THE ATENEO Softball Team conceded to the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Softbelles in a lopsided affair, 0-14, to kickoff their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 campaign. The game took place earlier this afternoon at the UP Diliman Baseball Field in Quezon City.

Ateneo opened the contest with their backs already against the wall, as UST would score two runs at the top of the first inning, courtesy of  Teresa Blanco and Charlotte Sales. The Blue Eagles failed to counter in the bottom of the first, ending the side in order to remain hitless through one, 0-2.

The second inning gave the Blue Eagles some hope, as starting pitcher Carsi Cruz’s stellar pitches made quick work of the Tiger Softbelles to end the canto with no additional runs in the opponent’s favor. However, Ateneo got a taste of their own medicine, after UST’s pitcher made quick work of Ateneo team captain Alia Tuprio and Carsi Cruz to highlight the bottom of the second frame.

Beginning the third set, UST’s Erika Fernandez started off the third inning and immediately got on base after four balls. With a runner on first base, Blanco brought home both Fernandez and herself following a hit and an error from the Ateneo fielders, 0-4. With no outs yet in the inning, Jojielyn Lim brought home another run for the UST, extending the lead to 5-0 before getting to the bottom half of the frame. An uneventful bottom of the third for Ateneo sent the game to the fourth inning, with a five-point deficit still intact.

UST’s momentum carried over into the fourth and fifth innings, scoring nine more unanswered points to make it a 14-0 blowout. To stay alive, Ateneo had to cut the lead to seven in order to avoid ending the game via the mercy rule. Ultimately, the Blue Eagles were unable to do so, ending in a blowout victory for UST through the mercy rule.

Ateneo will look to bounce back and get on the winning column as they take on De La Salle University Lady Batters on Wednesday, February 28, 3:00 PM  at the same venue.