The UST Tiger Softbelles’ quest to dethrone the Adamson Lady Falcons took a huge blow
It has been confirmed that Ann Antolihao, the University of Santo Tomas’ ace pitcher and RP Blu Girls mainstay, has torn her left Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), as stated by the player herself.
The 20-year-old Cebuana was already feeling pain during the second inning of Game One of the UAAP Season 79 Softball Finals last Tuesday but she caved in during the fifth inning. She refused to be stretchered off the field and had to be carried by the team’s staff.
After asking for multiple opinions, it was confirmed Thursday that she had torn her ACL, forcing her to miss the rest of the Finals series.
Antolihao, the ace of aces this season, led the Tiger Softbelles to the Finals — going 9-3 for the season.
The National Team stalwart is still emotional over what happened, but wants to extend her gratitude to her teammates for fighting with her this season.
“Gusto ko lang sabihin sa kanila na nagpapasalamat ako sa mga ilang games na nandiyan sila at tinulungan ako na maitaguyod yung game ng buo kami at makaabot kami sa championship,” she told Tiebreaker Times.
Moreover, she believes that the Tiger Softbelles can overcome the defending champions even without her.
“Kahit na wala ako alam ko, alam ko na lalaban pa rin sila ng buo. Sobrang laki ng tiwala ko sa kanila,” she added.
Fifth-year Mallows Garde will most likely get the starting nod tomorrow for Game Two.
