ITS been years since the Negros Occidental senior league players last entered the semifinals of the Senior League Softball World Series like the one now ongoing in Delaware.
The Philippine side made a stunning performance early morning Saturday, August 5, (local time) when they shocked the West-Garden City Softball in the quarterfinals with an impressive 10-0 victory in just six innings.
Neo May Mahinay singled on a ground ball to the left fielder then Mary Joy Maguad doubled on a line drive of the left fielder as Mahinay scored.
Maguad was already in second, waiting for her turn to make another strong finish but Ezra Jaladoni, Chastene Jover and Glecilyn Alipato were struck out successively.
Both teams were scoreless in the second inning but the Pinay batters went on a three-run rampage on top of the third with Glory Alonzo reaching the home plate after Maguad doubled on a fly ball to West’s left fielder and advancing to 3rd on an error.
Maguad then finally reached her destination after Jaladoni bunts to West’s pitcher Aber Hickethier. Jalandoni was struck out in the second base as Jover was advancing to the first.
Jover finally extended Negros Occidental’s lead to 4-0 with another run off a Solidarios single on a hard ground ball to Hickethier advancing Alipato to the second base. Jover stole a play to the third but Josiemers Maguad was struck out in the first base.
The Negrense side continued to dominate the 4th inning even if Alonzo and Manihay were struck out early. Mea Tubongbanua, Joy Maguad and Jalandoni scored on successive plays to further extend the Philippine advantage to 7-0.
The Philippine side never looked with 2 more runs in 5th inning and another in 6th to seal the victory.
With their successful run in the tournament, a good number of Filipino fans here and abroad are praying for their success including PSC Commissioner Raymond Maxey – who early set this prayer for the success of the team. (HGD)
