DESPITE THEIR best efforts, the Ateneo Softball Team succumbed to the UP Fighting Maroons in their first match of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 Softball tournament, 0-16. The latest installment of the Battle of Katipunan was held earlier today at the historic Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in the City of Manila.
This match also marked the UAAP’s return to the legendary diamond that played host to Babe Ruth’s 1934 home run for the first time since Season 81.
The Loyola Heights-based squad started off on the back foot, with the Blue and White’s batters immediately taken care of by the Fighting Maroons as they were caught out attempting to reach first base.
Come the bottom of the first inning, UP stepped up and was able to carve out an 11-run advantage. First baseman Martine Francisco led the Diliman-based unit, throwing off the Blue Eagles with her strong swings and well-placed bunts, 11-0.
It was the same story at the top of the second inning. With batters Asya Tuprio, Andrea Daquigan, and Burns Yap held at home plate, the trio failed to commence any runs due to UP’s swift pitches.
Once again at bat, the Fighting Maroons picked up where they left off, scoring five runs. The inning’s last run was courtesy of UP’s Nickole Dela Cruz, who brought Angel Pascual back to home base, increasing the team’s advantage to 16.
Staring down one last chance to get on the board, Ateneo was once again thrown off by the opposition as UP’s shortstop and fielders halted any chances for a run from the Blue and White. This officially marked the end of the game at the top of the third by way of the mercy rule.
Nevertheless, Team Captain Rocio Macasaet highlights the positives to be gained by the Blue Eagle squad from this game, as well as what the Blue and White need to adjust for the long season ahead.
“Seeing our rookies in action for the first time on the UAAP stage is a great start. Even though we didn’t achieve the victory, it’s encouraging to see progress being made,” she said.
However, Macasaet also mentions key areas for improvement in the team: “We need more communication as a team and to be aware of each of our individual roles so that we can all contribute.”
The Blue Eagles will look to get in the winning column against rivals De La Salle University Lady Batters on March 1 at 12:30 PM in the same venue.
The Lines:
Ateneo (0): 0 0 0 x x x x – 0 0 2
UP (16): 11 5 x x x x x – 16 12 0
Current Standings (W-L):
- UP Fighting Maroons (1-0)
- UST Tiger Softbelles (1-0)
- AdU Lady Falcons (0-0)
- DLSU Lady Batters (0-1)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (0-1)
