UAAP softball: Bernardino pitches Lady Falcons to 1st round sweep

Defending titlist Adamson University rode on starting pitcher Rizza Bernardino's steady performance on the mound in posting a 3-0 shutout win over University of the East on Wednesday in the 74th UAAP softball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium. Bernardino struck out four batters while yielding three hits in 5 1/3 innings pitched as Adamson completed its first step in its bid to defend the crown, finishing the first round with a 5-0 mark. Bernardino also blasted a two-run double in the third inning while Annalie Benjamen crossed home plate on a fielder’s choice to provide the offense for the Lady Falcons. "Bumabawi kami sa pitching at depensa. Hindi pa ako impressed sa hitting and I hope maaayos namin ito sa second round," said Lady Falcons coach Anna Santiago. University of the Philippines, meanwhile, defeated La Salle, 4-3, while University of Santo Tomas downed Ateneo, 9-4. The Lady Maroons ended the first round with a 4-1 win-loss card with the Tigresses right behind with a 3-2 slate.   The UAAP softball hostilities resume on Saturday.   In baseball, the Ateneo Blue Eagles will also aim for a first round sweep on Thursday against La Salle at the Rizal ballpark. The Blue Eagles, behind their offensive run-scoring binges, have been leading the way in the tournament. — JVP/KG, GMA News