THE UST Tiger Softbelles bounced back to close out the first round of the UAAP Season 87 softball tournament as they whipped the Ateneo Blue Eagles in six innings, 14-6, on Tuesday, March 11, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
UST finished the first round in third place with a 2-2 record, while Ateneo stayed at the bottom with no wins.
Before the game was postponed last Saturday due to inclement weather, the Tiger Softbelles built a commanding 10-3 lead at the bottom of the third inning, which they anchored on to secure the victory upon resumption.
Anne Patricio led the way in UST’s offensive barrage, registering three hits in four at-bats, including an RBI that brought home Teresa Blanco in the sixth inning.
All UST batters knocked in a hit as Erica Fernandez recorded three RBIs, with two coming in the first inning.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Blue Eagles attempted to mount a comeback as they shaved the lead down to four behind two RBIs from Noelle Franco, 10-6.
The España-based squad responded with four runs in the next two innings to trigger the mercy rule.
Earlier in the day, the Tiger Softbelles fell to the UP Fighting Maroons, 3-0.
The official schedule of the second round is set to be released on Wednesday, March 12. F
