UP punches ticket to UAAP Softball finals with comeback vs La Salle

University of the Philippines secured its third consecutive UAAP Softball Finals appearance with a stunning comeback, unleashing a 12-run explosion that bridged fourth and fifth innings to defeat De La Salle University, 13-7, Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

With a 5-1 win-loss record, the Fighting Maroons have set up another championship showdown against defending champions Adamson University Lady Falcons, a rematch of the Season 85 and 86 Finals.

A preview of the UP-Adamson Part III will take place on Tuesday at 8:00 AM in the same venue, but to get there, the season hosts had to engineer a massive turnaround in the fourth inning — sparked by contributions from the bottom of their lineup.

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

Generose Torremocha took full advantage of a bases-loaded situation, drilling a grounder that De La Salle second baseman Julianne Moral failed to handle. The error cleared the bases, allowing Kyla Aala, Martine Francisco, and Kate Nueva to score, cutting the deficit to two, 4-6.

Moments later, Jam Rasco delivered the go-ahead run for the Fighting Maroons, driving in Aila Subaldo with a single to left field to give UP a 7-6 lead—a lead they would never relinquish.

Team captain Nickole dela Cruz led UP’s offensive charge with a perfect 4-for-4 performance, collecting two RBIs. Diane Pasco, who entered as a relief pitcher, also made her presence felt with two hits and an RBI.

“May kumpiyansa ako eh. Nagagawa naman nila ‘yan sa training, at alam kong may capability sila na maka-come up agad ng runs para makabawi,” said fourth-year head coach Ron Pagkaliwagan, lauding his team’s resilience.

“Adjustments lang kasi part ng game ‘yang errors eh. Ang importante lang ay ma-minimize ang errors. Minotivate ko lang sila na makabawi do’n sa pagkakamali,” he added.

KC Valino returned to form on the mound, sealing the win with help from Pasco in relief. Valino was charged with five of La Salle’s six runs, which stemmed from nine hits and three errors.

However, she bounced back in the final three innings, shutting out the Lady Batters after re-entering in the fifth inning with two outs.

Pasco held her ground as well, allowing just one run over 1.1 innings to help UP close out the game.

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

The loss dealt a crushing blow to De La Salle’s Finals hopes, as they dropped to 3-4, officially eliminating them from championship contention.

Despite the setback, the Lady Batters can still end their campaign on a high note and secure a podium finish — their first since Season 81 — when they take on Adamson on Saturday at 10:00 AM.

Cassandra Inot led La Salle’s offense with three hits in four at-bats, while Ciarina Eder added a hit and two RBIs. However, their early offensive production fizzled out, dooming the Taft-based squad in the later innings.

Pitcher Joerjette Jordan suffered her third defeat, surrendering 11 of UP’s 13 runs in the first four innings. Glecilyn Alipato took over in relief but struggled as well, allowing the final two runs that sealed La Salle’s fate.