Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

ADMU

UAAP Softball: UP wastes no time, blanks Ateneo in 2 1/2 innings


Last season’s runner-up University of the Philippines wasted no time asserting its dominance in UAAP Season 87 Softball, shutting out Ateneo de Manila University, 16-0, in just two-and-a-half innings on opening day at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

The game lasted a little over 61 minutes.

Coming off a strong Season 86 campaign — where they came just one win away from toppling reigning 11-time champion Adamson — the Fighting Maroons made a statement in their season opener.

UP head coach Ron Pagkaliwagan emphasized the importance of staying focused in the present, a mindset that fueled UP’s commanding debut victory.

UAAP87-SOFTBALL-GENE-ROSE-TORREMOCHA-4680 UAAP Softball: UP wastes no time, blanks Ateneo in 2 1/2 innings ADMU News Softball UAAP UP  - philippine sports news

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

“Naka-focus lang kami one at a time. At sabi ko nga, ang kalaban nila diyan, hindi ‘yung other team eh. Ang kalaban nila diyan ay ‘yung sarili din nila,” said Pagkaliwagan, now in his fourth year at the helm.

UAAP Season 85 Athlete of the Year Nickole Dela Cruz and Generose Torremocha spearheaded UP’s offensive onslaught, delivering a perfect 3-for-3 and 2-for-2 at the plate, respectively.

The Fighting Maroons racked up a total of 12 hits in the short-lived contest.

Torremocha and Dela Cruz made their presence felt early, registering their first hits in the opening inning against Ateneo’s Daniela De Asis.

UP erupted for 11 runs in that frame, setting the tone for the runaway victory.

On the mound, second-year pitcher Joy Laurente made the most of her first-ever UAAP start, retiring all six batters she faced, including two strikeouts.

Substitute pitcher Diane Pasco then stepped in to close out the game, dismissing the final three batters.

#ReadMore  NCAA 99: Calahat delivers in final game as San Sebastian dumps Arellano, ends at 8th

“Lahat naman sila kaya mag-deliver. Ang kagandahan nga is na-gauge ko capabilities nila do’n sa Indonesia, nung sumali kami sa Makassar Open,” Pagkaliwagan said, highlighting his team’s depth.

UAAP87-SOFTBALL-MA-ROCIO-MACASAET-4731 UAAP Softball: UP wastes no time, blanks Ateneo in 2 1/2 innings ADMU News Softball UAAP UP  - philippine sports news

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

The Fighting Maroons will aim to keep their momentum going when they face the De La Salle University Lady Batters on Tuesday, March 4, at 10:30 AM.

Meanwhile, the Blue Eagles will look to bounce back when they take on the Lady Batters first on Saturday at 12:30 PM.

TEAM1234567RHE
Ateneo2
UP115x1612

Grew to appreciate various sports from tennis to judo. True-maroon kiddo since the new millennium. Fanboy. Singer. Occasional sports writer.


You May Also Like

Basketball

A few weeks before the FIBA Under-16 Asia Cup 2025 SEABA Qualifiers, four standouts from the University of the East were named to the...

3x3 Basketball

It’s been quite a year for the Cabañero brothers, Nic and Andwele. In his senior year, Nic led the University of Santo Tomas Growling...

Basketball

Jhustin Hallare didn’t have the ideal start to his UAAP journey. Competing in both the 16-and-under and 19-and-under divisions, Hallare and the University of...

ADMU

University of Santo Tomas reaffirmed its status as the gold standard in the UAAP, clinching its eighth consecutive general championship in the collegiate division...

ADMU

University of the Philippines cast a spellbinding performance that enchanted the eight-team field with a magical showcase unlike any other. The UP Streetdance Club...

DLSU

Already an accomplished professional VALORANT player, Xavier “xavi8k” Juan made a bold move — returning to school for a chance to fulfill a long-time...

News

In the biggest game of the season, Buds Buddin had every reason to sit out. Still nursing a right ankle sprain that had sidelined...

Alas Pilipinas

After a finals return and the heartbreak of a runner-up finish, Far Eastern University ace Dryx Saavedra is keeping his hopes alive—not just for...

Advertisement