MANILA, Philippines — Adamson staged a furious comeback to hand league-leading Ateneo its first defeat, 14-11, in the 74th UAAP baseball tournament yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

The Falcons looked like goner already when slugger Matt Laurel blasted a mammoth three-run homer to complete a seven-run sixth inning that gave the Blue Eagles a 11-6 lead. But catcher Nelson Salazar smashed a two-run homer, pitcher Warren Vispo hit an RBI double before he and Nelson Go later scored on a passed ball coupled with a throwing error to first by catcher Bocboc Bernardo in the bottom half of the said inning.

Those sequences enabled Adamson to cut Ateneo's lead to 11-10. In the seventh frame, the Falcons delivered the coup de grace. Vispo hit a two-out, two-run double to right field with the bases loaded to sent two runners home for a 12-11 lead. Right fielder Gab Bagamasbad tried to make a diving catch but the ball fell inches short off his glove. – Jonas Terrado

Perpetual Favored

University of Perpetual Help System Dalta and Letran College start their title series in the 87th National Collegiate Athletic Association women’s volleyball championship at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Adriatico, Manila. Game 1 of their best-of-three series is set at 2 p.m., with the SSC belles out to extend their win streak to 14.

The SSC belles scored a sweep of their matches in the Final Four, including a 25-16, 25-15, 25-19 victory over the Lady Knights in a no-bearing match last Friday. Defending men’s champion Altas and the San Beda Red Lions, meanwhile, clash in their own title series opener at 3:30 p.m.

The Altas are gunning for their second straight championship, while the Red Lions, who have reached the finals for the third time in four years, are eyeing their first-ever title. The SSC belles, who will be seeking their first title since joining the league in 1984, have dominated the women’s side despite the departure of April Ann Sartin.

‘I Run For Integrity’ Set

The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) is set to hold a symbolic run against corruption on Feb. 5 in Cebu City. Dubbed “I Run For Integrity – Cebu Leg,” the event is expected to attract at least 1,000 runners from various government agencies, private sector, educational institutions, and youth organizations.

The run, divided into the 3 km, 6 km, and 12 km categories, will start at the Ayala Center Cebu Terraces and will go through major streets in the city. Since its launching in 2010, the ECCP-initiated Integrity Initiative has attracted more than 1,000 companies in the Philippines along with 17 government agencies.

The project aims to assist the government combat corruption, provide a level playing field for investors, and minimize unemployment in the country.

Adamson Run

Adamson University will celebrate its 80th Foundation Anniversary with various activities, including a fun run dubbed as Falcons Let’s Run 2 on Feb. 4 at the Quirino Grandstand.

Events on tap are 3K and 5K. Adamson president Rev. Fr. Gregorio Banaga, C.M, is inviting Adamson students, alumni and supporters to join the event sponsored by Freego. Some 1,000 running enthusiasts are expected to take part in the event. Run starts at 6 a.m.

R.T.U. Reigns

Rizal Technological University brought down EARIST, 84-79, to capture the basketball title in the 24th State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) championship for the third straight year.

Handled by multi-titled coach Beaujing Acot and supported by RTU president Dr. Jesus Torres, the Blue Thunder were led by Allyn Mark Malabanan who finished with a double double of 23 points and 11 rebounds. “It’s really a big achievement for the players and the team,” said Acot.