Green Batters claim sweet revenge on UST

Photo by: Jennifer Serrano

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Batters hosted a blowout on the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers after the former defeated the latter by a huge margin, 21-5, last Wednesday, March 13, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

Following their first round loss to the Growling Tigers, the Green Batters were determined not to let another defeat happen. La Salle suffered a 3-10 beating from UST last February 27.

The Green Batters began a streak in the second inning that sparked their motivation to win. UAAP Most Valuable Player Kiko Gesmundo and Evangelista each hit a single and a double, respectively. Tuwi Park brought Gesmundo home with his single RBI. Rookie of the Year Angelo Tantuico entered the inning scoring a single that became a double due to errors of the fielders, which resulted to an RBI bringing Evangelista home. Salud followed up with a double RBI which sent Park home. La Salle led UST, 4-2.

UST committed pitching errors in the third frame, giving a walk to Evangelista, Park, and Tantuico. With all the bases loaded, Salud capitalized with two RBIs that brought Evangelista and Park home. Boo Barandiaran then scored a single with another pair of RBIs to bring home Tantuico and Salud. At the bottom of the inning, the defense of the Green Batters made it impossible for the Growling Tigers to score a point as all their hits got caught. La Salle multiplied their lead against UST, 8-2.

Gesmundo and Park started the fourth inning with quick singles. Rosas transported Gesmundo home with a single and RBI. With errors committed on the field once more, Park was able to steal one from the España-based squad. Herrera made sure that UST will have a nil score by the end of the inning.

The Green Batters’ streak did not end there as Salud and Barandiaran scored singles each to begin the fifth inning. The former got to the third base, and with the help of an Iggy Escaño double, he was able to come home. Gesmundo followed with another double with two RBIs, bringing Barandianan and their team captain Escaño home. Park’s hit sent Gesmundo home. After five innings, La Salle’s advantage started to really swell as they were up by a dozen, 14-2, against UST.

Coming off a scoreless sixth inning for both squads, the Green Batters reached peak in the seventh inning. With Gesmundo and Pascual filling two bases, Park helped the latter add to the scoreboard with a single RBI. A Casas double followed a J. Bilbao walk allowed Park to complete another revolution.

A. Bilbao was able to achieve a triple with RBI bringing home J. Bilbao and Casas. Pineda scored a double RBI, landing A. Bilbao back home and pushing the Green Batters up to the 20-point mark. It did not stop there, however, as Acuña had a single RBI that drove Pineda home. The Growling Tigers were able to add a couple more points, but did not prove enough as mercy rule ended the game through seven innings.

The DLSU Green Batters improved to a 6-2 win-loss record to remain in the hunt of a ticket to the Finals. They will be facing the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Sunday, March 17, 1 PM at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

Fourth straight win powers Lady Batters return to Final Four

Photo by: Jempoy Pimentel

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Batters picked up their fourth straight win last Thursday, March 14, after upsetting the UE Lady Red Warriors in a come-from-behind fashion, 8-7, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

Still without blemish in the second round of eliminations, the Lady Batters remain steady at the second spot of the UAAP Season 81 Softball Tournament.

Moreover, their seventh win of the season proved enough to mark their return to the Final Four.

Team captain Jamica Arribas lauded the team’s resiliency as the team battled through a 3-6 disadvantage against UE midway through the game. “Hindi kami sumusuko kahit ahead na sa amin yung kalaban.”

But for head coach Jasper Cabrera, it was Arribas’ leadership that made it possible for the team to achieve their victory. “It would not be possible without, of course, the leadership of our captain.

Jamica, as a veteran and team captain, was able to lead the team well in terms of emotional aspect. It was not easy at the the start, but we are thankful that they are doing very well together under the leadership of their captain.”

Now that the Lady Batters are through the playoffs, their next target is to try to make it to the top two. “We are aiming na makapasok sa top two dahil advantage yun sa crossover,” said Arribas.

However, it will be a tall order as they will be up against two of the squads that dealt them losses in the first round, having Adamson and UST back-to-back as their remaining assignments. Arribas and her team will secure the second seed if they win both games.

