TAGBILARAN City, Province of Bohol -- The hunt is over as Davao Region at last won a grand slam following a 12-1 thrashing of Cagayan Valley Region in the National Private School Athletic Association (Prisaa) Games 2018 men's baseball finals held at the Maribojoc Field here Friday.
The Davao Region batters have been chasing the grandslam for over a decade.
"Lipay kaayo ko kay sa kadugay namong attempt sa wakas naka three-peat jud mi. Since 2002 pa amoa na gyud nang ginapanangandoy. Since player pako hangtod nag coach nalang ko (I'm so happy that after how many attempts we finally made a three-peat. We've been dreaming about it since I was a player until I became a coach)," coach Vincent Ryan Sarabia said.
Davao Region, represented by the University of Mindanao for decades now, had won several National Prisaa titles including back-to-back feats but never a grandslam.
"Sige lang mi two-year streak then pildi na sad mi sa third year. Halos thrice na mi nag back-to-back pero pildi pirmi sa third or minsan dili mi maka-qualify sa regionals (We often win two-year streaks but we often lose on the third year and that happened twice or thrice already)", the veteran coach said.
As a coach, Sarabia said he's happy that his players could celebrate with him as most of them will be graduating.
He also thanked University of Mindanao president Guillermo Torres, Jr. and UM sports director Joaquin "Boy" Sarabia, his uncle, and the rest of those who kept believing in him and giving support to the team.
Jester Dave Mansalayao, meanwhile, was named most valuable player (MVP) and was hailed as the best pitcher and most home run awardee.
"Nagsugod mi tanan sa isa ka dream nga gipaningkamutan. Dako kaayo kog pasalamat sa akoang teammates labi na sa akoang coach kay dugay na kaayo namo jud ni ginapangandoy (We all started to dream and worked hard for it. I thank my teammates and my coach we have waited for this for a long time)," the MVP said.
Lowie Jhon Chan, last year's MVP, was named best hitter.
The Davao Region was also bannered by Edgardo Baniog, Rodnel Dalor, Vince Agmata, Alnyl Jay Capapas, Darel Dave Olaivar, Joshua Miguillan, Johnwil Cadotdot, Maurice Franz Mañalac, Eldie Butulan and Anthonie Libagan.