Manila: Adamson University blanked University of Santo Tomas (UST), 4-0, Saturday to kick off its bid for a 13th straight title in the UAAP Season 88 softball at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila. UST took its first loss in two games.

According to Philippines News Agency, Adamson waxed hot in the first inning, racking up three hits and capitalizing on UST's errors to plate three runs. Rookie Reyae Villamin started the rally with a single to the middle, but it was Jeelyn Pajotal and Mea Tubongbanua who drove in the runs.

Roma Mae Cruz and Mae Langga crossed home to give Adamson a 2-0 lead before MJ Libaton, who had reached base on a walk, scored after advancing to third and then home on hits by Pajotal and Tubongbanua, respectively.

But it was Adamson's defense that ultimately sealed the victory. Rookie pitcher Mary Joy Alpitche and rookie starting catcher Victoria Magbanua held UST to just one hit without allowing a run. "Our defense is good, especially my rookie pitcher, I told her that. I told her, this game will either break you or you will be a fighter so you can feel the UAAP. And she really delivered. One hit," long-time Adamson coach Ana Santiago said.

Six Lady Falcons had with one hit each, with Cruz and Tubongbanua driving in one RBI apiece. Alpitche gave up only a lone hit from Helga Campos in the second inning while retiring the remaining 20 batters she faced, including two strikeouts.

Santiago stressed the need for improved hitting, starting with their game against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles on Tuesday at 9 a.m. "Of course, we need to improve our hitting because hitting is a really big thing. And at the same time, we need to adjust and improve, because the competition here in the UAAP, every game is different. So, we really need to prepare every game," Santiago, who also serves as coach of the national team, said. UST's next match will be against Ateneo at 11 a.m. on March 7.