Around the league, the Lady Falcons, the defending champions, have already secured their spot in the playoffs. Also racing for a good position in the Final Four are UST and NU.

Cabrera believes that the Lady Batters in terms of skills can truly compete. “The Lady Batters are well-skilled,” he shared. However, he also noted the need to improve the team’s fighting spirits to make up for their lack of exposure to ‘championship’ games. “We have to improve their fighting spirits. Our team is not exposed to championship games.” He continued, “They have to absorb that they already won several games and let that sink in. They defeated good teams, and now they are being looked up to as good too.”

On the other hand, Arribas specifically mentioned the team’s inconsistency in hitting. According to her, the Lady Batters still have to show more consistency if they wish to collect more wins. “We need to improve our hitting and tibay pa rin ng loob.”

They will face Adamson later today, 11 AM, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

Lady Booters and UST tied in battle between Season 80 finalists

Photo by: Eunice Ermino

The battle between last season’s finalists turned out even as the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Booters and the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses ended in a 2-2 draw last Saturday, March 9, at Circulo Verde.

Last season’s runner-up UST dominated the first half with most chances coming from them, one in which Mae Cadag attempted to capitalize a series of error by La Salle. However, reigning Best Goalkeeper Tashka Lacson proved she is still in best shape, executing a wonderful save to keep the match even at the end of the first half.

Following a grueling first half, the tides changed at the 51st minute as the Lady Booters drew first blood after a close range finish by team captain Kyra Dimaandal off an Irish Navaja cross.

The goal did not stop the Lady Tigresses from pushing forward. Nine minutes after, Mary Joy Indac moved past the defenders to shift the momentum onto their sides, tying the game at one goal apiece. Then, at the 71st minute, UST’s captain Hazel Lustan took advantage of La Salle’s miscommunication and gave them their second goal in 10 minutes, overtaking the defending champions, 2-1.

The Taft-based squad did not rattle and composed themselves after the turn of events. The rookie connection between Shai De Ocampo and Maye Mendaño worked wonders as the former netted in a wonderful header from the latter’s corner kick at the 73rd minute, keeping the Green and White back into the game at 2-all.

Both teams hustled for their third goals, but several 1v1 spectacular Lacson saves and continuous crossbar hits by the defending champions denied any squad from attaining them.

With this draw, the Lady Booters secured second place with four points after two played games.

Catch the DLSU Lady Booters (1-1-0) as they attempt to improve their record when they face the UP Fighting Lady Maroons (1-0-1) on Saturday, March 16, 1 PM at the same venue.

Green Tennisters woes continue versus UST to end Round 1

Photo by: Karsten Villarin

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Tennisters succumbed to the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 1-4, on Saturday, March 9, at the CSA Bulacan Tennis Courts.

In the five-match game against the España-based squad, only team captain Betto Orendain was able to notch a victory over his opponent.

Al Andrade opened the first singles for the Taft-based squad. A thrilling three-setter played for almost two hours did not keep Andrade from smashing, until he ultimately fell short, 6-4, 5-7, 4-6.

Inspired by Tennis icon Rafael Nadal, Raprap Teng and Jose Miguel Gran, also known as the Green Tennisters’ “Bandana Boys,” teamed up in the first doubles match. However, they also dropped a tough 6-7, 1-6 loss.

In the second singles, Jonah Cano made it only halfway through both sets with a 3-6, 3-6 result.

Orendain, who gave the Green Tennisters their lone win for the day, fired a quick 6-2, 6-3 victory against UST in the last singles match.

The duo of Rey Mayo and Gelo Cerezo got ousted, 2-6, 2-6, in the second doubles match to end the game.

With a win-loss record of 1-5, the DLSU Green Tennisters remained at the sixth place. They look to redeem themselves as they enter the second round of the eliminations. Keep going, Green Tennisters!

Lady Tennisters end Round 1 at the top after defeating UST

Photo by: Andrea Mateo

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Tennisters punched the top seed after the first round of eliminations after nailing a sweet 4-1 victory against the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses on Saturday, March 9, at the CSA Bulacan Tennis Courts.

