University of Santo Tomas bounced back in style, defeating Ateneo de Manila University, 7–2, to claim a share of second place in the UAAP Season 88 Softball tournament on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.
The Tiger Softbelles improved their record to 2–1, trailing only the reigning champions, Adamson University Lady Falcons, and just one win behind the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons (3–0) in the tournament, which is organized in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission.
Composure proved key for UST, as they prevented Ateneo from pulling off an upset after the Blue Eagles scored their first two runs of the season.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
After conceding a run in the first inning to tie the score at 1–1, UST erupted for six runs over the next six innings, including a four-run outburst in the second to establish a comfortable lead.
Jojielyn Lim’s leadoff double in the second inning set the tone for the Tiger Softbelles, followed by hits from Samantha Sarsuelo and Jaemie Bueza, which extended the lead to 5–1. Two more runs in the fifth inning sealed the victory for UST.
“Tapos na ‘yan eh, kasi game namin against UP this Tuesday. And regarding Adamson and sa mga next games, siguro magse-set kami ng bagong lineup,” said head coach Sandy Barredo, discussing adjustments for upcoming matches.
Despite the win, Barredo emphasized the need for more consistent contributions from his squad.
“Pinalaro ko lang rin ‘yung mga bata. ‘Yung iba nag-contribute pero ‘yung iba wala pa rin eh. Hindi nakakapag-deliver, so I am planning to make a revamp next year do’n sa hindi masyadong napapakinabangan,” admitted the veteran UST mentor.
Jaemie Bueza had an impressive debut, finishing with three hits—including two doubles—and three RBIs. Erika Fernandez added two hits off the bench, replacing Lim.
Shiela Sicor anchored the defense in her maiden appearance, limiting Ateneo to just one hit in the second inning and the unearned run in the first.
The Tiger Softbelles aim to climb to the top spot when they face the UP Fighting Maroons on Tuesday at 9 a.m.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
For Ateneo, the Blue Eagles broke their scoreless streak by capitalizing on UST’s errors in the first inning, scoring their first run of the season.
Zyrah De Guzman drove in the team’s first hit of the season with a third-inning single, but it was Fiona Baguiwet , who came off the bench, that delivered Ateneo’s first scoring hit of the season—a booming triple that drove in Andrea Daquigan in the fifth inning.
Despite these efforts, Ateneo remains in search of a breakthrough after four outings in the first round.
| TEAMS | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UST | 1 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 2 | ||||
| Ateneo | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
