Adamson University-Philippines put pressure on Japan, the highest-ranked team, but its bid for an upset fell short, losing 2-1 in its debut at the Asian Universities Women’s Softball Asia Cup 2024 at the Taichung International Field in Taiwan on Tuesday afternoon.
The Lady Falcons, representing the Philippines, held the Japanese team to just two runs after Japan opened its campaign earlier in the day with an 18-0 drubbing of Singapore.
Ayuka Nawa opened the scoring for Japan in the top of the second inning with a single down the left field line that plated Ran Iha, who reached base after a four-pitch walk.
Adamson pitcher April Minanga, the UAAP Season 86 Finals MVP, then threw a wild pitch in the top of the fourth with two runners in scoring position, allowing Marina Kurita to add another run for Japan, making it 2-0.
After five flawless innings from winning pitcher Nonoka Sato, who allowed only two hits and no runs, Japan decided to bring her out and put in Azuki Masubuchi to open the sixth inning, a decision that almost backfired.
With one out, Masubuchi gave up a single to MJ Libaton, followed by another single from Mae Langga. Langga’s hit was accompanied by a throwing error from shortstop Ran Iha, which advanced Libaton to third base.
In the next at-bat, Remilie Herrero delivered Adamson’s first run with a sacrifice fly to left field, bringing Libaton home.
Looking to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Lady Falcons started strong with a base hit from MJ Maguad, followed by Alaiza Talisik’s sacrifice bunt, which advanced Maguad to scoring position.
However, Roma Jane Cruz and Victoria Magbanua both flew out and grounded out, respectively, sealing the victory for Japan and improving their record to 2-0.
Despite the defeat, the Philippines’ pitching staff—Glory Alonzo, Minanga, and Jane Marie Sigue—performed admirably, allowing only seven hits and two runs against the Asian powerhouse, although they did issue five walks.
Up next for Adamson is a doubleheader tomorrow, starting with a matchup against Hong Kong at 12 p.m., followed by a game against India at 2 p.m.
Both teams lost their respective openers, with Hong Kong falling 3-1 to South Korea and India suffering an 18-0 defeat to Chinese Taipei.
