THE UST Tiger Softbelles banked in on a strong fourth inning to dispose of the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons, 5-2, in the UAAP Season 79 softball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Stadium Thursday.
The game was tied early before UST’s CJ Roa, Mallows Garde and Shiela Perales scored three straight runs in the fourth inning to put the Softbelles at a 4-1 advantage.
In the prior possession, Lady Maroon Juliet Omul scored on an equalizer with a flyball that hit left field. UP still had one player in the third base but was quickly struck out after UST switched starting pitcher Garde for Anne Antolihao.
Softbelles head coach Sandy Barredo opted to start Garde, a member of the national team, to give her more playing time as the latest reports clocked her pitches at 98 kph, eclipsing Antolihao’s 95.
“May mga record kami sa national team kasi nasa board ako, kailangan niyan mayroon silang monthly report, since nag-start na training nila this coming World Championships sa Oklahoma and sa Canada, [si Garde and Antolihao] ‘yung ina-eye na number one or number two,” Barredo said after the game.
Garde gave UST a 1-0 lead in the first inning after hitting a flyer which propelled Lealyn Guevarra to complete the diamond.
“Nag-adjust lang kami since puro slow ball binato ng pitcher ko. Mababagal naman, so very late nakapag-adjust, fourth inning na,” Barredo added.
The Softbelles will face the De La Salle University Lady Batters on Feb. 11, Saturday, at the same venue.
