The UP softball team during their game against Ateneo in the UAAP Season 87 softball tournament, February 25, 2025 at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium. UAAP Media

MANILA -- The University of the Philippines needed just over an hour to take care of business against Ateneo de Manila University in their first game of the UAAP Season 87 softball tournament.

UP, last season's runner-up, shut out the Blue Eagles 16-0 in just two-and-a-half innings on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

Coming off a strong Season 86 campaign where they came just one win away from toppling reigning 11-time champion Adamson, the Fighting Maroons made a statement in their season opener.

UP head coach Ron Pagkaliwagan emphasized the importance of staying focused in the present, a mindset that fueled UP's commanding debut win.

"Naka-focus lang kami one at a time. At sabi ko nga, ang kalaban nila diyan, hindi 'yung other team eh. Ang kalaban nila diyan ay 'yung sarili din nila," said Pagkaliwagan, now in his fourth year at the helm.

UAAP Season 85 Athlete of the Year Nickole Dela Cruz and Generose Torremocha spearheaded UP's offensive onslaught, delivering a perfect 3-for-3 and 2-for-2 at the plate, respectively.

The Fighting Maroons racked up a total of 12 hits in the short-lived contest.

Torremocha and Dela Cruz made their presence felt early, registering their first hits in the opening inning against Ateneo's Daniela De Asis.

UP erupted for 11 runs in that frame, setting the tone for the runaway victory.

On the mound, second-year pitcher Joy Laurente made the most of her first-ever UAAP start, retiring all six batters she faced, including two strikeouts.

Substitute pitcher Diane Pasco then stepped in to close out the game, dismissing the final three batters.

"Lahat naman sila kaya mag-deliver. Ang kagandahan nga is na-gauge ko capabilities nila do'n sa Indonesia, nung sumali kami sa Makassar Open," Pagkaliwagan said, highlighting his team's depth.

The Fighting Maroons will aim to keep their momentum going when they face the De La Salle University Lady Batters on Tuesday, March 4, at 10:30 a.m.

Meanwhile, the Blue Eagles will look to bounce back when they take on the Lady Batters first on Saturday at 12:30 p.m.