University of Santo Tomas (UST) kept its podium hopes alive, forcing a share of third place in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 87 softball tournament with a commanding 10-1 victory over Ateneo de Manila University in just five innings on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

Snapping a two-game skid, UST improved to 3-4, tying De La Salle University in the standings ahead of a crucial final day in the elimination round.

With a shot at the bronze medal still up for grabs, the Tiger Softbelles now brace for a must-win duel against University of the Philippines on Saturday at 8 a.m.

The Lady Batters will close the eliminations against reigning champion Adamson University at 10 a.m.

If UST and La Salle finish with identical results — either both winning or both losing — a playoff for third place will be held on 1 April.

“The offense was still our strongest aspect, but when I reshuffled the defense, it improved because there were no errors,” UST head coach Sandy Barredo said, reflecting on his team’s adjustments after back-to-back losses to La Salle and Adamson.

“The only mistake was in left field, which allowed Ateneo to score. That’s what I want to see on Saturday — the defense — because that’s what has been costing us games, the errors.”

“But you never really know. If their pitcher is weak, then our offense thrives, and we score a lot. But what if the pitches are strong again? We might struggle to make contact. As for our pitching, I hope it remains consistent. The problem is, when we face a strong opponent, we get intimidated.”

UST set the tone early, responding immediately in the bottom of the first inning to erase Ateneo’s lone run in the opening half-inning.

Jojielyn Lim delivered UST’s first hit of the game, sending Ryza Mae Zahra home for the go-ahead run. Anne Patricio capped the inning with a two-RBI single to right field, bringing home Lyca Blanco and Lim for a 3-1 lead.

Pitcher Chang Chihling earned the win with a complete-game effort, limiting Ateneo to just one hit from Noelle Franco in the third inning after conceding two early hits from Rocio Macasaet and Czelle Basa, who combined for Ateneo’s only run.

Ateneo ended the season winless at 0-8, finishing in fifth place while bidding farewell to Franco, Macasaet and Jessica Daquigan.