THE ATENEO Softball Team (AST) absorbed a 2-7 loss to the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tiger Softbelles in their matchup earlier today, March 7, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in the City of Manila.
In the circle, Kat Ditchon started for Ateneo before Marvellous Romano later took over pitching duties. Behind them, Ateneo’s defense—anchored by Ashlee Tuprio, Zyra De Guzman, Czelle Basa, and Burns Yap—worked to limit further damage and convert key outs across the field. Vash De Asis, Aly Gonzales, Minelli Profeta, Andeng Daquigan, Fiona Baguiwet, and Angely Alferez also held their ground defensively as Ateneo tried to contain UST’s offense.
The Blue Eagles opened the first inning on a promising note, matching Tiger Softbelles with an early run to keep the contest level, 1-1, but UST quickly found their footing in the succeeding inning.
After the opening frame, UST seized control in the second inning, unloading a four-run rally that shifted the momentum away from Ateneo to take a 1-5 lead. The surge then forced the Blue Eagles to play from behind for the remainder of the game, as they struggled to contain the Tiger Softbelles’ offense.
Ateneo then attempted to mount a response, but UST added two more runs,1-7, in the fifth inning to widen the gap. The Blue Eagles continued to pressure the Softbelles with baserunners in the later frames, but the comeback effort fell short. Unable to close the deficit in the final innings, Ateneo settled for the 2-7 defeat at the hands of UST.
This result marks the end of the AST’s first round outings in fifth place. As of writing, the schedule for their next game has yet to be announced.
Innings scores:
Ateneo (2): 1 0 0 0 1 0 0
UST (7): 1 4 0 0 2 0 0
Current Standings (W-L):
- UP Fighting Maroons (3-0)
- AdU Lady Falcons (2-1)
- UST Softbelles (2-1)
- DLSU Lady Batters (1-1)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (0-4)
