March 5, 2015, 5:38 p.m. – THE UST Tiger Softbelles
escaped the University of the Philippines, 3-2, to boost their Final Four bid
in the UAAP Season 77 softball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Stadium
Wednesday.
The Tiger Softbelles delivered with a three-run fifth inning
and halted a potential UP comeback in the last inning to improve to a 5-5
record and share fourth place with the Lady Maroons.
After getting blanked early, the UST offense began to click
as Cristy Joy Roa, Mallows Garde and Hannah dela Torre filled all three bases.
Kristine Lacupa then connected with a center field hit,
which UP center fielder Sella Mendoza failed to catch, to send the three to
home plate, 3-0.
Lady Maroon DC Cruz converted a run in the sixth inning to
keep UP alive, 1-3.
With the UST lead down to one, pitcher Anne Antolihao saved
the Tiger Softbelles from a Lady Maroon comeback after striking out Gabin Paz
to seal the win.
“Maganda yung pitching. Nagdeliver si Anne Antolihao
tsaka ‘yung errors naminimize na,” said UST head coach Sandy Barredo.
The Tiger Softbelles will face the De La Salle University in
a crucial match on March 7, 12 noon, at the same venue. Delfin Ray M. Dioquino
