THE ATENEO Softball Team (0-2) was dealt their second loss in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 after conceding to the nine-peat champions Adamson University (AdU) Lady Falcons, 0-3. The match was held yesterday, January 21, at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Baseball Field in Quezon City. 

After their loss to the UP Fighting Maroons in their season debut, the Blue Eagles made sure to improve on their previous errors, especially since they had to play a near-perfect match against the defending champions. 

Both squads opened the game with superb defense as they settled for no hits until the second inning. After securing their players on third base, Adamson finally scored off a hit and ended the deadlock in the fourth inning, 0-1. The Katipunan-based squad held their ground with solid catches in the field to keep their opponents’ at bay, but fielding errors plagued Ateneo’s chance to get closer, giving the Lady Falcons another point at 0-2. 

Quite notably, Ateneo freshman pitcher Katrina Ditchon went on an impressive streak as she struck out the majority of the Adamson batters. However, in the sixth inning, a good read of the pitch by Aliza Talisik allowed her to make the run and build a more comfortable gap for AdU, 0-3. 

The Blue Eagles attempted to decrease the Adamson lead from the home plate but the opposing fielders anticipated their hits and went all in for the catches. Innings eventually ran out for the Blue and White side, ultimately handing them a 0-2 standing in the league.

“I think momentum is on our side. It was definitely an improvement from our first game and I hope we keep on going—pushing harder together to get better results,” shared Ateneo Left Fielder Germaine Guinto. 

Ateneo will look to get their first victory as they go head-to-head with the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses at 2 PM on February 25 at the same venue.