Patriots-Angels still unbeaten

The Patriots-Angels huddle after beating the Lady Ayuyus, 14-10, during their game in the Natibu Sports Association Girls Fast-pitch and Boys Slow-pitch Softball League last Sunday at the Capital Hill Ballfield. (Roby N. Pamintuan)

The Patriots-Angels kept their perfect record after edging out the Lady Ayuyus, 14-10, during their game in the Natibu Sports Association Girls Fast-pitch and Boys Slow-pitch Softball League last Sunday at the Capital Hill Ballfield.

The Patriots-Angels’ winning streak was not secured until the last inning—bottom of the sixth—where they had to withstand the Lady Ayuyus’ final push. The sixth inning started with the Patriots-Angels holding on to a 9-6 lead, which they upped to eight, 14-6, after a five-run top of the sixth. However, the Lady Ayuyus threatened to mount a comeback, making four runs at the bottom of the sixth before falling short and allowing the Patriots-Angels to maintain their unbeaten record.

Chanel Espinosa, Christy Aldan, Kiana Aldan, Mariko Laniyo, and Richelle Ramon scored runs for the Patriots-Angels at the top of the sixth inning. Ramon and Kiana Aldan finished the match with three runs each.

The Lady Ayuyus, on the other hand, got runs in the final inning from Camille Muna, DeFaustina Camacho, Pauline Bondoc, and Selina Taitano.
With their 4-0 mark, the Patriots-Angels are still in first place in the team standings, while the Lady Ayuyus are ranked third after dropping to a 1-3 mark.

Balas 28, Niners 7
In the other girls division game, Balas dominated the Niners to finish the match in just five innings.

The Niners rushed out of the gates with five runs in the first inning, but slowed down after the opener, as they mustered only two runs in the last four to hand the easy win to Balas.

Balas’ consistency on offense propelled them to victory, as it scored at least six runs each in four of the five innings played.

Balas was clinging to a 7-5 lead after one complete inning when it scored seven runs in the second to start controlling the match. The Niners were shutdown in the second inning, while Balas kept going.

Angel Deleon Guerrero, Apple Tyquenco, Cheyenne Sablan, Jaime Pangelinan, Kialani Aguon, Maria Igitol, and Tamisha Sablan crossed home plate for the Balas in the pivotal second inning for their 14-5 advantage. Pangelinan, Sablan, and Tyquenco led Balas with four runs apiece, while Igitol contributed three.

With the win, Balas now has a 3-1 record for second place behind the Patriots-Angels, while the Niners are at the bottom of the field with their 0-4 card.

BOYS DIVISION
Braves 13, Blue Jays 6
In the only game played in the boys division, the Braves outclassed the Blue Jays in seven innings.

Clutching a slight advantage over the Blue Jays at the bottom of the fourth inning, 7-4, the Braves marched away with the win after making six more runs in the final three innings against two from their opponents.

Tony and Miguel Leveque finished with two runs apiece in the last three frames for the Braves, while J.J. Sablan and Harry Moses chipped in one each.

The Braves remained atop the pecking order with their 3-1 record, while the Blue Jays fell to an even 2-2 slate.

In the other boys game, the Falcons were awarded the outright victory after the Ayuyus were unable to field the required six-player minimum.

The Falcons improved to a 2-2 card and are tied for second place with the Blue Jays, while the Ayuyus spiraled to last place with a 1-3 card.

A Lady Ayuyus runner heads home during their game against the Patriots-Angels in the Natibu Sports Association Girls Fast-pitch and Boys Slow-pitch Softball League last Sunday at the Capital Hill Ballfield. (Roby N. Pamintuan)