MANILA – Eleven-time defending champion Adamson University blanked De La Salle University, 9-0, to complete a sweep of the UAAP Season 87 softball elimination at Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila on Saturday.

The unbeaten Lady Falcons (8-0) will face the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons in Game 1 of the best-of-three finals on Tuesday.

Neomay Mahinay had a flawless performance at the plate, going two-for-two, while Mae Langga, who replaced Chastene Jover, slammed a double in the fifth inning.

Alaiza Talisik had a double that drove in two runs. Jeelyn Pajotal and Roma Jane Cruz extended the lead to 7-0, and Talisik later scored on a hit by Madaelene Domaug to make it 8-0.

Taking over Glory Alonzo on the mound, April Minanga held La Salle scoreless over two innings despite surrendering three hits -- one each to April Gonzales in the fourth and Glecilyn Alipato and Julian Gail Moral in the fifth.

Alonzo allowed just one hit from Cassandra Inot in the third inning, leading to three scoreless innings for De La Salle.

"At least now, our hitting against La Salle was better compared to the previous game. So, I think they are already preparing themselves for the finals because they themselves acknowledge that winning the championship this year won’t be easy," Adamson coach Ana Santiago said.

"What’s important is that, as they say, we’re still in the championship," Santiago, who also coaches the Blu Girls, added.

UP (6-2) secured its finals spot by defeating University of Santo Tomas (UST), 6-1.

"This is our preparation for the championship and I'm not satisfied yet. There are still many things we need to improve if we really want to win. So when it comes to training, we need to focus on the small concerns and make the necessary adjustments," UP coach Ron Pagkaliwagan said.

UST and De La Salle, both with 3-5 cards, will fight for the bronze medal. (PNA)