ADAMSON moved a win away from securing its seventh straight UAAP softball title after beating University of Santo Tomas, 9-2, in six innings in Game One of the Season 79 finals at the Rizal Ballpark.
Adamson coach Ana Santiago said the romp was the perfect response she expected to the wake-up call she issued to the team after a 1-0 loss to UST in the second round.
“It’s nice to be back in the finals but no pressure. There’s nothing about it. I just told them kung ano ‘yung ginagawa niyo last two rounds, gawin niyo. And most importantly, surprise me,” said Santiago.
“Kahit ako, na-surprise ako sa ginawa nila. Lahat ng credit, sa mga players,” she added.
Adamson goes for the kill in Game Two set on Friday, 8 a.m. also at the Rizal ballpark.
Angelie Ursabia blasted a two-run double with no outs to begin the Lady Falcons’ five-run first inning, negating the two runs by UST at the top of the inning.
Ursabia’s sacrifice fly in the fourth inning pushed Lorna Adorable, whose RBI triple scored lead-off hitter Riezel Calumbres, to give Adamson a 7-2 lead.
“Nung tumama sila nung first inning, sabi ko sa kanila kailangan natin bumawi. Kapag ang first batter, tumungtong, iiskor tayo,” said Santiago.
Lyca Basa pitched a complete game, issuing two runs on six hits while striking out six in a game that ended in the sixth due to the mercy rule.
UST’s ace hurler Ann Antolihao, the heavy favorite to win the Best Pitcher award, surrendered seven runs and six hits in four innings.
“Kung gusto namin manalo, kailangan namin tumama consistently kay Ann kasi ‘yun ang dahilan kung bakit kami natalo sa second round,” said Santiago.
UST faces the prospect of playing Game Two without Antolihao, who suffered an injury to her right knee in the second inning.