ISLANDERS SWING PAST SHARKS

By Michael J.A. Nauta Jr.

IIAAG High School Girls Softball League action resumed yesterday afternoon with several games scheduled. Over at the Okkodo field, both the JFK Lady Islanders and Sanchez Lady Sharks showed up ready to battle one another. While both teams played gave nothing but their best, only one could walk away victorious. With the scoreboard reflecting a 7-3 score, the Islanders garnered their third win of the season.

“Our team did really good today against the Sharks,” said JIM’s Kayleena Blas. “Our efforts showed what we can accomplish as a team on both sides of the field.”

Up to bat first, the Islanders wouldn’t be denied any opportunities to post runs despite facing two outs. A long single to centerfield by Blas followed by a hit from Janise Santa Ramona started a JFK rally. Not too long after, Audrey George stroked a shot into leftfield to drive in two runs. A mishandled ball eventually allowed George to make her way home giving JFK a 3-0 lead. In the bottom of the first, the Sharks found out how tough JFK starting pitcher, Santa Ramona was as the side was held hitless.

JFK continued to work offensively in the second as they managed to increase their lead to 5-0. With two runners on base, Blas blasted a hit into deep center for the two RBI triple. Despite threatening to add runs to the board, the JFK side would be denied as the Sharks eventually fought their way out of a jam.

Third and fourth inning action became a defensive battle as neither offense was able to get anything more than three singles apiece. However, in the top of the fifth, JFK’s Jolene Escobar used her speed and awareness to safely reach home making it a 6-0 game. Standing on third, Escobar stole home and Simon Sanchez catcher Franshay Shippey was making her return throw to the mound.

JFK’s Audrey George rounds third base and completes the in the park home run. (photo by Joey Blas)

“I just kept a watch on how the catcher and pitcher were working together,” said Escobar. “I really wanted to attempt the move from second to third but just stayed patient.”

Not willing to give-up, the Lady Sharks came back in the bottom of the sixth and trimmed their deficit in half after a mini surge. With teammates Monica Mendiola and Lianna Urbino on first and second, Krystal San Nicolas used her power to drive in her teammates with a hit deep into the outfield. Before the Islanders could end the rally, and RBI single by Shippey made it a three-run game.

Heading into the final inning, the Islanders added a run in the top of the seventh to give them a 7-3 lead. With their last chance on offense the Sharks needed at least four runs to keep the game going. However, a strong Islanders defense would end the game after retiring the side in order.

“It was a great game by both teams,” said JFK’s George. “The Sharks gave us a bit of a scare, but we just maintained our focus and played our game.”

JFK’s George and Blas led the offense going a combined 4-for-7 with four RBIs, a triple, double, and two singles. Teammate Santa Ramona earned the win from the mound recording four strikeouts. In the losing effort, the Sharks San Nicolas went 1-for-3 with a double and two RBIs.

PHOTO GALLERY:

Sanchez’s Monica Mendiola hits the ball up the middle for a single. (photo by Joey Blas)

Sanchez’s Krystal San Nicolas digs up a throw in the dirt to record the out. (photo by Joey Blas)

Sanchez’s Jennilyn Ulloa camps under a pop fly to make the out. (photo by Joey Blas)

JFK’s Criscia Cali drills a ball down third base for a single. (photo by Joey Blas)

Sanchez’s Frenshay Shippey tags JFK’s Kayleena Blas to end the inning. (photo by Joey Blas)

Sanchez’s Sherika Cabrera tags the base for the force out to end the inning. (photo by Joey Blas)

JFK’s Janis Santa Romano delivers a pitch against Sharks. (photo by Joey Blas)