Chester Mark Mateo of National University Nazareth School (NUNS) on the mound during the game against University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 88 high school baseball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium on Wednesday (Feb. 4, 2026). The Bullpups won, 4-3. (UAAP photo)
A breakout performance from Chester Mark Mateo pushed National University Nazareth School to the top of the standings in the UAAP Season 88 high school baseball tournament after a gritty 4–3 win over University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday at Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
The 18-year-old right-hander from Palawan delivered on both sides of the game, anchoring NUNS with a poised complete-game effort that limited UST to four hits and three runs while striking out six. Mateo’s command on the mound steadied the Bullpups through late pressure as they climbed to a 4–2 record and claimed solo leadership in the tournament.
Mateo’s impact extended to the batter’s box, where he went 2-for-3 and cracked a triple to help keep the offense moving. Justin Lauriquez set the tone for NUNS with three hits and a stolen base, providing timely support in a tightly contested matchup that swung on execution rather than power.
The win reinforced the growing confidence within the Bullpups camp as the season heads into its crucial stretch, with NUNS emerging as a serious title contender in the tightly packed race of the UAAP Season 88 high school baseball tournament.
In the day’s other game, PAREF Southridge stayed within striking distance of the Finals after overpowering Ateneo de Manila University, 19–7, in eight innings. The Admirals absorbed an early punch after the Blue Eagles jumped to a 4–0 lead in the opening inning, but quickly flipped the momentum with a relentless offensive surge.
Southridge erupted for four runs in the third inning, followed by three each in the fourth and fifth, before breaking the game wide open with a five-run sixth to build a commanding cushion. The victory lifted Southridge to 3–3, keeping them half a game behind UST and idle De La Salle–Zobel in the race for a Finals berth.
Catcher Sandro Villarosa paced the Admirals with four hits and two RBIs, while Luis Chavez delivered a perfect 3-for-3 outing highlighted by four RBIs. Leadoff hitter JC Basañes added pressure on the bases with three hits and three stolen bases, and Yano Antonio crossed home plate five times off two hits as Southridge showcased its depth and urgency.
With the standings tightening, every remaining game now carries added weight, as teams jockey for position in a tournament that is quickly shaping into a battle of consistency, resilience, and timely execution.