THE 23-GAME losing streak is no more.

The Ateneo Lady Eagles got their long-awaited first win of the season after a 3-0 victory against the University of the East (UE) on Monday, February 22, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate.

The lady batters looked focused and invigorated at the start of the game, and it showed through their aggression at the plate. First baseman Nicki Borromeo set the tone for the Blue and White at the top of the first inning with a looping fly ball into right field for a single. She then showed off her speed, stealing second base and giving left fielder Bea Parma a runner in scoring position.

Despite batting in the unfamiliar role of cleanup hitter, Parma delivered at the plate with a two-out triple that sent Borromeo home. Catcher Chesca Imperial then followed up with a line drive straight down the middle for a single to score Parma.

The Ateneo’s aggression also showed on defense right off the bat. In the bottom of the first inning–after shortstop Lourdes Blanco got a line drive over Parma for a double, and second baseman Leslie Latina moved Blanco to third off a sacrifice bunt–the Lady Eagles worked hard to keep the Lady Warriors from scoring. A grounder from first baseman Imee Salvador was thrown quickly to first to prevent Blanco from getting home. Designated player Lovely Joy Redaja then grounded out to end the inning.

The Katipunan-based squad continued to threaten UE at the top of the second inning. With one out, shortstop Gabby Macatulad and second baseman Sam Baterina executed a pair of excellent bunts to get on base. An error from the Lady Warriors allowed Macatulad and Baterina to stand on third and second base, respectively. UE then managed to get out of the jam by substituting Elvie Senangote for Jonavie Jezerano on the mound, who quickly ended the inning with two straight outs.

The Lady Eagles continued to display their softball IQ throughout the game. In the bottom of the third and with UE’s Redaja at the plate, Ateneo Softball Program Head Randy Dizer and Interim Coach Adriane Bernardo signaled for the entire team to shift to the right side of the field. This seemed to catch Redaja off guard, as she hit the ball straight to shallow right field–and thus, straight to where the infield just shifted–to end the inning.

Meanwhile, starting pitcher Ira Nevalga was a workhorse all game for the lady batters. The veteran hurler started off shaky early on, but always managed to get out of the innings unscathed. She eventually settled into the game, going the whole way and getting two strikeouts to shut out the Lady Warriors.

An insurance run was then scored at the top of the sixth inning. After a brief discussion between the umpires, Nevalga was deemed hit-by-pitch to lead off the inning. The Lady Eagle then moved to second base off the Parma-sacrifice bunt. After Senangote walked Imperial, Team Co-Captain Clarisse Dacanay ripped a line drive into the left center gap for a double—scoring Nevalga.

Second life

After their game on Saturday, February 20 against the National University, the Lady Eagles held another team-only meeting. According to Team Co-captain Angela Natividad, the squad was able to clear the air on a number of issues that it was having throughout the season.

“We told each other we can’t do these bad habits anymore, and we have to build each other up and not tear each other down,” she said.

In addition, Bernardo pointed out that the lady batters have improved on the deficiencies they had before today’s game. “We’ve been telling them to be aggressive,” he said. “Unlike when compared to the other games, medyo matamlay. Ngayon, pinakita nila ang lahat ng kanilang kayang gawin (Unlike when compared to the other games, they seem flat. Now, they have shown everything that they are capable of doing).”

The Lady Eagles were also noticeably vocal during the game, something Bernardo did not see in the team until today. “Now, they’re talking, everyone’s talking, everyone’s there, everyone’s cheering for each other,” he said. “Wala yung nagsisisihan. (Nobody was putting the blame on anyone else).”

According to Natividad, the team made it a point to be more vocal and supportive on the field. “We agreed that every time someone makes a good play, we bring her up, instead of just leaving it be,” she said. “I think that helped a lot because in a team sport like this, if you feel isolated–if you feel alone at any point–then it’s harder to bring up an entire team, and even yourself.”

This win puts the Lady Eagles at 1-8 in the elimination round standings of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Softball tournament.

The Lady Eagles will look to continue their winning ways with their next game coming against longtime rivals De La Salle University, 1:00 PM, Wednesday, February 22 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Malate.

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