MANILA -- University of the Philippines unleashed a 16-run barrage in the fourth inning to complete a dominant 21-0 four-inning shutout of Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 87 Softball tournament, Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

Team captain Nickole Dela Cruz led the Fighting Maroons' offensive onslaught, delivering three hits in her last three at-bats. Two of those came in the explosive fourth inning, which solidified UP's grip on second place with a 4-1 record. Defending champion Adamson University remains unbeaten at 4-0.

"Dahil nung first round, sinukat muna namin kung hanggang saan kami, kung hanggang saan kami nakarating simula nung off-season. Ngayong alam na namin kung ano 'yung mga pagkukulang namin at pagkakamali, pati kung saan kami malakas, siyempre ngayong second round gusto naming ma-i-apply lahat ng adjustments na nakita namin para magamit moving forward," shared the Season 85 MVP.

The UP Fighting Maroons in their game against Ateneo in the UAAP Season 87 softball tournament, March 15, 2025 at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila. UAAP Media

Adjustments were indeed crucial, as UP initially struggled to break through Jessica Daquigan's defense in the early innings before their bats caught fire in the fourth.

Holding a manageable 5-0 lead after three innings, Aila Subaldo sparked UP's offensive surge with a booming hit to the left side. What followed was an onslaught of 14 hits in that frame alone, resulting in 16 runs that all but sealed the game.

Aside from Dela Cruz, who finished 3-of-4 with three RBIs, Martine Francisco and Kate Nueva also made key contributions, each tallying two hits and two RBIs.

UP will face a dangerous De La Salle University (2-3) squad next Saturday, March 22, at 10 a.m. at the same venue.

Meanwhile, Ateneo (0-5) became the first team eliminated from Finals contention.

UP's Diane Pasco limited the Blue Eagles to just one base runner—Andrea Daquigan, who reached on a fielding error in the second inning. Pasco recovered in the same frame, recording two strikeouts, including a crucial dismissal of Jeanne Yap to end the inning. She then handed pitching duties over to EM Viñas.

Ateneo will look to bounce back when they take on the DLSU Lady Batters on Tuesday at 10 a.m.