Angel Santiago played the first singles match for La Salle as she yielded to a 4-6, 4-6 upset by her Golden Tigress counterpart.

However, team captain Jed Aquino paired up with Arianne Nillasca in the first doubles match of the game to put the Taft-based squad on the scoring board after three sets, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1.

The Green and White rode their momentum as Lady Tennister Akiko De Guzman smashed out her opponent straight sets, 6-3, 6-2. The second singles victory gave La Salle a 2-1 lead over UST.

Jenni Dizon and Kiezl Diaz showed top performance as they finished the second doubles match with another straight-setter, 6-3, 6-2, to seal the deal for the Lady Tennisters.

In the final singles match, Aubrey Calma put up a sweep in the first set to cap the game, 6-0, 6-3.

The DLSU Lady Tennisters finished the first round of eliminations with a 3-1 win-loss record. They enter the second round with a bye advantage. Keep the Animo burning, Lady Tennisters!

Lady Batters outduel NU in late comeback for third straight victory

Photo by: Rina Mutiangpili

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Batters avenged their first round loss in an intense come-from-behind victory against the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 6-5, in the UAAP Season 81 Softball Tournament, earlier today at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

With the win, the Lady Batters climbed up to solo second with a win-loss record of 6-3 to remain in hunt of a postseason ticket.

At the top of the second inning, the Lady Batters defended the bases well, while the Lady Bulldogs continued their batting woes. At the bottom, La Salle remained a nightmare for the opponent as rookie pitcher Juan sent the ball in the center field for a run that brought her and another Lady Batter in the home plate to get onboard, 2-0, at the end of the inning.

With two early outs at the top of the fourth inning, NU threatened La Salle with two Lady Bulldogs at the first and third bases. Eventually, the Lady Bulldogs gained momentum and snatched the lead, 3-2, before getting their third out.

Down at the top of the fifth inning, the Lady Bulldogs extended their lead as they scored another run. However, the Taft-based squad edged their opponent. With Chinny Ejar already out, Miranda was rewarded a walk to first base before a Mercy Arroyo hit sent Miranda home, Nica Velasco to third and herself to first base to inch closer. As they continued to threaten the opponent, La Salle sent the ball into the deep left field where Velasco and Arroyo took advantage of. The duo fought for the home plate in a wild sequence that was fortunately ruled as safe for Velasco. An NU error at home made a run for Arroyo, which was also ruled as safe to regain the lead, 5-4. Team captain Jamica Arribas added a run to end the inning with her team up, 6-4.

The Lady Bulldogs made a run in the sixth inning, but was not able to tie the game in the last inning, sealing the come-from-behind win for the Green and White, 6-5.

“Nagwork out talaga yung ginawa namin kahapon na practice,” head coach Jasper Cabrera said regarding their four runs in the fifth inning.

“Unahan man kami ng score, wag lang magpanic dahil anytime matatamaan namin yan kasi mapapagod din yung pitcher nila, at alam na namin yung game plan ng catcher. Sumunod naman yung players at nai-deliver agad nila kaya umiscore kami ng four runs,” he added.

Cabrera had some words to motivate his team, “Ang lagi ko lang sinasabi sa kanila, kung pwede itatak niyo sa isip niyo yan (the win), para hindi niyo makalimutan yung goal natin na Final Four muna.”

The DLSU Lady Batters (6-3) will try to sweep the UE Lady Red Warriors in the elimination round on Thursday, March 14, 9AM at the same venue.

Green Spikers outlast Red Warriors in thrilling five-setter

Photo By: Steffi Chua

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers notched a crucial match against the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors in five sets, 25-14, 25-10, 23-25, 22-25, 15-13, on Saturday, March 9, at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Green Spikers got the ball rolling early in the opening frame with solid offense and terrific blocking. UE kept the game close by matching La Salle’s efforts. The set was tied at 4-all before the Green Spikers unleashed a 4-1 run, building three point lead, 8-5, heading into the first technical timeout. The green shirts rode their momentum off the timeout. An error by UE coupled with back-to-back hits from JD Delos Reyes extended La Salle’s lead by six, 11-5. The Red Warriors tried to get back into the set, but the Green Spikers continued to show their dominance. Off a stellar play from Delos Reyes, the Green Spikers maintained a four point lead, 16-12, going into the second technical timeout. UE could not get close as the set went on. Billie Anima and Cris Dumago both got into the act and tore apart the Red Warriors’ defense, killing any chance for a UE comeback.

