Manila emerges world champion

Photo credits to http://www.socalssa.com/parks.html HEMET, California – Team Manila-Philippines displayed its deadly form to beat powerhouse Central Hemet Xplosion, 5-1, and clinch the PONY World Series U18 Girls Softball Championship crown at the Diamond Valley Park in the Valley-Wide Recreation District here.

Ace pitcher Alma Tauli pummeled the home team with eight strikeouts, five no-run innings and a couple of fine defensive stops en route to conquering their second straight title in this prestigious tourney.

The Big City batters and the Hemet Xplosion were actually neck-and-neck as they went scoreless on top of the third inning.

But Gabriel and second baseman Mary Joy Maguad kicked off the assault with a run each off base hits by first baseman Cleofe Magsayo and Romero-Salas.

Khisha Cantor made a two base hit, stole third base and made a run off an RBI by catcher Aliza Pichon to put the score at 3-1 at the start of the fourth inning.

The Big City batters and the Hemet Xplosion were actually neck-and-neck as they went scoreless on top of the third inning.

But Gabriel and second baseman Mary Joy Maguad kicked off the assault with a run each off base hits by first baseman Cleofe Magsayo and Romero-Salas.

Khisha Cantor made a two base hit, stole third base and made a run off an RBI by catcher Aliza Pichon to put the score at 3-1 at the start of the fourth inning.

Then, Tauli yielded a rare homerun to the Hemet Xplosion’s Hillary Smith at the bottom of the fourth inning followed by the host team’s top pitcher Dianne Lopez’s five strike outs and two no-run innings.

“The girls deserve the win because we were able to keep our composure, execute our plan and limit our errors,” said head coach Ana Santiago.

In the first semifinals, pitcher Glory Alonzo delivered eleven strikeouts and five no-run innings, highlighted by a homerun each by shortstop Angelu Gabriel and outfielder Alexandria Romero-Salas on top of a brilliant two-run homerun play by Gabriel for a lopsided, 11-0 win over Riverside County Lady Laces.