Patriots-Angels clinch softball crown

The Patriots-Angels’ Tiah Camacho swings during their title game against Balas in the Natibu Sports Association Girls Fast-pitch League last Saturday at the Capital Hill Ballfield. (Roby N. Pamintuan)

The Patriots-Angels dominated Balas, 20-3, in the championship match in the Natibu Sports Association Girls Fast-pitch League last Saturday at the Capital Hill Ballfield.

With the No. 1 Patriots-Angels’ one-sided victory over the No. 2 Balas, the former put the cherry on top of their undefeated season.

The Patriots-Angels and Balas were engaged in a brief stalemate when the first inning wrapped up, 1-1, before the eventual champions opened the floodgates and drowned their foes with 19 runs in the ensuing three innings to finish the finale early.

Balas’ pitching errors and defensive lapses in the second inning gave the Patriots-Angels the foothold they needed to swing the doors open. Christy Aldan walked to first base after a hit by pitch, while Chanel Espinosa and Richelle Ramon also got free passes to first after Balas’ pitcher repeatedly missed her mark. Aldan, Espinosa, Ramon, Kiana Camacho, and Tiah Camacho went on to reach for the Patriots-Angels’ 6-1 advantage.

Balas’ defensive struggles carried over into the third inning and the Patriots-Angels capitalized to pull away further. The Patriots-Angels scored 7 more runs and silenced Balas to increase their advantage to 13-1.

Then in the fourth inning, Marika Laniyo pounded Balas when she fired off a two-run homer. Tiah Camacho later ended the game with a bang after blasting a grand slam that sent Espinosa, Sablan, and Christy Aldan home. Earlier at the top of the fourth inning, Ashley Aguon hit a two-run homer for Balas.

After the season finale, Tiah Camacho was quick to acknowledge and thank everyone that contributed to the Patriots-Angels’ banner year.

“Our first season was amazing and unforgettable,” Tiah Camacho said. “It wouldn’t have been possible without our parents, family, friends, coaches, managers, my team, and the Man up above. Playing a part in the championship really made me feel good because I could contribute for my team and show people what girls are capable of on the field.”

“Winning the championship this year has been an honor and an amazing experience,” she added. “It was really unexpected for all of us, considering the fact that a majority of [my teammates] just started playing ball this year.”

The Patriots-Angels compensated for their inexperience by investing time and effort on improving their skills, individually and as a team. Their coaches and managers also constantly reminded them of the importance of team chemistry and effective communication on the field.

Kiana Aldan agreed that their championship season would not be possible without a unified and strong work ethic.

“My teammates and I, including our coaches, practice as much as we can to correct our mistakes and learn to play better,” Kiana Aldan said. “We all believe that hard work brought us to the championship.”

The Patriots-Angels’ players and coaches huddle after beating Balas, 20-3, in the finals of the Natibu Sports Association Girls Fast-pitch League last Saturday at the Capital Hill Ballfield. (Roby N. Pamintuan)