UP softball team wins first UAAP Season 87 game with shutout

The University of the Philippines' softball team secured their first victory in UAAP Season 87 with a decisive 16-0 shutout against Ateneo de Manila University on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

UP, who are last season's runners-up and this year's hosts, dominated the game in just two-and-a-half innings, showcasing their preparation from international exposure such as participating in the Makassar Open.

Head coach Ron Pagkaliwagan emphasized the importance of focusing on each game individually, stating that his team’s challenge is to stay focused on themselves rather than external factors.

Leading the charge for UP were Season 85 Athlete of the Year Nickole Dela Cruz and Generose Torremocha, who delivered a perfect performance at the plate with multiple hits each.

UP will face De La Salle University Lady Batters in their next game on Tuesday, March 4, while Ateneo de Manila University aims to bounce back from their loss against DLSU on Saturday.