La Salle kept the ball rolling in the second set as UE continued to struggle. The Red Warriors opened up the scoreboard with an error, followed by a rejected hit from Geric Ortega, giving DLSU a two-point lead, 2-0. Momentum appeared to be on the side of the green shirts but the Red Warriors got the taste of the lead off a hit from Ortega, 3-2. La Salle quickly got their momentum back and built a three-point lead, 8-5, heading into the first technical timeout. In a similiar fashion from the previous set, the Green Spikers showed their control over UE. The Taft-based squad put on a block party that stifled the offense of the Red Warriors. As La Salle built a huge eight point lead, 17-9, frustration began to mount on UE’s side. The players and the coach started to complain to the officials about the calls they were getting. Meanwhile, La Salle continued to pounce on the Red Warriors. Tension was at an all-time high when the lead official decided to give UE head coach Victorio Turing, a yellow card for delaying the game. Shaken up by the turn of events, the Red Warriors fell swiftly to DLSU, scoring just one more point in the set.

On the verge of sweeping UE, the Green Spikers got complacent to start the third set. La Salle fell off early as UE built a 10-6 lead off the miscues and errors of the Green Spikers. Head coach Arnold Laniog tried to ice the UE run early by calling a timeout. The stoppage seemed to take effect, getting La Salle as close to two, 12-14, before Turing called for a ceasefire. Not wanting to go home early, the Red Warriors answered the call and showed resiliency, withstanding multiple La Salle runs. The set was in another deadlock at 21-all before UE eventually took the set, 25-22, off a service error by DLSU.

With the tables turning, the fourth set got off to a wild start. Both sides exchanged blows early in the set. Dumago and Clifford Inoferio went back-and-forth scoring for their squads. The Green Spikers took a two-point lead, 8-6, at the first technical timeout. The nip-and-tuck affair continued throughout the set as both teams could not pull away. The sequence was eventually broken as UE separated itself with a three-point lead. Laniog called to regain composure. Anima got going off the timeout, keeping La Salle within striking distance. Anima got La Salle within one point, 19-20, before an error from Inoferio tied the game at 20. Opportunity knocked on the side of DLSU, but the Green Spikers failed to answer, committing multiple errors to cost them the set, 23-25.

The unexpected fifth set went underway as La Salle showed urgency on the verge of blowing a two-to-nothing set lead. The set was closely contested. DLSU took an early 3-1 lead. The Green Spikers looked to capitalize but UE would not go away quietly, tying the game at 3-apiece. The set went back-and-forth from that point on. Both teams could only pull away as far as a single point before the other team scored. The Green Spikers eventually got the upper hand after building a precarious two-point lead, 13-11. The Red Warriors tied the set once again at 13. With the match up for grabs, Kieffer Reyes got the jump on UE with a quick attack, bringing La Salle within match, 14-13. The red shirts tried to salvage the match with a hit of their own but it sailed out, ending the match, 15-13.

Catch the DLSU Green Spikers (2-4) in their next game against the FEU Tamaraws, on Saturday, March 16, 10 AM, at the same venue.

Rookie sensation Shanden Vergara powers La Salle in victory over UP

The UAAP Season 81 happenings have been very interesting and unpredictable for everyone in the league. After bowing down to the UP Fighting Maroons in the semifinals last season, a comeback win was made last Thursday by the Green Booters as they stunned the defending champions, 2-1.

Among all the players in the pitch, one name stood out big time for the Taft-based squad that led them to an impressive win. Nineteen-year-old rookie Shanden Vergara scored two goals against the Fighting Maroons during the 36th and 65th minute of the match.

