UST eliminates La Salle from UAAP Softball contention, takes share of lead

University of Santo Tomas inched closer to a return to the UAAP Softball Finals after defeating De La Salle University, 7–2, to claim a share of the lead in Season 88 on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

With just a single run separating the two teams, the Tiger Softbelles erupted for four runs in the sixth inning, completing an elimination-round sweep of the Lady Batters following their 2–1 walk-off win on February 24.

Ryza Zafra ignited the sixth-inning rally with a triple to left field and later scored on a passed ball with Helga Campos at the plate. Campos, the Season 86 Rookie of the Year, crossed home following an Annarose Macatbag single, before two more runs off a Jojielyn Lim hit sealed the final score.

UST will aim to secure a Finals berth on Tuesday at 9 a.m. in a high-stakes clash against reigning 12-time champion Adamson University.

(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team

Both the Tiger Softbelles and the Lady Falcons are now tied for first place at 5-1 in this tournament, held in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission.

Despite the victory, head coach Sandy Barredo expressed some dissatisfaction, noting missed opportunities on both offense and defense.

Rookie Macatbag once again led UST’s offense with three hits, including two doubles in the third and sixth innings, and added one RBI. Lim contributed two hits and three RBIs, two of which came during the decisive sixth inning, before being caught attempting to reach second base.

Celine Chang delivered another stellar outing, allowing only one earned run and four hits in her complete-game effort. The third-year hurler also struck out four De La Salle batters.

“Ayos na kami, kuntento na kami sa third. Huwag mo na asahan na against Adamson sa Martes at sa Sabado against UP. Kuntento na kami, nasa podium na kami, may medal na kami,” Barredo said.

“Hindi na makakapukol si Chang sa Tuesday. Masakit na ang braso. Kaya gagamitin ko na yung tatlong reliever; ‘yun ang gagamitin kong pitcher: tig-dalawang innings,” the long-time UST coach added.

(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team

De La Salle made a push in the fourth inning, scoring two runs to narrow the deficit to 2–3.

Trish Hicayen drove in her second hit of the day to put Daniela Cabangon in scoring position. An error by Samantha Sarsuelo sent Cabangon home, and Shein Espinosa plated Hicayen with a single to left center.

Chang retired Ciarina Eder for the second out, and the Lady Batters’ rally ended when Julian Gail Moral popped out to UST second baseman Zafra.

The Lady Batters were eliminated from Finals contention after Adamson routed Ateneo, 17–0, in the first game of the day. They will close their season against the Lady Falcons on Saturday at 11 a.m.