THE STRUGGLES continued for the Ateneo Softball Team in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 Softball tournament, following a 0-8 defeat against the Adamson University (AdU) Lady Falcons. The match was held earlier today at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in the City of Manila.
The Blue Eagles misfired early at the plate, as AdU’s star pitcher Glory Alonzo swiftly retired the team’s first three batters. Quick to bounce back, fellow pitcher Jessica Daquigan led the Blue Eagles’ defense to keep the first canto scoreless with a 1-2-3 inning of her own.
It was only in the second inning when the game’s first run was tallied, as Mary Jane Libaton got the Falcon Softbelles on the board, 1-0. Unable to match Adamson’s offensive prowess, the Blue Eagles leaned heavily on their defense, with a stunning catch from Fiona Baguiwet at second base keeping things close at 0-2 midway through the third inning.
Showing major defensive improvement, a fast double play from Andrea Daquigan at first base and Gzelle Basa at third halted any momentum of the Falcon Softbelles, as the Blue Eagles stayed competitive, 0-3.
However, Adamson’s aggressive baserunning proved to be its strongest facet towards the start of the fifth inning as the Lady Softbelles’ constant pressure forced the Blue Eagles to commit a slew of errors. Eager to stamp their class late in the contest, the Ermita-based unit extended their lead to 4-0 early into the fifth inning.
Ultimately closing out the game was a final dagger delivered by Alaiza Talisik, who laced an inside-the-park grand slam. This shut the door on the Blue Eagles’ hopes for their first win of the season as the team conceded by way of mercy rule, 0-8.
The Blue Eagles will close out their first round schedule with a matchup against the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Softbelles on March 8, 12:30 PM in the same venue.
The Lines:
Ateneo (0): 0 0 0 0 0 x x – 0 0 3
AdU (8): 0 1 1 1 5 x x – 8 6 0
Current Standings (W-L):
- AdU Lady Falcons (2-0)
- UP Fighting Maroons (1-0)
- DLSU Lady Batters (1-1)
- UST Tiger Softbelles (1-1)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (0-3)
