Adamson catches fire late, blasts UE

The Adamson University Lady Falcons finally found their offense.

After struggling to find their groove in their last two games, the defending UAAP Softball champions finally had an efficient offensive outing in a 6-1 rout of the University of the East Lady Warriors.

The defending champions were able to get on track at the top of the second inning with back-to-back hits by Annalie Benjamen, a double, and Gelyn Lamata, a single. After gaining scoring positions though, Lovely Redaja and the UE fielders were able to knock off the next three batters to strand both runners.

At the bottom end of the same inning, the Lady Warriors were able to punch one in to go up 1-0. Redaja immediately connected on a double and was replaced by pinch runner Mica Lito. Another double by next batter Imee Salvador brought home the runner to put her team up on the scoreboard.

An error in the next inning by Adamson third base Mary Nicole Padasas almost gave the Lady Warriors another run. Josephine Francisco was able to gain base due to the error and a single by Jamaiza Jaspe moved her to second base. Fortunately for the defense, Benjamen was able to strikeout the next two batters going into the next inning.

The floodgates for the San Marcelino lady batters at the top of the fourth inning. After first batter for the inning Angelie Ursabia was hit by a pitch to gain first base and after an ouster of the next batter, Adamson junior Gelyn Lamata knocked out a center-left field home run, the first home run of the season, to put Adamson up 2-1.

“Nag focus talaga kami sa palo and sa offense namin,” last season’s homerun queen and Adamson senior Queeny Sabobo said during the one day break the team had.

Adamson’s run continued in the sixth inning as Ursabia and Benjamen converted on back-to-back doubles, the latter bringing home Ursabia. Later in the inning and with two outs, Riezel Calumbres converted on a base hit to bring home the second runner to go up 4-1.
Ursabia and Benjamen were at it again at the top of the seventh inning that gave Adamson insurance runs. A double by Ursabia, her second of the game, brought home Sabobo while a single by Benjamen brought home the Adamson senior.

On the other end, last season’s best pitcher allowed just one hit, a single at the bottom of the 7th, after allowing three during the first three innings. Benjamen struckout seven batters in the seven innings she pitched as well. On offense, the super senior went 3 of 4 at bat. She was able to bring in two runners and connected on a single and two doubles. Ursabia complemented the effort in going 2 of 3, two doubles and an RBI.

“Nung nakaraang game nawala sila, talagang binuhos nila lahat this game,” Sabobo said about this game’s hero Calumbres and Lamata.

Looking forward to their next game against fellow unbeaten team National University Lady Bulldogs, Sabobo shared that the team still needs to improve on their defense. “Pero kelangan talaga naming iimprove yung depensa lalo na kalaban NU. Tsaka kelagan makapalo kami kaagad sa umpisa pa lang ng laro,” she closed.

The Adamson Lady Falcons (4-0) will face their toughest test this season in facing the NU Lady Bulldogs (5-0) on Saturday, February 13 in the second game of the day. The UE Lady Warriors (2-3) will have a four day break before facing the UP Lady Maroons on Monday, February 15.