UP blanks UST, moves to solo second to end UAAP Softball round 1

University of the Philippines wrapped up its first round of the UAAP Season 87 Softball Tournament on a high note, securing a 3-0 shutout victory over University of Santo Tomas, Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

Senior pitcher KC Valino made a strong return to the mound, earning her second win in as many starts this season. She delivered a dominant performance, allowing just three hits while striking out three batters.

The San Miguel, Bulacan native also contributed offensively, recording two of UP’s six total hits. Team captain Nickole Dela Cruz matched Valino’s effort with two hits in three at-bats, helping the Fighting Maroons (3-1) claim solo second place after the opening round.

The difference came in the second inning, when Dela Cruz led off with a sharp grounder down the third-base foul line. First baseman Martine Francisco and Generose Torremocha followed with hits of their own.

Francisco’s connection sent Dela Cruz home for the go-ahead run, while a Reuel Caoagdan sacrifice fly to right field extended the lead to 2-0.

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

Following a tough 4-12 loss to Adamson University in their previous outing, UP head coach Ron Pagkaliwagan stressed the importance of returning to fundamentals.

“Ang in-address ko lang sa kanila is ‘yung back to basic softball tayo. Doon kami nag-focus nung bumalik kami sa training,” he said.

He also emphasized taking things step by step as they head into the second round.

“Masyado pang maaga para isipin ang mga mangyayari pero at least ando’n na kami, naka-una na kami. Ganun pa rin ang focus namin, one game at a time,” Pagkaliwagan added.

UP tacked on an insurance run in the sixth inning, with Valino and Dela Cruz working together to extend the lead to 3-0. The Fighting Maroons then held strong defensively to seal the victory.

The second round of the tournament begins on Saturday, though match schedules have yet to be announced.

Meanwhile, UST faces a quick turnaround, as they are set to take on Ateneo de Manila University later in the day at 1:00 PM.

The game was washed out last Saturday due to heavy rain.

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

The Softbelles had a golden opportunity to score in the fifth inning when reigning Rookie of the Year Helga Campos smashed a triple to deep center.

Angela Solidarios followed with a sharp grounder to third base, forcing a defensive play that led to Campos being tagged out in a tense sequence.

Francisco initially fielded the ball and threw it to Caoagdan at home, but the throw sailed past the catcher. Campos attempted to capitalize and dash for the plate, but Caoagdan swiftly recovered, initiating a relay play that resulted in a crucial second out for the second-year Thomasian standout.

Mary Jane Beronilla took the loss for UST, surrendering four hits and two earned runs in five innings. Chang Chih-Ling pitched one inning in relief, giving up one earned run and two additional hits.