Lady Batters finally connect, send Lady Bulldogs to 2-game skid

After suffering countless setbacks, Jamica Arribas and the De La Salle University Lady Batters finally secured a win against a top-tier team.

The Lady Batters connected on a season-high six hits to upset second-ranked National University Lady Bulldogs, 6-3, Wednesday morning at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

National University senior and catcher Colleen Alilin missed the game due to an accident that occurred as the team went to the venue. Alilin figured in an unfortunate incident in the team’s bus as the window of their bus dropped on her throwing finger and, according to head coach Egay delos Reyes, crushing her nail. She will also miss their game against Ateneo on Saturday as well according to delos Reyes.

The absence of Alilin was immediately felt by the Lady Bulldogs right at the top of the first inning. With one out and a runner on base, Jen Gomez was able to gain base after a walk. A fielder’s choice that knocked-off lead batter Mary Joy Son gave Gomez third base. With Jamica Arribas at bat, starting catcher and rookie Nicole Ordoyo failed to catch a Mia Macapagal pitch for a passed ball. It paved the way for a Gomez run to put La Salle on the board.

In the second inning, the bottom of National University’s batting order delivered. A single by Charles Tulalian opened the inning while Dyan Arago was walked. A costly error by La Salle’s second basewoman Mary Joy Son paved the way for two runs to give NU the lead 2-1.

Errors again marred the Lady Bulldogs that tied the game at the top of the fourth inning. A throwing error by NU’s shortstop gave first batter Arribas base. However, a catching error by Ordoyo with Pat Belarmino at bat gave Arribas the game-tying run.

With Arribas providing on both offense and keeping the Lady Bulldogs at bay on the other end, the Lady Batters ‘ offense finally delivered in the last two innings.

“Sabi ko sa kanila before the game na i-enjoy yung game kasi ako in-eenjoy ko. Tulungan niyo ko at sabi rin ni coach na tulungan ako,” sophomore Jamica Arribas said about the game. “This game, nandun sila at tinulungan nila ako through scoring.”

After the ousters of the first two batters in the sixth inning, Mia Macapagal walked Belarmino. Macapagal’s substitute Rina Vailoces accidentally hit Hya Abanilla with a pitch while rookie Arisa Miranda was walked to load up the bases.

Vailoces was then immediately relieved of pitching duties for rookie Mary Ann Ramos. Still cold, Ramos walked rookie Veronica Velasco to bring home Belarmino to give La Salle the lead.

“Today, mindset namin is to enjoy lang and play as a team,” Belarmino said. “At win talaga, hindi lang para sa coaches, kung hindi para sa amin din.”

In the final inning, the Lady Batters provided a batting showcase that was the fruition of the two hour practice the team had a day prior to the game. With two outs and Gomez on base, a single by Arribas gave La Salle two bases. Belarmino then knocked a huge two-out double to center-left field to bring home the two runners. Abanilla then connected with a linedrive single to bring home Belarmino to extend La Salle’s lead.

“Lahat gumagawa na ng paraan para manalo at maka-score kami ng marami,” Arribas said about the team’s offense to open the second round. “Kahit nung start ng last inning at two outs na, go pa rin kami. Hindi pa rin kami sumuko at kumuha ng score.”

The Lady Bulldogs tried to make one last run in the final inning with Payapaya securing a run. However, the rally was cut short as the infield of La Salle provided the finishing touches.

Looking forward to the second round, both Belarmino and Arribas are hoping that the rookies perform above expectations to turnaround their season. “Sobrang saya kasi lahat kami alam na yung responsibilities nila,” Arribas said. “Tiwala lang sa sarili at isipin nila na walang pitcher ang hindi nila mapapaluan,” senior Belarmino regarding that matter.

The Lady Batters were led by Pat Belarmino on offense. The senior was 1 of 3 at bat and was able to bring home two runners.

The fielding of La Salle was excellent in the game. Even in giving up eight hits in the game, seven batters were left on base.

The DLSU Lady Batters will next face the UST TIger Softbelles on Saturday, February 20 at 11am while the NU Lady Bulldogs look to snap out of their two-game funk against the ADMU Lady Eagles in the opening game of the day.