THE UST Tiger Softbelles narrowly defeated the University of the East in extra innings, 2-1, in the UAAP Season 80 softball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Stadium Thursday.
Tied at 1-1 in the tenth inning, Softbelle Bea Hernandez struck a left-field run-batted-in (RBI) double that sent Shiela Mae Perales to home plate for the win.
Ma. Lourdes Blanco hit an RBI single in the ninth inning for UE’s first point as Mary Joy Catacutan reached home plate.
But UST answered with Tin Palma’s sacrifice fly to pave the way for a Lea Guevarra run, 1-1.
The Lady Warriors had the chance to snatch the win in the eighth inning, with Charlene Quintos pummelling a left field RBI triple but another fly out was called in the next play.
“First time kong umabot sa ganoong game. Sobrang hirap pero ‘yung tumatak sa isip ko ay ‘yung sinabi ni coach [Sandy Barredo] na mapapagod pero hindi susuko. Kaya ginawa ko pa rin ‘yung best ko,” UST ace pitcher Ann Antolihao said.
Antolihao, for her part, anchored UST’s defense and registered six strikeouts.
UST will next face defending champions Adamson University on Feb. 12, Monday, 1 p.m., at the same venue.
