DESPITE COMMENDABLE efforts at-bat, the Ateneo Softball Team (AST) succumbed to the De La Salle University Lady Batters, 1-9, in their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 Softball campaign. The rivalry match happened earlier today at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in the City of Manila.

The loss puts the last-placed Blue and White at a 0-6 record in the tournament. For a much-needed silver lining, this ball game was the third match in Season 87 where the Blue Eagles accrued runs for their side, with Co-captain Raya Franco being today’s contributor.

Ateneo stumbled to field their way into clean outings in the first two innings, leading to an early disadvantage. Stellar ace Jessica Daquigan provided commendable pitches for the Blue Eagles but failed to keep Tiffany Labargan, alongside her fellow Lady Batters, from touching home plate, 0-3.

Moving to the third inning, the Loyola Heights-based hitters toiled through at-bats in search of a run, but struggled to knock in liners against ace Glecilyn Alipato. To make matters worse, the Lady Batters rallied in the bottom of the third, with April Gonzalez and La Salle’s subsequent hitters producing a six-run blow against Ateneo, 0-9.

Despite the wide deficit, the AST preserved their staunch determination with a run in the fourth inning. After third baseman Franco reached the plate off a hit against Alipato, Asya Tuprio knocked in a resounding sacrifice fly to send the co-captain home, 1-9. 

However, in the top of the fifth, La Salle’s pitcher Joerjette Jorda stepped up to the mound and closed the game with a perfect inning of her own, sealing Ateneo’s defeat.

The Blue Eagles will once again hope to defy the odds in an upcoming battle against reigning champions Adamson University Lady Falcons on Saturday, at 8:00 AM in the same venue.

Current Standings

1. AdU Lady Falcons (5-0)
2. UP Fighting Maroons (4-1)
3. DLSU Lady Batters (3-3)
4. UST Tiger Softbelles (2-4)
5. ATENEO Blue Eagles (0-6)