UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas graduating skipper Max Mercado insisted that he’s pleased but not satisfied with just reaching the finals in the UAAP Season 79 baseball tournament on his last playing year with the squad.
“Last playing year na namin, tapos nakapunta kami dito so sobrang saya namin. Nakaabot kami ng championship,” said Mercado, who vowed to rally his team after bowing to Ateneo in Game One, 9-2.
With a chance at taking the championship back to UST after a six-year drought, Mercado is taking his leadership role seriously as he hopes to inspire the younger players.
“Tinutulungan ko sina coach na sabihin sa kanila kung ano yung kailangan gawin, kasi nakikita ko na natataranta sila,” said the fifth-year shortstop.
“As a leader, kailangan maging leader talaga yung attitude ko pagdating sa kanila, tapos sinasabi ko lang na yung teamwork, ‘yung pinakamahalaga,” he added.
Mercado pointed out that the Golden Sox need to improve on their base running if they are to even the series in Game Two, set on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
“Adjust namin yung base running. Wala namang problema sa hitting, lahat naman tumatama, base running lang dapat namin iimprove. Magiging magandang laro yan,” he said.
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