UAAP: Softbelles roll to second win after besting NU

The DLSU Softbelles began the second round of the UAAP Season 78 Softball Tournament on a good note after defeating the favored NU Lady Bulldogs, 6-3, last Wednesday, February 17, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Field. Starting pitcher Jamica Arribas, who anchored the La Salle defense throughout the game, capped off with gutsy pitching in the final inning to clinch their second win of the season.

The game began with DLSU scoring in a run at the top of the first inning off an infield error by the Lady Bulldogs. NU, however, would answer in the second inning, scoring two runs to take the lead from La Salle.

Tied at 2-2 at the top of the sixth inning, the Softbelles began to pull away, scoring four unanswered runs, three of which came in the seventh inning. This was highlighted by a two-run double from Lady Batter Pat Belarmino, who gave DLSU a 6-2 lead entering the bottom half of the final inning. It all ended after an NU Lady Batter drove a grounder to the left infield and shortstop Judy Macatangay threw to first base for the last out of the game.

Afterwards, Softbelles head coach Alex Epistular said he was happy with the performance of his players. “[Now that it’s the second round], it’s a new page. Every game is a must-win. Yung spirit nila compared to the last games is already in check,” asserted Epistular, who also cited his players’ big improvement in their offense that complemented the pitching of Arribas.

Meanwhile, Arribas was quick to thank her teammates for their batting on offense, as well as reminding them about staying positive amid pressure situations. “Yung sabi ko lang sila na yung secret para magawa sa tama yung skills and abilities namin is to enjoy the game,” she said.

The Lady Batters will look to sustain their winning ways when they take on the UST Growling Tigresses this Saturday, February 20, at 11 am in the Rizal Memorial Baseball Field.