“It was a great feeling to score a goal for the first time after four or five matches.” Vergara added that he really waited for this moment to come. “It was unexpected. I tried to score and then yun, na-goal yung free kick. Also the second goal, I didn’t expect na magagawa ko. I was happy na nanalo kami, it was the team’s effort, and we just played as a team.”

Vergara became very patient with the process and at the end was rewarded as he performed his best match so far. He admitted being frustrated their previous matches, but the coaching staff would remind him, “Don’t be pressured (as) the goals will come. I was frustrated because sometimes you are eager to score but in the end, it’s for the team. This is a team sport so you should not be selfish.”

As one of the most promising rookies in this Season 81, Vergara remains well-driven to power through the following matches ahead for the Green Booters. “Ipapakita ko na I will do more than what is expected from me. I am happy for my goals earlier but I should not be satisfied because there are much more games coming up and we need to win.”

Having enough determination, he keeps his door open for improvement. “Dapat namin kunin yung mga laro every game, we’ll have to take it game by game. As a rookie, I have to contribute more, to improve more, and to bring glory for La Salle.”

Heading on to their next match, Vergara believes that they will focus on their lapses in order to have stronger finishes. “We need to focus on our defense because we still have so many lapses. We have to improve more and work on it during training day by day.”

The DLSZ standout emphasized that they will strive to become consistent until the end of the season. “We have to be consistent and to be at our top form. We also need to keep on the same mindset for the same season.”

Lady Spikers suffer straight-set upset from Golden Tigresses

Photo By: Rina Mutiangpili

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers absorbed their second consecutive loss after losing to the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses in straight sets, 20-25, 22-25, 17-25, on Wednesday, March 6, at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

With both teams coming from a loss, La Salle and UST looked to bounce back. The start of the opening frame was a nip-and-tuck affair. The set was tied at 3-all before a 4-0 run from UST forced head coach Ramil de Jesus to regroup. De Jesus’ efforts to ice the Tigresses’ momentum proved futile as Sisi Rondina continued to score for UST. The Golden Tigresses’ lead ballooned to eight, 11-3, before Jolina dela Cruz stopped the bleeding for La Salle. The Lady Spikers showed signs of life after the scoring drought, sparking a 9-2 run and cutting the deficit to a single point, 12-13. DLSU looked on their way to a comeback but UST pulled away, securing another four-point lead, 16-12, heading into the second technical timeout. The defending champions attempted to get back into the set, pulling to as close as two points, 18-20, forcing UST to call for time. The Tigresses regained control off the timeout, extending their lead to four, 22-18. The two-point deficit proved to be the closest the Lady Spikers could get. Just three points away from closing the set, UST never looked back and pulled away, 25-20.

Following a closely contested first frame, the second set was not any different. Both teams exchanged blows. La Salle took an early two-point lead, 5-3, but the Tigresses would not fall behind. Rondina and Eya Laure powered UST’s offense, taking the lead, 8-7, heading into the first technical timeout. The Golden Tigresses continued their roll and built another three point lead, 10-7. A long rally ended by Cheng seemed to bring life to the Lady Spikers. A block by Aduke Ogunsanya, followed by an ace from Michelle Cobb brought the game to a deadlock at 10-all. The set went back-and-forth from that point on. Both teams broke the deadlock by a single point before the other team answered back. The set approached the final deadlock at 22-all coming from a reception error from UST. The window of opportunity opened up for the Lady Spikers but they failed to capitalize on it. Back-to-back errors by Cobb and Julia Ipac brought UST at set point before De Jesus tried to save the set with a timeout. But another error from DLSU sealed the team’s fate.

