MANILA – Negros First Softball Team barged into the win column of the 2018 Junior League Softball World Series after a 10-7 escape over WA District 9 at the Everest Ballpark in Kirkland, Washington.
Glecilyn Alipato led Negros First to victory as she lasted six and two-thirds innings, allowing 10 hits from WA District 9 and seven runs while striking out three Monday night (Tuesday in Manila).
Mea Tubongbanua, meanwhile, went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead in hits for the Negrenses, which bounced back from a 3-6 defeat to the Florida-based Southeast squad on Sunday.
Negros First, which represents the Philippines and Asia-Pacific, made its presence felt right in the first inning with singles from Joecel Cabato and Rhea May Quilong Quilong.
With the Philippines widely ahead, WA District 9 retaliated with its own scoring spree to trim the deficit but Josiemers Maguad came to the rescue recorded the last out to earn the save for the Philippines.
Grace Haegele took the loss for WA District 9 as she lasted six innings, allowing eight hits and 10 runs while striking out two, while Annika Dayberry, Natalia Farago and Kimora Johnson all managed multiple hits.
The Antonio Oquendo Jr.-mentored Negros First returns to action Tuesday night (Wednesday in Manila) against Canada before tangling with Central (Ohio) on Aug. 2./PN
