THE UST Tiger Softbelles succumbed to the finals-bound UP Fighting Maroons, 6-1, to end the UAAP Season 87 softball eliminations on March 29, Saturday, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
With the loss, the Tiger Softbelles are set to face the DLSU Lady Batters in a do-or-die battle for bronze on April 1, Tuesday, after both squads finished with a 3-5 win-loss slate.
Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons improved to a 6-2 standing and will face the unbeaten Adamson Lady Falcons in the finals.
UP displayed their offensive prowess in the fourth inning after both teams went scoreless. Danica Aquino and team captain Nickole Dela Cruz led the scoring barrage after a base hit and a go-ahead run, 2-0.
The Fighting Maroons continued to pull away after shortstop Aila Subaldo set up two RBIs for Erika Ocampo and Reuel Caoagdan to cross the plate, 4-0.
A crucial defensive stop by UP’s ace pitcher KC Valino kept last season’s bronze medalists at bay, forcing them to commit a double play. UP scored two more runs in the top of the seventh inning, 6-0.
Reigning rookie of the year Helga Campos and Jenny Mae Teves came alive in the seventh inning for UST’s lone run, 6-1.
The Fighting Maroons sealed the match after Valino threw a pinpoint pitch to UST’s Shenna Mae Europa.
The Tiger Softbelles will seek for the bronze finish against the Lady Batters on Tuesday, April 1. The UAAP has yet to release the venue for the match. F
