MANILA -- Adamson University pulled off a convincing 5-1 victory over the University of Santo Tomas to kick off its UAAP Season 87 Softball tournament second-round campaign on a high note Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

The Lady Falcons remained unbeaten in five games, securing at least a playoff berth for a spot in the Finals. A standout performance from rookie Jhaycel Roldan proved pivotal in both offense and defense.

"Before kasi nitong game namin, sinabi ko sa mga bata napaka-importante ng game natin against UST para hindi tayo hahapit sa dulo. Sabi ko na kailangan kaming manalo kasi 'yun ang maglalapit sa amin ng Finals. Kaya kung gusto (nilang) maglaro ng Finals, so we need to beat them," said head coach Ana Santiago.

"Although marami kaming left on base; hindi nagkakasunod 'yung hits. Although tumatama naman, hindi nagkakasunod 'yung hitting namin. Let's see kung paano namin i-wo-work out 'yung ganung situation," the Adamson legend added.

READ: Adamson's 6th inning explosion enough to turn back UST

Adamson's Jhaycel Roldan in action against UST in the UAAP Season 87 softball tournament, March 18, 2025 at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila. UAAP Media

Roldan, a 19-year-old product of Bacolod City National High School, had two hits in three at-bats. Her first hit — a sharp bunt — ignited a third-inning surge. The centerfielder advanced to third base after an error by UST catcher Anne Patricio before scoring the game's opening run off a sacrifice fly from Alaiza Talisik.

Roldan continued to deliver in the seventh and final inning, leading off with a hit before scoring one of Adamson's two insurance runs courtesy of Roma Jane Cruz's two-RBI double. Mea Tubongbanua also crossed the plate after drawing a walk to first base.

Roldan's most impactful moment came on defense. She fired a precise throw to catcher Aliza Pichon to tag out a surging Erica Fernandez at home, preserving Adamson's lead and preventing a potential tying run.

"Don po sa play na 'yon, kailangan po kasi do'n ng tapang. Kung walang tapang, at wala ka sa focus, hindi mo magagawa. Tsaka kailangang may tiwala ka sa sarili mo," Roldan said about her crucial defensive play.

Adamson will aim to clinch an outright Finals berth when they face winless Ateneo de Manila University (0-5) on Saturday at 8 a.m.

Meanwhile, the Softbelles suffered their second straight loss, falling to 2-4. UST's lone run came in the third inning when Lyca Blanco rounded the bases. Blanco initially reached base on a fielder's choice, advanced to second on a relay throw to Fernandez, and eventually scored off Helga Campos' lone hit of the game to tie it at one run apiece.

From that point, Adamson's pitching held firm. Glory Alonzo allowed just three more hits to the Softbelles and secured the save, while April Minanga earned her second win of the season. Minanga limited UST to three hits in 2.2 innings before Alonzo took over the pitching duties.

On the other hand, UST pitcher Mariela Dela Cruz endured her first defeat, surrendering three runs and five hits in her 3.2 innings on the mound. Chang Chih-Ling was unable to halt Adamson's momentum in relief as the reigning champions added two more runs to seal the victory.

UST (2-3) will next face Ateneo on Tuesday, March 25, at 10 a.m.