Ateneo, AdU clouters near elims sweep

MANILA, Philippines - UAAP baseball’s miracle team Ateneo and amazing women’s defending softball champion Adamson disposed of separate opponents to move into the threshold of sweeping the opening round of the elimination play in their respective events over the weekend at the Rizal Memorial field.

The Blue Eagles, baseball’s erstwhile favorite whipping boys who have turned serious title contenders, demolished defending crown holder Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 8-1, for their fourth consecutive victories that saw them closer to a first round sweep.

The Lady Falcons, not to be outdone, shut out University of the Philippines, 5-0, to preserve their unbeaten record in their quest for their 10th and back-to-back women’s softball title.

The Eagles of coach Emerson Barandoc worked behind a two-hit, no-run five-inning stint on the mound by Dylan Francisco Tantuico Jr. in toppling the Tigers.                   

Julkie Marie Muyco finished what Rizza Bernardino started as the Lady Falcons exerted just enough effort in moving halfway through their campaign to retain the softball championship via a two-round sweep.

Adriane Bernardo preserved Tantuico’s heroics by limiting the UST batters to a mere hit that produced the Tigers’ lone run in the sixth in a four-inning relief.