big hit (they stranded 14 runners) did them in.

“We didn’t get the job done,” said a concerned Matt Laurel, Ateneo’s third baseman who was also instrumental in stopping the bleeding of the first four innings with his defense. After Rosita’s RBI single in the fourth, he threw out Fortunato at first and tagged out Alipio who was off the bag after he caught a one hopper by NU third baseman Johndel Tolosa to end the fourth inning. “Now we have to really focus on getting the job done. But it’s going to be tough because it’s an exam week for us. But no excuses. We will just have to get it done.”

Oruga pitched a complete game to get the win for NU. Bernardo lost his second game in seven starts.

Ateneo de Manila University

19 Bernardo Adriane Ros P

3 Ramos, Kevin SS

17 Catangui Charles 2B

11 Laurel, Matt 3B

63 Tantuico Paco 1B

14 Remollo, Dio C

21 Long, Kirk CF

10 Bagamasbad, Gabe RF

7 Reyes, Matt RF

Changes:

Ros to 2^nd Paco pitching

Charles to 1^st

Ramos to 2^nd

Pelos Remollo to CF at the top of the 7^th inning

Kirk Long to right field; Gab Bagamasbad out.

National University

29 Rosita Jezreel 2B

3 Lumbres RF

6 Gante MJ CF

4 Olivares, Alfred C

8 Santos, Aprix 1B

7 Elic, M DH

9 Alipio, R SS

10 Fortunato, Herxel LF

44 Tolosa, Jhondel 3B

23 Oruga, Aries P

---------------------------

Adriane Bernardo in first game:
First pitch strike 5x 
First pitch ball 3x
He faded once he got to the 7th inning.


Adriane Bernardo in second game:
First pitch strike 2x
First pitch ball 2x

Back Four Bums Episode 9: At Bootcamp

Welcome to the ninth episode of the Back Four Bums! We took our podcast on the road today (we have done it at Bob's house and at UMak) -- to Bootcamp, the new football store at the 3rd Floor of the Regis Center along Katipunan Avenue. Here's an earlier post about Bootcamp. Anyways, we recorded after the UAAP Men's Football Finals that UP won, 1-0, over UST. Bob Guerrero was host and we yakked about the UAAP, the UFL, the Azkals in the Middle East, the Hassanal Bolkiah Cup, and the AFL. Plus, we had former UP footballer Jed Rances drop by our recording -- at Bootcamp!

While we were interviewing Jed, the seat that I was on tilted and as I was falling, I kneed Ebong! Man, I thought I ended his career right there (joke!). Sorry, bro. Luckily nothing untoward happened. 

Anyways, we hope that you enjoy our podcasts as presented to you by Gatorade!

At the Azkals Pep Rally @SM Megamall & the winner of our Why You Should Win 3 Bleachers Tix to the Philippines-Malaysia match.

One of my good friends on the football national team is Misagh Bahadoran. During today's Pep Rally (Yep, I suggested that activity after the Icheon Citizen match) at SM Megamall, the Fil-Iranian was pleasantly surprised that I wore a "Bahadoran" jersey. We both joked about who is the "real Misagh". Hahaha. Who is it anyways?

And we had a contest on Bleachers' Brew last night where I was giving away three (3) bleachers tickets to the Philippines-Malaysia match on Wednesday, February 29. I asked readers to write a paragraph on why they should win the tickets and the best one wins all three. And here's our winner........ tada.....

Edmon Pineda of Tarlac: “I badly want those tickets not for me but for my brother. His name is Eldridge. He wants to call himself Neil Eldridge! Hahaha! I can see the pain he suffers when our team loses. The joy that he feels in every Azkals goal is indescribable. We hugged each other and jump for joy and with tears streaming down our eyes. He always tells me that he wants to watch an Azkals game but tickets are quite expensive. That’s why I want to win those tickets!"

The Philippine Men's National Team with the Local Organizing Committee for the home matches.

That new football shop along Katipunan -- Bootcamp!

There's a new football shop in town and that's Bootcamp. Located at the 3rd Floor of the Regis Center along Katipunan Road (in front of Gate 3 of Ateneo de Manila), Bootcamp is designed to provide equipment and kits for football players and fans. I checked it out today, Friday, before going home and it's not a bad start for this endeavor put up by Green Tee Inc with former UP footballer Andrei Mercader as Football Coordinator. Good job!

If there's anything that piqued my interest it is the black long sleeves Barcelona. I have the short sleeved version that I bought in Kuwait. But I kinda like the long sleeved one. The other would be the Russia kit but this is not the version I like (they also have Scotland). I heard that they aren't done filling it up with the shirts of other clubs. I guess that is good because there really aren't enough choices. Too many Manchester United shirts as well. Ugh. Those playing in the second season of the Ateneo Football League you might want to check out Bootcamp for your boots, shin guards, and other stuff.

Good start but it would also be cool to have DVDs, scarves, pins and other paraphernalia. Just spoke with Andrei and he assured me that their stocks and variety will improve soon! Yeah!

Lin's everywhere. Except that he did turn down GQ.

Good article by Sean Gregory. What I love here is the Christian Nerd High Five. Wrote Gregory, "Asian Americans can tell when the competition isn't taking them seriously. They hope that Lin can correct such ethnic slights."

Back to back cover stories in Sports Illustrated? Who has done that aside from Michael Jordan? But content, man. Content. The latest issue is better though.

