By Mc Rliz Cloma
Photos by Kim Dela Cruz
On April 26 morning, the CPU-led Western Visayas team defeated CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region) 18-4. This victory earned them the championship game against Region 10 held in the afternoon.
Region 10 started the game strongly by scoring 4–0 runs in the first two innings but on the 3rd inning, Antonette Sacamay of Region 6 delivered Jeraldine Ayore home via “run batted in” (RBI).
And with runners on 1st and 2nd bases, Gulfan struck the lone homer of the game for 3 RBIs thereby leveling the game to 4 runs each.
Gaining momentum from that scoring spree, Region 6 used tricky offensive plays in the next three innings which enabled them to led 10–4 after the top of the 6th inning.
On the bottom of the 6th inning, Region 10 loaded all the bases and scored 2 quick runs on no outs, making the score 10-6.
Pitcher’s injury did not deter Region 6 to win
In that moment, Region 6 pitcher Donna Rose Gabayoyo, with two standing outs (SO) and 10 hits on 30 batters, requested for Penafiel to relieve her and end the game. She felt her pitching arm’s injured finger cannot contain the pressure anymore.
Taking advantage of the new pitcher, Region 10 pounced at will and scored 5 more runs, wresting the lead from Region 6 at 10–11 as they reached 7th inning.
Sensing that momentum is obviously on Region 10, before the last inning started, Kim Dela Cruz (head coach) challenged the Region 6 girls that God brought them together for this moment with their talents and for them to make good use of what God has gifted them.
Determined to win the championship, Region 6 showed heart and displayed aggressive and smart plays, producing 5 hits and 4 runs on 2 errors from Region 10.
With the championship almost at hand, Penafiel and the team summoned all their strength, courage and talents to deliver three quick outs for Region 10.
Everyone cheered and celebrated when Ayore on 3rd base caught the line drive for the 3rd out. Championship score was 14 – 11 in favor of the defending champion, the Western Visayas PRISAA Softball Team.
The Awards
Apart from the championship, National PRISAA Softball gave individual awards to the following Region 6 players:
- Most Home Runs – Cristine Sebuan
- Most Steals and Best Pitcher – Jergen Penafiel
- Most Valuable Player – Ma. Kristine Gulfan
- Best Coach – Pastor Kim Dela Cruz
This year’s Western Visayas Team is composed of: Central Philippine University Team Captains Ma. Kristine Gulfan, Cristine Sebuan, Rhea Sevilla, and Ma. Dianne Treyes; Ma. Marriel Arnado, Jeraldine Ayore, Jane Daras, Clarisse Gaycel Dela Cruz, Donna Rose Gabayoyo, Hainee Dane Hernandez, Jergen Penafiel, Cecil Poblador, Antonette Sacamay, Herjea Faye Sinogbuhan; and, Ronieliza Hiponia and Michelle Soriano from St. Anthony’s College of Antique.
Coaching staff: Pastor Kim Dela Cruz – Head Coach; Pastor Mark Arliss Cloma – Assistant Coach; Jose “Julie” Hechanova – Pitching Coach; and, Jonathan Malunda – Conditioning Coach.
CPU DERECHO 