Adamson University swept the first round of the UAAP Season 87 Softball tournament, dominating De La Salle University, 7-0, in six innings, Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.
Glory Alonzo, making a surprise appearance at the plate, delivered the finishing blow with a hit to the right side that allowed Alaiza Talisik to score.
Talisik’s run ended the game after one hour and 55 minutes, securing a flawless 4-0 record for the Lady Falcons and putting them in sole possession of the top spot in the standings.
Adamson showcased its offensive prowess with seven hits, led by Jhaycel Roldan’s standout performance. The rookie centerfielder delivered a clutch hit to left-center field in the fifth inning, driving in Jeelyn Pajotal and MJ Libaton to extend the lead to 5-0.
Roldan later crossed the plate off a hit from Roma Jane Cruz, further cementing Adamson’s control at 6-0.
Head coach Ana Santiago expressed her satisfaction with her team’s improving offense, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum moving forward.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Yung opensa namin ngayon humahabol na; so nag-improve na ‘yung offense namin at it’s good for us. And as usual, ‘yung ating mga pitchers, nagde-deliver. And ‘yung teamwork talaga nila, andyan na,” said Santiago.
“At the same time, alam nila ‘yung goal nila, ‘yung mindset nila towards the UAAP season,” she added.
The Adamson mentor stressed the need for her players to stay focused and composed heading into the second round, which begins on Saturday.
“Huwag lang nilang i-pressure ‘yung sarili nila, and, at the same time, i-treat nila lahat ng games na kailangan nilang ipanalo. Maglaro sila nang maayos; huwag silang magpapabaya. ‘Yun naman ang importante doon,” Santiago added.
“And knowing my players naman, pagdating sa hard work and effort, hindi naman sila mawawalan niyan. Alam nila ang gusto nilang mangyari.”
On defense, Adamson was anchored by third-year pitcher April Minanga. The Guinpana-an National High School standout kept De La Salle at bay, surrendering only a lone hit to Cassandra Inot in the opening at-bat and allowed just a base from Tiffany Labargan the rest of the way.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
De La Salle’s Joerjette Jordan started on the mound, giving up six hits and four earned runs in five innings. Jeryll Duller pitched one inning in relief but surrendered Alonzo’s game-clinching hit and the decisive run from Talisik.
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|
| DLSU | x | 1 | 1 |
| AdU | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | x | 7 | 7 | 1 |
