THE LADY Batters claimed their second win against De La Salle University last February 8 in the second round of the 74th UAAP softball season, with a final score of 8-3.

Bringing their A-game on the offensive end, the girls in blue played strong with three runs in the first two innings and scoring in almost every inning.

Aggressive batting and base running worked to the advantage of the Lady Batters. The rally began in the 2nd inning with Mady Lhuillier’s hit to right field earning her two bases, followed by a hit to center field by captain Ina Yulo landing her on third and Lhuillier home. A perfect bunt by Kat Altomonte earned them another run as Yulo made her way to home plate.

La Salle was just as aggressive with their offensive lineup but a solid Ateneo defense countered their hits. Veteran pitcher Bada La’O was on a roll throughout the game, throwing her best pitches and leaving the Lady Archers scoreless in the next three innings. Spirits were high on and off the field, giving the Lady Batters the edge to maintain the lead.

The fourth inning was a turning point for Team Ateneo. Despite managing to score two more runs in the top of the 4th inning, catcher Kat Altomonte suffered a knee injury while running from third base, leaving her unable to play for the rest of the game.

This prompted head coach Randy Dizer to make changes in the lineup as he rotated his players on the field. Lhuillier took over the catcher’s position, while designated hitter Lala Cruz, who is also recovering from a knee and ankle injury, covered first base. The change in lineup rattled the Lady Batters, resulting in two runs scored by La Salle, cutting down the lead to two.

This, however, did not dampen the spirits of the Lady Batters, who responded with an impressive run in the last two innings of the game. With two outs, La’O hit a homerun with a long drive over center field, which then was followed by another hit to center field by Cheska Altomonte, landing her on second base. Two consecutive hits by Lhuillier and Yulo put them in scoring positions in the 7th inning, with singles by Cheskie Tantoco and Lala Cruz adding two more runs for Ateneo. They held the Archers scoreless in bottom of the 7th inning, securing them the win with a final score of 8-3.

The Lady Batters will face the UE Warriors in their final game on Saturday, February 11, 7:30 AM at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.