WORLD Series veteran Rizza Bernardino sparkled on both ends as defending champion Adamson University blanked University of the Philippines, 5-0, yesterday on Day 2 of the Cebuana Lhuillier National Intercollegiate women’s softball championship at Rosario Sports Complex in Pasig City.
Bernardino allowed just four hits in seven innings, aside from going 2-of-2 at bat as the Lady Falcons streaked to their second straight victory for a share of the lead with University of the East.
The Lady Falcons struck for three runs in the bottom of the first inning, with Bernardino belting a double to help fuel the strong start.
Bernardino held her ground on the mound, thwarting the Lady Maroons’ repeated attempts of a comeback.
UP coach Kiko Diaz fielded four pitchers in an effort to neutralize Adamson, but it was in vain as the Lady Falcons hitters proved to be in the groove.
Earlier, the Lady Warriors, who wound up second last year, rallied past Ateneo, 6-2, for their second victory.
Marlyn Francisco starred for the Lady Warriors with a two-run homerun in the fifth inning as UE completed the comeback from 0-2 down.
In other games, La Salle overwhelmed St. Louis University of Baguio City, 16-6, in a game played for only three innings. It was a resounding response from the Lady Archers, who bowed to Rizal Technological University, 0-7, last Monday.
SLU dropped its second straight game in the tournament, after a 0-29 drubbing at the hands of Adamson.
Bernardino’s hit allowed catcher Elvie Enterina to reach home. The girls of coach Ana Santiago also drew superb efforts from Luzviminda Embudo, who capped Adamson’s four-hit, three run opening frame streak with another base-hit that sent Analie Benjamin home. Cedelf P. Tupas