By Jean Malanum
MANILA – Adamson University and University of the Philippines downed separate rivals on Tuesday to share the lead in the UAAP Season 88 softball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.
Mae Langga delivered her second home run of the season in leading Adamson University to a 25-0 rout of Ateneo de Manila University.
UP, on the other hand, demolished De La Salle University, 4–0.
Langga, who played the heroics in the Lady Falcons’ Game 2 victory over the Fighting Maroons last season, sealed the win by sending Gabrielli Profeta’s pitch over the left-center fence.
“At least after the first game, we focused a little on our hitting. And our hitting was good today, like Langga’s homerun, and then their hits were coming one after another, they were timely. We need this in our two remaining games (of the first round) because I told them, the opponents are getting stronger and stronger,” Adamson long-time head coach Ana Santiago said.
Langga had three hits and four RBIs, while Reyae Villamin contributed four hits and three RBIs.
Glory Alonzo was solid on the mound, allowing just a walk and striking out two Ateneo batters, while April Minanga had a strikeout and two easy infield putouts.
Santiago hopes the team can sustain its momentum against UP on Saturday at 9 a.m.
“I, of course, expected that when they played UP and La Salle, the game would be good because our opponent was really strong, and at the same time, what I told them is, just keep the composure, have presence of mind. Just trust the process, what they trained for,” she said.
“They need to carry that confidence. Let’s see how they play in the next game against the team we’ve been competing against for the past three years in the championship. Let’s see how our new players will respond to that kind of game; we’ll see,” Santiago added.
UST and La Salle have similar 1-1 records, while Ateneo remains winless after three games. (PNA)
