By Jean Malanum
MANILA – Adamson University blanked University of the Philippines, 5-0, Monday in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 88 softball finals series at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.
The Lady Falcons will go for a league-record 13th straight title on Friday’s Game 2 set at 9 a.m.
“Of course, it’s a big deal that you won Game 1, but it doesn’t mean it’s over. We still have to work, work harder and whatever our miscues are, we still have to study and analyze,” long-time coach Ana Santiago said.
Glory Alonzo, the league’s best pitcher, fueled Adamson’s dominant performance, which produced eight hits against UP’s defense.
Three runs across the second and third innings proved more than enough, as she anchored Adamson’s defense and silenced the UP bats.
Fighting Maroons Angel Pascual and Danica Aquino reached base via a hit-by-pitch and a single, respectively. Two consecutive passed balls from Alonzo and catcher Victoria Magbanua created a dangerous situation, but the defense recovered in time, catching Pascual at home.
With runners on the corners, Alonzo struck out Martine Francisco before helping retire Generose Torremocha at first to end the inning.
“Our start wasn’t great, but fortunately, they had presence of mind and heart. Because in that situation, they were still in the batting order with no outs, it seemed impossible for us to hold them at that time. But it became possible because they believed they needed to come back, and I think that’s what they showed,” Santiago, who also coaches the national team, said.
Alonzo tossed a complete-game three-hit shutout while benefiting from an error-free defense. She also struck out six UP batters.
Adamson tallied four hits that led to three crucial runs in the second and third innings.
Reyae Villamin sparked the attack with a lead-off single in the second inning, which MJ Libaton later converted into the game’s first run.
In the third, Neomay Mahinay doubled to drive in Roma Mae Cruz before eventually scoring herself off a solid hit from team captain Mae Langga.
Villamin led the Lady Falcons with two hits and two RBIs (runs batted in), coming from a sacrifice fly in the third and a double in the fifth. Langga and Libaton added two hits apiece.
UP threatened again in the sixth inning after Pascual singled and Nickole dela Cruz drew an intentional walk. But two fly balls caught by shortstop Mea Tubongbanua ended the inning, sealing the victory for Adamson.
The Fighting Maroons only made three hits compared to their usual offensive output, including a 6–3 win in the first round.
KC Valino surrendered three earned runs in the second and third innings. (PNA)
