MANILA, Philippines—Adamson and University of Santo Tomas overpowered their respective opponents to take the historic first wins in the inaugural UAAP women's high school basketball competition, Saturday at the Paco Arena.

The Junior Tigresses stunned heavily favored De La Salle Zobel, 63-45, in the main game of the double header to set the tone for the tournament.

Girls basketball is being played as a demo sport for Season 82. Trailing early, UST turned to its defense to close the first half on a 6-0 run, capped by a Bridgette Santos fastbreak layup to lead 27-16 heading into the break.

Erika Danganan paced the Tigresses with 21 points to go with nine rebounds and six assists. The guard also ended with four steals, two of which came in that stretch, which sparked the run.

"Nu’ng nag-start kami, gigil kami," UST head coach Aileen Grajales said. " ’Yung iba rito galing probinsya, so nanibago pa, gigil pa. Pero nu’ng third quarter, nakabawi na."

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UST's advantage ballooned to 26 points at the 9:25 mark of the fourth quarter as Jane Aranza finished off her steal off a Candice Udal pass to put the board at 47-21.

Grajales was grateful that the league started a Girls' division.

"Paangat na ’yung women's basketball so mas maganda ’yung ginawa ng UAAP, kasi bata pa lang nate-train na natin," the former national team stalwart said.

Katelyn Cancio led La Salle with 11 points and seven rebounds. Achissa Maw added seven markers and ended with 12 boards.

In the first UAAP girls basketball match, the Lady Baby Falcons dominated the Lady Eaglets, 121-44.

Mia Miguel produced an impressive double-double performance of 24 points and 14 rebounds to lead Adamson. Katrina Agojo chipped in with 12 points and a game-high 17 boards.

The Lady Baby Falcons limited Ateneo to just three points in the first quarter and a solitary point in the third canto to set the rout.

Andrea Sarmiento was the lone Atenean in double figures with 17 points, while Maxine Almeda added seven markers and 11 boards.

The two opening day winners UST and Adamson will gun it out for the solo lead on Saturday, at 9 a.m., while La Salle and Ateneo will battle for the first win later at 11 a.m.

Both matches will still be at the same venue.

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