THE UST Tiger Softbelles forced a do-or-die game against the National University Lady Bulldogs, 2-0, in the semifinals of the UAAP Season 79 softball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Stadium Saturday.
UST’s Janah Hernandez drilled the biggest hit of her playing career in the fifth inning as she nailed a two-run-batted-in-double to the left field which sent Shiela Perales and Lyra Gustilo back to the home plate, 2-0.
UST star pitcher Ann Antolihao had a stellar game despite playing on a bum shoulder, forcing eight strikeouts against a formidable NU offense.
The Softbelles, who allowed NU to reach the third base only once, banked on Antolihao’s prolific play at the mound as the Lady Bulldogs produced just one hit in the last four innings.
“Na kay Antolihao kung madadala niya ulit ang team sa panalo [sa susunod na laro],” Softbelles head coach Sandy Barredo said after the game. “Sabi naman niya kaya naman niya ang balikat niya, warm-up warm-ups lang.”
The winner-take-all semifinals matchup will be held on March 13, Monday, at the same venue.
