UST dominates Ateneo, stays in UAAP softball bronze hunt

University of Santo Tomas kept its podium hopes alive, forcing a share of third place in the UAAP Season 87 Softball Tournament with a commanding 10-1 victory over Ateneo de Manila University in just five innings, Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

Snapping a two-game skid, UST improved to 3-4, tying De La Salle University in the standings ahead of a crucial final day in the elimination round.

With a shot at the bronze medal still up for grabs, the Tiger Softbelles now brace for a must-win duel against University of the Philippines on Saturday at 8:00 AM.

The Lady Batters will close the eliminations against reigning champion Adamson University at 10:00 AM.

If UST and De La Salle finish with identical results — either both winning or both losing — a playoff for third place will be held on April 1.

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

“Opensa pa rin ang pinaka-maganda, pero nung ni-reshuffle ko ‘yung defense, mas maganda kasi walang errors. Pero ‘yun lang sa left field ang lumusot kaya naka-score ang Ateneo,” said UST head coach Sandy Barredo, reflecting on his team’s adjustments after back-to-back losses to La Salle and Adamson. “Kaya ‘yun ang gusto kong makita (sa Sabado), ‘yung defense. Kasi ‘yun ‘yung tumatalo sa ‘min eh, nagkaka-error.

“Pero hindi mo masasabi eh, kung mahina ang pitcher nila kaya maganda ang offense, malaki ang score. Eh paano kung malakas uli ang bola, hindi na naman magtatama. Tapos sa pitching, sana gano’n pa rin. Eh ‘pag nakakakita ng malakas na kalaban, natatakot,” he added.

UST set the tone early, responding immediately in the bottom of the first inning to erase Ateneo’s lone run in the opening half-inning.

Jojielyn Lim delivered UST’s first hit of the game, sending Ryza Mae Zafra home for the go-ahead run. Anne Patricio capped the inning with a two-RBI single to right field, bringing home Lyca Blanco and Lim for a 3-1 lead.

Pitcher Celine Chang earned the win with a complete-game effort, limiting Ateneo to just one hit from Noelle Franco in the third inning after conceding two early hits from Rocio Macasaet and Czelle Basa, who combined for Ateneo’s only run.

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

Ateneo ended the season winless at 0-8, finishing in fifth place while bidding farewell to Franco, Macasaet, and Jessica Daquigan.

Macasaet, who started both the first and final games for the Blue Eagles, surrendered four runs in the pivotal first inning before handing the ball to fellow senior Daquigan.

The Daquigan sisters, Jessica and Andrea, attempted to contain UST but instead allowed six more runs, sealing the final score.