Joerjette Jordan put on a masterclass in both pitching and batting, powering De La Salle University to a dominant 22-0 shutout of Ateneo de Manila University in just three innings on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
The 20-year-old sophomore from Ormoc wasted no time making an impact, tossing a scoreless first inning. She then showcased her offensive prowess with a flawless two-for-two hitting performance.
Her all-around brilliance set the tone for the Lady Batters’ emphatic victory, which snapped a seven-game losing streak dating back to Season 85 — the last time they defeated Ateneo.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Yung first game rin namin against UST naka-three hits rin siya. Sana tuluy-tuloy lang rin na mataas ‘yung kumpyansa niya,” said La Salle head coach Jasper Cabrera, praising his second-year pitcher. “Ang sabi ko, ‘Yun ang natural mo’.”
The Lady Batters wasted no time applying pressure, erupting for 17 runs in the opening inning.
Cassandra Ynot jumpstarted the rally by forcing an error on Ateneo left fielder Jeanne Yap. From there, La Salle capitalized on a flurry of hits and defensive miscues by the Blue Eagles to extend their lead.
Akyna Yazaki, who took over for Jordan on the mound, also shined at the plate, going two-for-two and scoring in both the first and third innings.
Ynot finished with a 2-of-4 batting clip, while Yazaki posted a perfect 2-of-2. April Gonzales contributed two RBIs after going 1-of-3, while Jordan, Ynot, Yazaki, Clarina Eder, and Julianne Moral each drove in a run to complete the rout.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Ateneo finally managed to get a runner on base for the first time this season, capitalizing on a rare La Salle defensive lapse and an Ashlee Tuprio hit in the second inning.
However, any hopes of ending the shutout were quickly dashed.
La Salle’s defense tightened up to secure the abbreviated victory — Ateneo’s second straight mercy-rule loss following a 16-0 defeat to UP.
With momentum finally on their side, La Salle (1-1) now shifts its focus to Season 86 finalist University of the Philippines (1-0) on Tuesday, March 4, at 12:30 PM at the same Malate venue.
Meanwhile, Ateneo (0-2) braces for an even tougher challenge against the 11-time defending UAAP champions, Adamson University (1-0), earlier that day at 10:00 AM.
Jessica Daquigan, who came in as Ateneo’s relief pitcher, gave up six hits and four earned runs.
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DLSU | 17 | 5 | – | x | x | x | 22 | 11 | 1 | |
| Ateneo | x | x | x | x | 1 | 11 |
