THE ATENEO Blue Eagles struggled to contain the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons in their Season 88 opener, falling to a 0-11 mercy rule. The match occurred earlier today, February 24, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in the City of Manila.
Ateneo starter Marvs Romano faced an early onslaught, as UP quickly took command with disciplined at-bats and timely hits. The Fighting Maroons sent a long line of batters to the plate, with contributions coming from Sathia Romero-Salas, Danica Aquino, Angel Pascual, Nickde Dela Cruz, Martine Francisco, Generose Torremocha, Jamm Rasco, Ruel Caoagdan, and Aila Sibaldo to build a commanding double-digit lead before Ateneo could record the third out.
Romano was later relieved by Katrice Ditchon, who helped stabilize the game and prevent further scoring across the succeeding innings. Ateneo’s defense—anchored by Czelle Basa, Zyra De Guzman, Andeng Daquigan, Burns Yap, Minelli Profeta, Fiona Baguiwet, Tootchie Eval, and Angely Alferez—tightened after the opening frame, limiting UP’s offense for the remainder of the contest.
Despite the improved fielding, the Blue Eagles struggled to generate offense. UP’s defense held firm, converting routine plays and denying the Blue Eagles any sustained momentum at the plate. Unable to break the Fighting Maroons’ momentum, Ateneo failed to register a run through four innings.
With UP maintaining an 11–0 advantage after the minimum required innings, the game concluded under mercy rule conditions. The Blue and White will look to rebound in its next outing on February 28 against De La Salle University at the same venue.
Innings scores:
UP (11): 11 0 0 X X X X
Ateneo (0): 0 0 0 0 0 X X
