MANILA – University of Santo Tomas’ softball team rookie Royevel Palma is in hopes that their team will be excluded from penalties set to impose by the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Board following the controversial “Sorsogon Bubble” of the school’s men’s basketball team.
Speaking to Sports Lang podcast on Sunday evening, the Pototan, Iloilo-native Palma said she is praying that other UST sports will be spared as she personally looks forward to making her debut with the Golden Tigresses.
“Hopefully, there will be no sanction for other UST teams like softball,” said Palma, who was the pitcher for the Philippine softball team that won gold during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games held in the country.
Royevel, along with her elder sister Royeve Palma, are rookie pitchers and first basemen for the Golden Tigresses. They were recruited from First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities in Batangas.
It was at the Tanauan, Batangas-based school that the Palma sisters got a huge break on their softball careers as they carried the country’s colors several times in World Series competitions.
“Aside from representing the country abroad, being recruited to play for UST in UAAP is a fulfillment of our dream,” said the 20-year-old Royeve. “Personally, I am determined to prove myself to the team that I am taking every training seriously.”
“Being recruited by UST is just the start. A lot of sacrifices and hard work is still needed for us to be instrumental in helping the team end its UAAP championship drought,” added the 19-year-old Royevel.
The Golden Tigresses are looking to have a better finish in UAAP Season 83 after placing runner-up in Season 81 last year. The softball competition for UAAP Season 82 early this year was suspended due to coronavirus pandemic./PN
