HEAVY rain did not stop six-time defending champions Adamson University Lady Falcons from eking out a 4-0 win against the UST Tiger Softbelles in the UAAP Season 79 softball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Stadium Monday.
After a scoreless deadlock that reached the seventh inning, Florabele Pabiania drilled a fly ball that sent Lorna Adorable and Riezel Calumbres to home plate in the extra inning for a 2-0 Adamson lead.
Lady Falcon Gelyn Lamata’s run-batted-in propelled Angelie Ursabia to complete the diamond before Pabiana added another run for the knockout blow, 4-0.
UST had a chance to win with a walk-off run at the bottom of the seventh with all the bases loaded and Lealyn Guevarra at bat.
But when the ball was struck and went near third, Jessie Belaño was tagged out, leading to a double play that ended regulation with a scoreless draw.
“Breaks of the game na ‘yung eighth inning na yun kasi may runner sa second eh. And ‘yung hit na ‘yun, ‘yung bunt, it was the hit of the game and we weren’t able to get an out. ‘Yung ganun na sitwasyon, no letting go na ‘yun. Kung may palo tayo sana, isa lang,” Softbelles head coach Sandy Barredo told the Varsitarian after the game.
UST pitcher Ann Antolihao and Adamson pitcher Arlyn Bautista fought toe-to-toe throughout the game despite facing a downpour that lead to a slippery grip on the ball.
“Excellent [si Antolihao] sa mound, na-hold niya for seven innings. She even struck out the number one home runner nila si [Gelai] Ursabia and na-limit ‘yung hit ni [Gelyn] Lamata. So maganda ‘yung performance niya. I hope magtuloy-tuloy tayo,” Barredo said.
The Softbelles (3-1 slate) will face the National University Lady Bulldogs on Feb. 16, Thursday, 12 noon, at the same venue.
