MANILA – Negros First Softball Team, representing Philippines and Asia-Pacific, faltered at the start of the 2018 Junior League Softball World Series at the Everest Ballpark in Kirkland, Washington on Sunday (Monday in Manila).
The Negrenses, a runner-up in last year’s edition, suffered a 3-6 defeat in their opening day match at the hands of Southeast, which was represented by Tampa, Florida.
Brianna Duggins led Southeast with four runs, three in the first and one in the third inning, while Tatiana Roman also had two of the eight hits from the winning team.
Sonya Stevenson also played a huge role for the Southeast when she allowed the Negrenses only three runs on eight hits, while also striking out one and walking one.
Southeast opened up the scoring in the first inning behind Duggins’ three early runs. The lead grew 4-0 in the third frame with Duggins, Jessica Ficarrotta and Saylor Clark having one run each.
Glecilyn Alipato took the loss for Negrenses as she went six innings, allowing six runs on eight hits and striking out four. Angela Solidarios executed all the hits for the Philippine side.
The Antonio Oquendo Jr.-mentored team hopes to bounce back against WA District 9 on late Monday. Its other games are against Canada on Aug. 1 and Central (Ohio) on Aug. 2./PN
