Defending champion Adamson University found the spark it needed and capitalized on the opportunity to rally past University of the Philippines, 4-1, securing its seventh straight win in the UAAP Season 87 softball tournament, Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
The Lady Falcons extended their winning streak to nine games, dating back to Game 2 of the Season 86 Finals, including four consecutive victories over the Fighting Maroons.
A defensive miscue by UP proved to be the turning point, allowing Adamson to mount its comeback.
Down 0-1 after a solo home run from Nickole Dela Cruz heading into the fourth inning, the Lady Falcons took advantage of an error with just one out and Alaiza Talisik on base.
Mae Langga hit the ball straight to UP shortstop Jam Rasco, who attempted to tag a charging Talisik. However, a miscommunication with second baseman Aila Subaldo allowed Talisik to advance safely to second while Langga reached first.
Mary Jane Libaton was intentionally walked to load the bases before Victoria Magbanua launched a deep drive to left field, bringing home Talisik for the tying run.
Jhaycel Roldan followed with a crucial hit to extend the lead to 3-1, scoring Chastene Jover, who had come in as a pinch runner for Langga. The rookie Roldan then capped the scoring spree, making it 4-1 off a Mea Tubongbanua triple.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Naramdaman naman nila siguro na mapapalaban sila sa game na ‘to and at the same time, lucky for us na nag-step up si Sigue na na-hold ‘yung hitters ng UP after that homerun,” said Adamson head coach Ana Santiago.
“Isang inning lang naman ang kailangan namin para manalo, and naka-score kami ng four runs nung inning na ‘yun.”
UP had a chance to respond in the sixth inning after Erika Ocampo’s hit and a fielding error by Adamson third baseman Neomay Mahinay allowed Dela Cruz to advance. Sensing the momentum shift, Santiago called for a second defensive conference.
Adamson regrouped and virtually sealed the win with a crucial double play — Roldan fielded a fly ball from Martine Francisco and threw out pinch runner Kate Nueva at second base, where MJ Maguad completed the play.
Jane Marie Sigue earned her second win of the season — both coming against UP — after limiting the Fighting Maroons to five hits and just the lone run from Dela Cruz. The rookie pitcher anchored Adamson’s defense, stranding five UP runners on base and preventing any late-game comeback.
“Nakikita ko naman na pursigido sila and ‘yung mindset nila heading na sa Finals. Pero ang lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila, what is important is huwag silang mag-o-overconfident at magpapabaya,” Santiago added.
She explained, “Kung ano ‘yung ginagawa nila as preparation sa mga past game, i-improve lang nila at huwag nilang babawasan. At lagi nilang iisipin na hindi ito magiging madali, kaya kailangan pagtrabahuhan nila.”
The Lady Falcons will aim for an elimination-round sweep when they face a determined De La Salle Lady Batters squad on Saturday at 10:00 AM.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons and pitcher EM Viñas absorbed their second loss of the season. They will look to bounce back against University of Santo Tomas (2-4) earlier that day at 8:00 AM.
Viñas held her ground for UP through the first three innings and into the fourth but struggled to recover after Rasco’s costly error. The third-year pitcher allowed her third hit of the game — the Magbanua drive that scored Talisik — before Joy Laurente stepped in to limit further damage.
UP tallied five hits throughout the game, with team captain Dela Cruz leading the charge with her solo homer in the second inning.
However, the Fighting Maroons struggled to string together hits, leading to their second defeat of the season.
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|
| UP | 1 | 1 | 5 | 2 |
| AdU | 4 | x | 4 | 5 | 3 |
