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By Robert Balajadia
The second seeded GW Geckos got off to a great start against the JFK Islanders which helped them prevent a late comeback to secure their title shot against the Southern Dolphins Saturday at the Leo Palace baseball field. The Geckos defeated the Islanders 9-3 while the Dolphins eat the Academy Cougers 15-2 Wednesday night.
“We treated this game like a regular season game. We just needed to get the outs that we needed and play hard,” said Geckos head coach Alex Gumataotao.
GW struck first after a scoreless first inning while scoring three runs in the second inning, getting a 2RBI double from Samantha Quinata.
The Geckos would tack on more runs in the 3rd inning off a hit from Colleen Quinata who was tagged out at first base. An error on the throw to catch runners on second and third allowed both runners to score giving the Geckos the 6-0 lead.
Marika Miyasaki brought in another run for GW in the 4th inning that gave the Geckos a large 7-0 lead, but the Islanders started to rally for a comeback in the top of the 5th inning.
With Celeene Mendiola on the mound for GW, the Islanders got rolling in the inning loading the bases after Geckos Pauline Paulino made a great stop at third base but did not third tag the base before throwing to first base which allowed all runners to be safe.
JFK took complete advantage getting a 2RBI double from Kayleena Blas to cut the lead 7-2 followed by an RBI single from Audrey George to get within striking distance at 7-3.
GW was able to recover from an errant throw to home after Mendiola made a heads up play to tag the Islanders runner out who tried to run back to third base to put an immediate stop to the Islanders run.
“I just reminded the players to get the outs and get back to basics,” said Gumataotao on how his coaching strategy changed after the Islanders run.
GW played stellar defense to close out the game allowing just one hit in the 6th and 7th inning to secure their title shot against the Dolphins.
“I got help from my Uncle Derek, he told me not to let my guard down because we still have to play the game. I wasn’t really thinking about a championship and I was just determined to do my best,” said Mendiola about closing out the Islanders.
In regards to the championship game, Gumataotao wants the girls to just play Geckos softball and they will be fine.
PHOTO GALLERY
GPS Sports Calendar
March 2024
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for February
1st
ISA SOFTBALL
IIAAG MS GIRLS SOCCER FINALS
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL QUARTERFINALS
HS RUGBY PLAYOFFS
Events for March
2nd
HS RUGBY
ISA GIRLS SOFTBALL
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL FINALS
Events for March
2nd
Events for March
4th
ISA HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS
ISA SOFTBALL ALL-ISLAND COACHES MEETING
Events for March
5th
HS RUGBY PLAYOFFS
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL SEMIFINALS
Events for March
8th
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL FINALS
ISA HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS PLAYOFFS
Events for March
9th
ISA SOFTBALL FINALS
HS RUGBY FINALS
Events for March
9th
Events for March
14th
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
Events for March
16th
Events for March
17th
Events for March
18th
Events for March
19th
Events for March
20th
Events for March
22nd
Events for March
24th
Events for March
25th
Events for March
27th
Events for March
28th
Events for March
29th
- 31
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Events for March
30th
Soccer
ISLANDERS OUTSHOOT DOLPHINS
Uncategorized
4TH QUARTER SPORTS SET FOR TAKE OFF
Soccer
ISLANDERS OUTSHOOT DOLPHINS
Uncategorized
4TH QUARTER SPORTS SET FOR TAKE OFF
COMING SOON …
4th Quarter Sports
- Guam Marathon