University of the Philippines needed just one huge inning to upend De La Salle University, 4–0, capturing their second straight win and a share of the lead in the UAAP Season 88 Softball Tournament on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.
The Fighting Maroons now share the top spot ahead of their showdown against their Finals rivals, the Adamson University Lady Falcons, on Saturday at 9 a.m. at the same venue.
With the game threatening to go into extra innings, UP relied on heads-up plays from its seniors to produce the crucial runs.
Danica Aquino started the scoring with a well-placed bunt that landed near the batter’s box.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Angel Pascual followed with a hit that forced an error on DLSU shortstop Jazmin Visaya, putting runners on first and second for reigning MVP Nickole Dela Cruz.
Silent all game long, Dela Cruz came through with a triple down the rightfield line, driving in Aquino and Pascual for the go-ahead runs.
Another triple from Martine Francisco, followed by a sacrifice hit from Generose Torremocha, brought in two more runs, setting the final score.
“Una, salamat sa win kasi lahat ng team prepared naman. Kaya, ini-expect talaga namin ‘yung mga games talaga dito sa UAAP talagang what will matter is ‘yung kung sino talaga ‘yung maganda ang preparasyon,” said head coach Ron Pagkaliwagan.
“Malaking bagay talaga ‘yung exposure internationally at ‘yung mga games namin against men’s teams; nagma-matter talaga ‘yun, kaya pagdating sa mga close games, lumalabas talaga ‘yung kung sino ‘yung mas maganda ang preparasyon, at ‘yung puso talaga nila, talagang ando’n, talagang lumalaban hanggang huli,” he added.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Those two triples from Dela Cruz and Francisco proved decisive in a highly defensive contest, as both teams finished with just five hits each.
Dela Cruz tallied two RBIs and a run, while Francisco added one RBI and one run, following her strong opening performance.
KC Valino was steady in the circle, allowing just five hits and striking out three, anchoring a UP defense that has yet to concede a run this season.
La Salle had its best chance in the third inning with a big hit from Visaya, but UP responded with a massive double play, retiring Cassandra Inot on a fly ball and the third-year infielder on second base.
While the Lady Batters matched the Fighting Maroons with five hits, they ultimately succumbed to sixth-inning pressure, handing UP the victory.
| TEAMS | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UP | 4 | 4 | 5 | 1 | ||||||
| DLSU | 5 | 2 |
