3MC Marist Secures 89th Araw ng Dabaw Baseball Championship in Dominant Win
The 3MC Marist of Koronadal City emerged victorious in the 89th Araw ng Dabaw Baseball Tournament, capturing the title after a decisive 6-1 win over the Kidapawan Vikings in Sunday's championship game held at Calinan National High School. This all-Region 12 showdown showcased the Marist team's offensive prowess, making their long journey to Davao City well worth the effort.
Early Offensive Surge Sets the Tone
Marist took control of the game early in the second inning with a powerful five-run rally that left the Vikings struggling to recover. Key players including Kenn Benedict Vergonia, Lesten Sanchez, Lloyd Salarda, Dhyn Hurter Balanon, Lance Sunga, and Seltiel Jalotjot all scored during this surge, building a commanding lead that set the stage for their eventual victory.
Kidapawan managed to avoid a shutout in the fourth inning when Alvin Maunes scored their lone run, but Marist quickly responded in the fifth inning with an insurance run to seal the 6-1 final score.
Tournament Path and Competitive Spirit
Earlier in the tournament, 3MC Marist advanced to the finals by defeating ABSA of Davao de Oro with a score of 7-2. The Kidapawan Vikings earned their spot in the championship after a narrow 4-2 victory over Davao RAF. In the battle for third place, Davao RAF secured a 4-0 win against ABSA to finish as second runner-up.
Tournament organizer Vincent Ryan P. Sarabia praised the competitive nature of the event, noting that the four-team field delivered tightly contested games despite the compact one-day format. In an interview with SunStar Davao, Sarabia emphasized the unpredictability of the outcome, stating, "It was not really expected that they would win because all the teams were contenders." He highlighted the longstanding rivalries among the teams, adding, "They've faced each other many times in the leagues, and sometimes the championship just goes back and forth between them."
Focus on Camaraderie and Organization
Sarabia also commended the excellent sportsmanship and strong camaraderie displayed throughout the tournament. He attributed this to the teams' familiarity with each other from years of competing in regional leagues across Mindanao. "The tournament was well-organized, and the sportsmanship was excellent because we all know each other from years of competing in tournaments across Mindanao," he remarked.
Due to the one-day format, individual awards or MVP honors were not distributed, underscoring the collective effort and team-oriented spirit of all participating squads.
Part of a Larger Sports Festival
The baseball meet was a key component of the 89th Araw ng Dabaw sports festival, organized by the city government of Davao through the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office (SDD-CMO). This event continues to foster community engagement and athletic excellence in the region.
