The Ateneo Lady Eagles failed to cap off their 7th inning comeback with a win, as they lost a thriller to the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tigresses, 5-3.
The first inning was a promising one for the Lady Eagles, as starting Pitcher Nicki Borromeo quickly took down the first three batters of UST. Borromeo continued her success on the plate with a double to center field that put Lady Eagles’ Captain Ira Nevalga to the third with just one out. However, Ateneo’s struggles began, as they were unable to score in the first.
UST loaded the bases to start the 2nd inning, after a walk, a single and a successful bunt. Perales then opened scoring with a 2 RBI single for the Tigresses. In the top of the third, with runners on first and second, UST’s Garde hit a shot to left field to send home the runners. The Tigresses widened the gap with a fifth run in the same inning after Perales was brought home by Hernandez on a pop up. Meanwhile, Ateneo was struggling to find any offense, going hitless from the 2nd to the 5th inning.
However, rookie Pitcher Kevyn Lacson, entered the game in the fifth inning and allowed no runs in her 3 innings of work which opened the door for the Lady Eagles in the final three innings.
The Lady Eagles were determined to score in the beginning of the sixth inning. Borromeo hit a line drive to center field for single to get on base for the Blue and White, then was replace by pinch runner Nikola Lacson. Despite being tagged out at third, Abbie Gutierrez was able to give Ateneo its first point, as she brought pinch runner Nikola Lacson home.
In the bottom of the final inning, San Juan led off by hitting a in-the-park solo home run with the help of an overthrow near third base. With the Lady Eagles down 5-2, left fielder Bea Parma made it to first on a fielder’s choice with just one out. Noelle Dela Cruz then hit a huge RBI Triple to bring the score to 5-3 in favor of UST. Samantha Baterina then walked then stole second to put the tying run in scoring position for Ateneo with just one out. However, UST’s pitcher Antocihao proved too much as she halted Ateneo’s potential comeback the by striking out Ventosa and retiring Nevalga. The national team pitcher played nearly the entire game, whilst notching 14 strikeouts to her name.
It was a bittersweet loss for the Lady Eagles, who were in prime position to upset the Tigresses for second time in a row dating back to last season.
For Dela Cruz, who had the most crucial hit for Ateneo, the game was more about what happened on the field. “I offered it to my lolo, who passed away recently. All I did was play for him. That’s all I thought about.”
Head Coach Randy Dizer seemed optimistic after watching his team’s performance. “5-3 score against UST. They did their job. Looking forward to our second game, the way they’re playing, with our rookies trying to adjust, I think they have a chance.”
He also sung high praises for rookie Kevyn Lacson in her debut game, “Kevyn played well. She pitched three innings, [and pitched] three zeros. Next game, she might start.”
That next game for the Lady Eagles will be on Monday, February 5 at 11AM against the UP Fighting Maroons. The game will be at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
