“Defend the crown!” echoes across the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) Alumni slo-pitch softball team as the 2-time defending champions prepare for an electrifying Season 18 of the Alumni Slo-pitch Softball League (ASSL) in the face of other schools set to parade their strongest line-up in years.
Kicking off on October 22, 2023, at the Manila Polo Club Softball field with two new teams entering the fray, this year promises to be anything but predictable.
The Contenders
The seasoned teams—UPLB, Adamson University, Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), and De La Salle University (DLSU)—will face fresh competition from newcomers Rizal Technological University (RTU) and Brent School.
Team UPLB’s Arsenal
“Our strength is our players play regularly,” states UPLB Coach Louie Cabrera. UPLB has recently hosted the 1st Laguna Slo-pitch softball tournament and its core players participate in other leagues like the MSSL and the PSSL. The Fighting Maroons of Los Banos will parade last year’s best player Peng Riparip, and former fast pitch pitchers Cora Lanaca and Rona Ignacio. Baron Alqueza, hard-hitting Jojo Ignacio, and utility player Elmer Mendoza.
Adamson’s Heavy Hitters
Adamson’s line-up is nothing short of legendary, featuring ex-national players Jenette Rusia, Flor Fabiana, and Orlando Binarao, backed by Alvin Bernardino, Richard Siacor, and Jeric Cruzat.
Ateneo’s Rising Stars
Ateneo relies on young talents like Toby Panlilio and Jun Muyco, bolstered by veterans Mo Francisco, Pat Cusi, and Jean Ong for backup and Ogy Yap, Kris Ablan, and Dale Amparo for defense.
DLSU’s Winning Odds
The Green Archers of La Salle are the bookies’ favorites. They parade a formidable roster including Kim Amiado, April Arboleda, and Carrie Ong, along with national players Joseph Orillana and Matt Laurel.
Fresh Faces in the Game
Newcomers Brent School and RTU are eager to make their mark. Brent’s firepower comes from Ben Cope, Seba Miranda, and Denis Nelson, while RTU is considered this season’s dark horse, featuring Coach Lito Pulgo and standout players Ronnie Alvaran, Raul Araya, and Lorraine Basarisas.
Opening Showdown
In a twist of fate, the season opens with a rematch between DLSU and ADMU. Their last encounter saw DLSU narrowly defeat ADMU, adding extra spice to this already anticipated game.
Here is the Opening Day Games Schedule:
Don’t miss out on any of the action this ASSL 2023 season. Share this article to spread the word and let’s root for our favorite teams as they battle it out on the field!
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