Adamson University found its rhythm late, overcoming a gritty stand from Ateneo de Manila University, 8-0, in an abbreviated five-inning game on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.
Alaiza Talisik delivered the decisive blow with a grand slam in the fifth inning, sealing the win after 80 minutes under a scorching 37-degree heat index.
The 25-year-old launched the ball deep into right field, rolling past Ateneo’s defense and making it impossible to stop the count. The hit brought home Jhaycel Roldan — who replaced pitcher Glory Alonzo as a temporary runner — along with Remelie Herrero and Neomay Mahinay.
Talisik herself then crossed the plate to put the finishing touches on Adamson’s dominant win.
“Makukuha din naman yang rhythm namin. What is important is, regardless of the score, hindi naman nagbe-base sa score kung panalo ka ‘eh. Basta lamang ka, panalo ka, kahit ilan pa yan,” said longtime head coach Ana Santiago.
“At least maganda ‘yung laro, tumagal ang game. At lumaban din naman ang Ateneo, which is good for them.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Lady Falcons managed just six hits in the game, with Talisik going 1-for-3 with four RBIs. Kristine Libaton contributed two hits, driving in runs in the second and fourth innings, bringing home Herrero and Mahinay, respectively.
Meanwhile, Season 85 Finals MVP Glory Alonzo had a solid debut, shutting down Ateneo’s offense with six strikeouts in a complete five-inning performance.
The reigning 11-time champions improved to 2-0, taking the top spot ahead of the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons (1-0), who were set to face De La Salle University (1-1) later in the day.
Up next, Adamson will take on UP in a rematch of the last two Finals series on Saturday at 10:00 AM at the same venue.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Despite the loss, Jessica Daquigan held her ground in a full-game effort for Ateneo, limiting Adamson to five runs through the first four innings.
However, Talisik made the most of her final at-bat, crushing a game-ending shot that broke through Daquigan’s guard.
“Hopefully, mas maging better ‘yung hitting namin; let’s see. Naniniwala ako na every game ay isang different story. Wala silang medyo palo ngayon; maybe next game lumabas ang palo nila,” added the Adamson legend.
The Blue Eagles will aim to bounce back against the University of Santo Tomas Softbelles (1-1) on Saturday at 12:30 PM, following the Adamson-UP clash.
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ateneo | x | x | 3 | |||||||
| AdU | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | x | x | 8 | 6 |
