Falcon softbelles one step away from unprecedented 10-peat
Date Posted: March 23, 2023 at 03:48 PM
The Lady Falcons is a win away to cement their decade of dominance in UAAP softball after they escaped University of the Philippines, 2-1, in Game 1 of the UAAP 85 finals series last March 14 at the UP Diliman Baseball Field.
A walk-off hit in the seventh inning from pinch-hitter Mae Langga made the difference for the Adamson softbelles who were stuck in a 1-1 tie with UP for most of the match.
Alaiza Talisik reached first base at the bottom of the seventh after a pitch hit her on her left leg. League best base stealer Madaelene Domaug was then sent by AdU Head Coach Ana Santiago as pinch runner to try and close out the match.
Langga then came at bat before Domaug ran for the scoring position in second base. UP catcher Revel Caoagdan’s throw to pick off Domaug went past the second baseman, resulting in the runner getting to third.
The 21-year-old Ilonnga then drilled a booming line drive single to shallow center field for the victory.
Adamson scored their first run in the third when Neomay Mahinay hit a grounder that scored MJ Maguad after the ball went past the UP shortstop.
UP, though, answered with their own score off a ground ball to tie the game at 1-1 after Franciso of UP reached home from a Subaldo hit.
Glory Alonzo again played throughout the match, throwing 86 pitches -- registering two Ks and giving up five hits but leaving four on base.
The Lady Falcons will look to close it out on Saturday, 2:30 p.m., at the same venue, while UP aims to force a rubber match next Tuesday.
Adamson looks to hoist their tenth consecutive UAAP softball trophy this March 18 in the same venue.