Manila Softbelles gain semis in W Series

HEMET, California – Team ManilaPhilippines showed fine form as it rolled over Redlands South California, 11-0, Saturday going into the final day of group competition in the 2017 PONY International 18-U Girls Softball World Series at the packed Diamond Valley Park inside the sprawling Valley-Wide Recreation District here.

Hurler Alma Tauli pitched six no-run innings and had four strikeouts and a couple of fine defensive stops as the 16-year old native of Norzagaray, Bulacan limited Redlands to a few hits to lead the Manila batters to the semis.

Second baseman Nichole Padasas started the onslaught with a run on an RBI by designated hitter Shaina Camacho, who likewise scored off a hit by third baseman Madaelene Dumaog at the top of the first inning.

At the top of the third the Big City softbelles scored four straight runs for a 6-0 lead from short stop Angelu Gabriel, center fielder Christine Bautista, Dumaog and right fielder Khrisha Cantor.

The Manila batters, backed by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), with support from David Gilinsky, Alberto Catangui of iOne Resources, and Carlyn TrotaSalud of Max’s, scored another run at the top of the fourth courtesy of Gabriel off an RBI by Camacho to make it 7-0.

At the top of the sixth, Gabriel and Camacho again scored on an RBI by Dumaog. Cantor and Dumaog scored the last two runs for an 11-0 victory off a hit by catcher Aliza Pichon.

The Manila batters, who lead Group A with a 3-0 slate, will battle the East Hemet Screaming Eagles, who outlasted the Indio Riverside County Reckless, 5-1, today at 10 a.m. (1 p.m. Sunday in Manila) to determine the group’s finalist.

“Syempre masaya tayong lahat sa panalo dahil crucial ito at must win situation para umabot sa semifinals. Kukunin na natin ang panalo laban sa East Hemet,” said head coach Anna Santiago.

“If we keep our composure and limit our errors, we will surely have a big chance to reach the finals,” said Manila Softball president Rafael “Che” Borromeo.

In Pool B, group leader and defending 2016 WS champion Central Hemet Xplozion (3-0) beat Moreno Valley to face West Zone champion San Bernardino in the semis.