Adamson erupts in 6th inning, shuts out UST to open UAAP Softball title defense

Adamson University exploded in the sixth inning, turning a tight contest into a commanding 7-0, six-inning victory over University of Santo Tomas to open its bid for a 12th straight UAAP softball title, Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

Held to just one run through five innings, the Lady Falcons capitalized on UST’s defensive miscues. They strung together clutch hits in the decisive sixth, piling on six runs to put the game away.

Senior first baseman Remilie Herrero, who went 2-for-3 at the plate, set the stage by loading the bases with her second hit of the game.

Madelene Domaug, who came in as a pinch runner, crossed the plate alongside Noemay Mahinay after an Aliza Pichon hit, extending Adamson’s lead to 4-0.

Pichon, along with Alaiza Talisik and Mea Tubongbanua, then added three more runs to seal the victory after an hour and 40 minutes of play.

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

“Ang sabi ko lang sa kanila kanina, whatever we score, dapat maniwala lang tayo na a win is still a win. Ang importante lang ngayon is kung ano ‘yung kakulangan namin, i-work out pa namin para maging better kami,” said long-time head coach Ana Santiago.

She admitted, “Lucky for us, sa totoo lang, ang pagkapanalo namin dito may halong swerte. At the time na kailangan namin (mag-advance), doon naman nag-error ang UST.”

April Minanga, last season’s Best Pitcher and Finals MVP, picked up where she left off, delivering a stellar performance in the circle. The 22-year-old, right-handed pitcher from Bacolod City allowed just two hits in a complete-game effort, keeping UST’s offense in check.

Adamson (1-0) will look to secure its second straight win when it faces Ateneo de Manila University (0-1) on Tuesday, March 4, at 10:00 AM.

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

UST, which was coming off a 12-9 win over La Salle on opening day, had a chance to respond after conceding a run in the second inning, as catcher Lyka Blanco managed a hit to shallow center.

However, their momentum was cut short when transferee Genesis Degollacion’s drive to left field was easily caught by Mary Jane Libaton.

With the loss, the Tiger Softbelles dropped to 1-1 and will aim to bounce back against the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Saturday, March 8, at 12:30 PM.