A FIVE-RUN sixth inning propelled the Adamson University past the Tiger Softbelles, 8-5, to force a deciding Game 3 in the UAAP Season 80 softball finals at the Rizal Memorial Stadium Friday.
With two outs left at the top of the sixth inning and the game tied at 3-all, Adamson converted five runs courtesy of Leslie Benabaye, Delyrose Covarrubias and Jeanette Rusia that sent Krisha Cantor, Riezel Calumbres, Benabaye, Covarrubias and Edna Severino to home base for a commanding 8-3 lead.
UST tried to come back in the seventh frame after Hannah Dela Torre’s two-runs-batted-in (RBIs) single that resulted in Lyra Gustilo and Ataw Jumuad’s runs, but Jessie Belaño’s hit was struck out on the ensuing play.
“Hindi lang talaga nagkasunod-sunod ‘yung palo. Wala na ngang palo, may errors pa. Sobrang daming errors kaya ganun. Siguro sa Tuesday, kailangang ibalik ‘yung palo namin tapos sa depensa, [dapat] mahigpitan pa kasi masiyadong maluwag kanina, masiyadong kumpiyansa,” UST ace pitcher Ann Antolihao told the Varsitarian in an interview.
In the first inning, CJ Roa pummeled a center-field three-run homer that sent herself, Tin Palma and Belaño to home plate to put UST on board, 3-0.
But Adamson quickly responded in the second inning with conversions from Rusia and Cantor off Riezel Calumbres and Benabaye’s RBI singles, respectively.
Lady Falcon Pabiania then drilled a center-field home run of her own to tie the match at 3-apiece.
The do-or-die Game 3 will be on March 20, Tuesday, 9 a.m., at the same venue.