Down 0-2 in the match, the Lady Spikers started the third set with a three point blitz, 3-0. La Salle tried to take control of the set but Rondina was too much to handle for the green shirts. The UST star sparked a 6-1 run giving the Tigresses a two-point lead, 7-5. De Jesus tried to slow Rondina’s roll with a timeout. The cease fire worked for a while with La Salle making a 3-0 run, giving them the lead 8-7, heading into the first technical timeout. Coming off the timeout, the Golden Tigresses went back to business and regained the lead off a hit from Rondina, 9-8. Cheng and Dela Cruz tried to keep La Salle’s hopes alive tying the game at 12-all, however a series of errors from La Salle gave the Tigresses a four point lead, 16-12, heading into the second technical timeout. The four-point deficit and the two-to-none set lead dampened La Salle’s spirits. Off the timeout, the Golden Tigresses scored two more points, extending the lead to 18-12. A service error by Mafe Galanza capped the UST run. However, the error did nothing to slow Golden Tigresses’ roll as another 4-0 run buried the Lady Spikers in an eight-point hole, 13-21. With the defending champions on the ropes, Rondina went to work, taking the Tigresses to match point, 24-17. A last ditch effort by Cheng sailed out of bounds as La Salle lost the set, 17-25.

It was not a great offensive outing for the Lady Spikers with none of them scoring in double figures. Three Lady Spikers led the team in scoring. Julia Ipac, Aduke Ogunsanya, and Jolina Dela Cruz each tallied eight points. Cheng’s shoulder issues posed a problem for DLSU, scoring just seven points in the game.

On the UST side, the Tigresses did not seem to miss the services of Milena Alessandrini. The Rookie of the Year sustained an injury in their last game and is out for at least two weeks. With Alessandrini out, Sisi Rondina shouldered much of the offensive burden, exploding for 19 points, enough to sweep La Salle.

Catch the DLSU Lady Spikers (3-2) in action in their next game against the UE Lady Warriors on Saturday, March 9, 2 PM at the same venue.

UAAP Season 81 Team Preview: DLSU Lady Booters

Photo by: Jeremiah Buenafe

Entering Season 81 as the reigning back-to-back champions of the UAAP Women’s Football Tournament, the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Booters are eager to defend the title and aim for a three-peat with their great combination of players and good practices.

Protecting the crown

After bagging consecutive championships in Seasons 79 and 80, assistant coach Alvin Ocampo assuredly said that the title has been a big factor in boosting the confidence of the Lady Booters. He also mentioned the improvements he saw during the preseason league among the rookies and the seniors who displayed a sense of authority and responsibility in commanding the team.

Alongside the preseason league that the ladies have participated in, team captain Kyra Dimaandal also mentioned that they had different kinds of training that allowed them to examine a variety of plays that they can use.

Rookie Alisha Del Campo, who previously played for De La Salle Santiago Zobel, mentioned the need to step up and perform at a collegiate level. “In training, we are always pushed to give our best and to improve more and more every single day so that when the season comes, we’re ready for our opponents and all the challenges coming our way,” Del Campo said.

More than physical preparations, the Lady Booters are also setting up a positive mindset. Commitment, discipline, eagerness, and trust are the values that the back-to-back champions instill. Irish Navaja, who will be playing her last UAAP season revealed, “The only way to keep the crown is to trust each and everyone in the team because that’s the most important weapon that we have against our opponent.”

Goal!

With all the other teams hungry to steal the meal from DLSU, the Lady Booters aim to double their efforts in order to keep the crown. Each of them has their personal and team goals.

Dimaandal stated, “Personal and team goal is to keep La Salle’s glory bright by keeping the championship. We’ve all been trying to be better even through hard times. What’s important is we all try to fix our mistakes and help each other. That’s the main plan—just being progressive.”

In and out of the field

Being a student-athlete has never been easy. Dimaandal revealed that she sometimes gets sidetracked by her academic and personal life, but it is her desire to lead the team to be better and build something that they, graduating seniors, will leave behind.

As one of the senior players, Navaja reminded the team to never settle for less. “An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it’s going to launch you into something great. So just focus, and keep aiming.”

She is confident of having a “sweet exit” at the tail of this season.

For the past two UAAP seasons, the Lady Booters have been strategically improving their plans as they bid to consistently achieve their goals.

Dimaandal shared, “It takes a team to get a championship. With the combination of players, we have good practices and chances to be better, not only in the field but (also) by developing characters that will strive for greatness and won’t settle for mediocrity.”

The DLSU Lady Booters will face their archrivals Ateneo de Manila University in their first game of the season on Wednesday, March 6, 3 PM, at Circulo Verde.