LADY ISLANDERS TAME LADY BULLDOGS

By Michael J.A. Nauta Jr.

Despite the on and off rain showers yesterday afternoon, both the JFK Lady Islanders and Okkodo High School Lady Bulldogs managed to complete their scheduled IIAAG High School Girls Softball League game at the Okkodo field.

The Lady Islanders controlled the game from start to finish. When the final out was recorded, the scoreboard reflected a 15-3 score giving JFK the victory.

“We wanted to continue doing our best and came into this game wanting to pick-up a win today,” said JFK’s Janise Santa Romana. “Our game plan is never to take any team for granted not matter who they are. Our team did well on both offense and defense and in the end we accomplished what we wanted.”

Heading into their match, the Lady Islanders were seeking their sixth victory of the season. However, in order to do that the ladies in green and gold knew that they must take on the Lady Bulldogs like they do any other.

The game was called after five complete innings of play via the league’s mercy rule.

“Despite what the score reflected a lot of good was shown in this game,” added Santa Romana. “Okkodo showed everyone that no matter what the score you never give up and for us it helps us realize what we have and what we still can work on.”

At the start of the game, the Islanders wasted no time putting runners on the base paths. It wasn’t too long before Markayla Laanan and Natalie Blaz would make it a 2-0 ballgame courtesy of back-to-back Okkodo errors. The early onslaught continued as Ciera Cali stroked a two-RBI single to double-up the score and give JFK a four-run lead. Before the Lady Bulldogs could get out of the inning, the Islanders pushed across three more runs making the score 7-0.

After quickly retiring the Lady Bulldogs in the bottom of the first, JFK used an RBI-triple by Cali to give them a commanding 8-0 lead. In the bottom of the second, JFK’s Santa Romana continued her dominance from the mound as she retired the Okkodo side recording two strikeouts facing only four batters.

In the third and fourth innings, not even the showers from the sky was able to extinguish the lit sticks of the Islanders as seven combined runs gave them a 15-0 lead through three and a half innings. The Bulldogs continued to fight despite their huge deficit. In the bottom of the fourth, Jestyne Sablan made her way to first on a walk.

Okkodo’s Francis De Leon Starting Pitcher delivers a pitch against JFK. (photo by Joey Blas)

On the ensuing at-bat, Jevilyn Pangelinan ended the drought after an RBI-single drove home Sablan for Okkodo’s first run of the game. The mini-rally continued as Pangelinan and teammate Frances De Leon found their way around the path to add two more runs to the Lady Bulldogs’ tally.

Heading into the bottom of the fifth, Okkodo needed at least three more runs to push the game into another inning. However, Santa Romana and the Islanders’ defense orchestrated a three-up, three-down inning to end the game and give their team the victory. With the win, the Islanders improve their season record to 6-2.

Santa Romana led the Islanders defense giving up two hits, one walk, and striking out seven batters. Offensively, JFK’s Cali went 3-for-3 with a triple, two singles, three RBIs and three runs scored. For the Lady Bulldogs Kenelle Camacho went 2-for-3 with two singles and an RBI.

IIAAG High School Girls Softball League action resumes Saturday. The Lady Islanders return to the diamond and will take on the defending-champion Southern High Lady Dolphins, while the Lady Bulldogs will be on a bye. Other games include the Academy Cougars battling against the Guam High Panthers at Guam High and the GW Geckos playing host to the Simon Sanchez Sharks. All games are scheduled for 10am.

Other Score

GW 13, Academy 8

PHOTO GALLERY:

Okkodo’s Jevilyn Pangelinan was not able to handle a throw in the dirt, runner safe at first base. (photo by Joey Blas)

JFK’s Kayleena Blas tries to beat out the throw to first but was out on the play. (photo by Joey Blas)

Okkodo’s Jestyne Sablan hits a grounder to third base, but was thrown out at first base. (photo by Joey Blas)

JFK’s Starting Pitcher Janise Santa Romana delivers a pitch against Okkodo. (photo by Joey Blas)

JFK’s Doreen Cruz was thrown out at first base trying to leg out an infield hit. (photo by Joey Blas)

JFK’s Ciara Cali hits a shot down third base line for a double. (photo by Joey Blas)

Okkodo’s Relief Pitcher Jestyne Sablan delivers a pitch against JFK. (photo by Joey Blas)

JFK’s Audrey George hits a shot over short stop for a single. (photo by Joey Blas)