The Miami Heat shut Lin down today and he was held to career lows. You know what this reminds me of -- the 1992 Barcelona Olympics when Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen shut down Croatia's Toni Kukoc. I think Lin will be just fine once he gets used to all of this. He'll figure it out.

UAAP Baseball Finals: Ateneo responds to NU’s challenge with a 11-4 victory

This appears in ateneo.edu

Dylan Tantuico fires away for an RBI single. I'd say he was the best player of the game for his clutch hitting.

Ateneo responds to NU’s challenge with a 11-4 victory

by rick olivares pics by brosi gonzales

February 23, 2012

Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium

There’s a moment in every game when one team is at a crossroads. Either a particular play, a save, a block, a hit, a substitution, or even a coaching change defines the moment.

For the Ateneo Blue Batters, it was a response.

A response to a huge uprising by the National University Bulldogs after they were spotted a 7-0 lead heading into the eighth inning. With two outs away, they loaded the bases as Ateneo pitcher Ros Bernardo ran out of steam. NU catcher Fred Olivares smacked one to dead center field. A sure out for Pelos Remollo who came in an inning earlier. Only Remollo misjudged the ball’s drop to terra firma and the ball smacked him on the arms and rolled past him. Three runs scored. Four pitches later, Olivares later crossed the plate when first baseman Aprix Santos smacked a RBI single.

Those four runs knocked Bernardo off the mound in favor of Kevin Ramos (2-5; single and a double). With runners at second and first, Ramos struck out NU left fielder Herxel Fortunato to end the threat.

At the top of the ninth, NU mysteriously intentionally walked Ateneo third baseman Matt Laurel who since smacking a three-run homer in the top of the first inning to put Ateneo ahead had not done much offensively. That loaded the bases as Dylan Tantuico coming to the plate.

In the fifth inning, the battery of Mark Gante and Fred Olivares intentionally walked Laurel with Tantuico on deck. The gamble worked as Tantuico hit into an inning ending double play.

But in the seventh inning, Tantuico, the Blue Batters’ first baseman, hit an RBI single to make it 5-0 for Ateneo.

With two men out and two on base, Tantuico crushed a slider that hung a little bit too much to bring home Bernardo and Ramos. That made it 9-4, Ateneo.

An RBI single through the gap by Ateneo catcher Dio Remollo brought home Laurel. One pitch later, Tantuico stole home on a wild pitch by Gante to make it 11-4. The Blue Batters regained their seven-run advantage.

In the bottom of the ninth, Ramos finished off the Bulldogs as Ateneo took Game One of the Best-of-Three UAAP Baseball Finals.

“I love the way we responded,” said Laurel after the match. “In our seventh game, we put Adamson in a hole and they responded. We didn’t. Now we showed that we can as well.”

In that second round match against the Falcons, Ateneo spotted Adamson a six-run lead before falling 14-11.

Bernardo who threw for 8 2/3 innings pitched an economical game throwing 101 pitches (60 strikes and 41 balls) to get the win. He also productive offensively as he essayed two singles and a double in five at-bats. He also walked twice.

Bernardo’s counterpart, Mark Gante, pitched a complete game (147 pitches with 86 strikes and 61 balls).

However, from the opening pitch, Gante was in trouble. He beaned Bernardo with his very first pitch. Ramos slapped the second pitch his saw to deep left to advance Bernardo to third on a double. Then his offspeed pitch hung on Laurel as well who deposited the ball into the left field porch for an early 3-0 lead for Ateneo. It was Laurel’s second home run of the season.

Ramos who pitched 1 and 1/3 innings of relief got the save while surrendering no runs.

The Bulldogs stranded seven runners while the Blue Eagles left three men on.

Batting order

Ateneo Blue Eagles

19 Bernardo, Ros (P) 5 ABs – 2 walks, 2 singles, double

3 Ramos Kevin (SS) 5 ABs – single, double

17 Catangui, Charles (2B) 5 ABs – 2 doubles, 1RBI

11 Laurel, Matt (3B) 5 ABs – home run, 3 RBIs, 2 walks

63 Tantuico, Dylan (1B) 5 ABs – single, double, 3 RBIs

14 Remollo, Dio (C) – 5 ABs – two singles, double, 1RBI

21 Long, Kirk (CF) 3 ABs – two Ks 0-3

10 Bagamasbad, Gabe (RF) 2 ABs 0-2

7 Reyes, Matt (LF) 4 ABs – walk

5 Remollo, Pelos (CF) 2 RBIs

NU Bulldogs

29 Rosita, Jezreel (2B) – 5 ABs single, double

3 Lumbres, Mark (RF) – 5 ABs 0-5

6 Gante, Mike John (P) – 5 ABs single, walk

4 Olivares, Alfred (C) – 4 ABs triple

8 Santos, Aprix (1B) – 4 ABs single, walk

9 Alipio, Ram (SS) – 4 ABs two singles

10 Fortunato, Herxel (LF) – 4 ABs - double

44 Tolosa, Johndel (3B) – 4 ABs single

18 Gante, Mar (CF) - walk

Support the Blue Batters on Sunday at 9am at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium! OBF!


Matt Laurel, I'm sorry. I got your HR on video but I lost my dam high def cam! Darn. I hate Rizal. First I lost my cellphones and now my cam.

-------------------

Here's one on the UAAP Women's Volleyball Finals.