The DLSU Lady Batters succumbed to the UST Golden Tigresses, 12-9, in their UAAP Season 87 Softball Tournament opening game earlier today, February 25, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
Early lead
The Lady Batters enjoyed an early spark in the game, grabbing two runs in the first inning, but immediately gave up a run to UST after a defensive lapse, 2-1. In the second inning, both teams tightened their defense. While the Green-and-White were unable to extend their lead, they still limited the Thomasians’ chances as they caught out their hits.
In the third inning, the Lady Batters chipped away the UST defense as Cassandra Inot, Tiffany Labargan, and Glecilyn Alipato each got runs to give La Salle a comfortable 5-1 cushion. However, at the bottom of the third inning, UST clawed their way back from the deficit, getting two runs of their own to cut La Salle’s lead to three, 5-3.
Losing control
The game took a turn in the fourth inning. The Lady Batters were not able to get another run at the top, allowing the Golden Tigresses to get two runs in the bottom inning, 5-all. In the fifth inning, La Salle momentarily regained control, securing a three-run inning once again while slowly working through each base, 8-5. Despite their efforts, the Golden Tigresses were hot on their trail. At the bottom inning, UST’s hitters were able to move up the bases and cut La Salle’s lead to one, 8-7.
The Lady Batters suffered tough outing in the sixth inning, remaining scoreless at the top. In the bottom inning, UST found their hitting strokes, getting five-runs to snatch the lead in the game, 12-8.
The Lady Batters tried to rally in the seventh inning. Pitcher Joerjette Jordan hit the ball strong and ran straight to third base. Ciarana Eder’s hit allowed Jordan to get a run, while she ran to first base. However, the Lady Batters were unable to capitalize on their spark as they were caught out by the Golden Tigresses, dropping their first game, 12-9.
Following this loss, the DLSU Lady Batters will look to regroup as they take on the ADMU Blue Eagles this Saturday, March 1, at 12:30 pm at the same venue.
