KC Valino delivers as UP shuts out La Salle, stays unbeaten in UAAP Softball

KC Valino made a stellar season debut as University of the Philippines blanked De La Salle University, 7-0, in six innings for its second straight win in the UAAP Season 87 Softball tournament, Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

The senior pitcher dominated on the mound, limiting the Lady Batters to just three hits in a complete-game effort while striking out three of the 21 batters she faced. Valino also contributed on offense, going 2-for-3 at the plate with two doubles, including a key hit that extended UP’s lead to 3-0 in the third inning.

With Valino leading the way, the Fighting Maroons improved to 2-0, joining their Season 85 and 86 Finals rivals, Adamson University, at the top of the standings. The two unbeaten teams will clash on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the same venue.

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

A product of San Miguel National High School, Valino’s first double of the game drove in Generose Torremocha and Jaja Pascual for two RBIs. Her efforts helped UP finish with 10 hits, with first baseman Martine Francisco also collecting two.

Fourth-year head coach Ron Pagkaliwagan was thrilled with his team’s offensive production.

“I’m happy now dito sa team ko kasi talagang nag-i-step up lahat lalong-lalo na sa hitting. Ang laki ng improvement na nakuha namin; halos lahat sila may hits. So, masayang-masaya ko sa team ko ngayon in terms of (offense),” the seasoned mentor shared.

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

La Salle had its chances, particularly when Ciarina Eder broke through with a hit in the second inning after being no-hit against Ateneo de Manila University in their previous game.

However, the rookie was stranded when Valino caught Jeryll Duller’s shallow fly for the second out. Valino threw the ball to Torremocha, who manned the first base, to take Eder for the third and final out.

Joerjette Jordan took her second loss of the season, surrendering five earned runs on 10 hits in six innings for La Salle.

The Lady Batters (1-2) will wrap up their first-round campaign with a highly anticipated showdown against the Adamson Lady Falcons on March 16, Tuesday, at 12:30 p.m.