Adamson softbelles, Ateneo batters close in on UAAP crowns

Adamson is on the cusp of extending its softball reign to seven years, while Ateneo also got a headstart in its title bid in baseball Tuesday in UAAP Season 79 Finals action at Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

The Lady Falcons bucked a slow start to beat University of Santo Tomas, 9-2, in six innings to inch closer to a record 16th championship.

The Blue Eagles turned back the Growling Tigers, 9-2, to grab a 1-0 advantage in the baseball championship series.

Despite playing with a hurting hand, Adamson pitcher Lyca Basa was able to hold on with a three-strikeout effort, while Angelie Ursabia belted out three RBIs.

After giving up two runs at the top first, the Lady Falcons came through with five runs, as pitcher Mary Ann Antolihao struggled big time.

UST never recovered from there and lost Antolihao late in the fourth inning due to a knee injury.

Mallows Garde replaced Antolihao with Adamson ahead, 7-2, but her efforts were not enough to bail the Golden softbelles out.

Antolihao’s status remains uncertain for Game 2 as Adamson goes for the jugular on Friday at the same venue.

“I told the kids to not get pressures, there’s nothing new in the Finals. Just do what you’ve been doing in the first two rounds. I also told them to surprise me,” said Lady Falcons coach Ana Santiago.

The Tigresses started hot behind Celestine Palma and Lealyn Guevarra, but the Lady Falcons got into the groove as Riezel Calumbres, Lorna Adorable, Flor Pabiania, Gelyn Lamata and Ursabia connected to take the upper hand in the first inning.

“We hadn’t been able to score on Ann (Antolihao) like that before,” said Santiago.

Ateneo coach Randy Dizer stressed that his team is determined to erase the pain of last season’s Finals loss to fierce rival De La Salle that ended the Katipunan-based sluggers’ three-year reign.

“Right after last year, we wanted to get it back,” said Dizer.

The Eagles seek their fourth title in five seasons in Game 2 slated at Friday noon.

With bases loaded, the Growling Tigers surrendered three walks to hand the Eagles a 4-1 lead in the bottom third.

Javi Macasaet delivered a hit that sent Dino Altamonte and Radito Banzon home to give Ateneo a 8-1 advantage in the bottom sixth.