Lady Batters suffer defeat against UP in S86 opener
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Batters (0–1) suffered a setback in their season opener against the University of the Philippines (UP) Softball Team (1–0) yesterday at the UP Diliman Softball Field. The Maroons were able to score on four of the seven innings whilst La Salle was only able to get on the board in the 6th.
The match began with the Girls in Green on the batting side, where they were able to set the tone with hits coming from Tiffany Labargan and Glecilyn Alipato. Despite this, Labargan was the only batter to advance, reaching as far as second base before a third out signaled the Maroons’ time to swing. Last season’s finalists brought the intensity right out of the gate as multiple batters on the Maroons' side were able to send balls flying and players running before Ruel Caoagdan was able to hit a bunt that allowed her squad to garner two points to close out the first inning, 0–2.
The second and third innings brought about a drought for both teams as neither side was able to get a run going with only a couple hits connecting, all of which to no avail. As the fourth inning came along, the Lady Batters were almost immediately sent into fielding after UP pitcher Kacelyn Valino continuously caused them trouble, delivering three straight outs. By the time the Maroons took a swing at the ball, hits by Jamm’n Rasco and Aila Subaldo added another point to their tally, extending La Salle’s deficit to three, 0–3.
In the fifth inning, the Lady Batters were slowly able to find their footing as co-captain April Gonzales was able to send a ball far enough for her to make it to second base. Despite this, another strikeout switched the teams’ roles where UP looked to capitalize on the opportunity to seal the match. Another handful of players from the Katipunan-based squad were able to connect on fastballs, allowing multiple runs such as Algrace Adajar, who was able to score, 0–4. With two outs and bases loaded, Subaldo was able to hit the ball high enough for Alipato to make a clean catch and negate the potential three points set up for the Maroons.
The sixth inning was undoubtedly the best for the Taft-based squad as Julian Moral was able to run to first base right away after a clean hit. The next batter up was team captain Cassandra Inot, who, after a couple strikes, was able to lock in and deliver a swing that sent the ball almost too far for any Maroon to reach. This hit allowed Moral to run home and finally get her team on the board, 1–4, while Inot was able to make it all the way to third base. Labargan and Alipato were also able to connect on hits, loading the bases and putting Gonzales in a position to potentially tie or take the lead.
Although this was the Lady Batters' best chance to score multiple points, a heartbreaking third strikeout called on Gonzales was all it took for the sides to switch and the Maroons to capitalize, adding the final nail in the coffin when Pascual was able to make a run, 1–5. A final chance for La Salle to catch up in the last inning was also cut short by three straight outs, marking their first defeat of the season.
Catch the DLSU Lady Batters as they aim to bounce back against their arch-rivals the Ateneo Lady Eagles on February 28, 5PM at the same venue.
