By Robert Balajadia

Geckos Run Down Cougars

The Academy Cougars had just one loss all season before Wednesday’s meeting against the GW Geckos where the ladies in purple and white dominated the evening by beating the Cougars 8-1 through seven complete innings.

The Geckos (3-4) were the record underdogs against the Cougars (4-2-1), but GW’s starting pitcher Samantha Quinata hit a groove early on and pitched a scoreless six-and-a-half innings before the Cougars managed to steal one run late in the bottom of the 7th.

“I was just really relaxed out there and played with confidence,” admitted Quinata on her solid play. “It was a big win after all those losses because we work hard at practice, but we came in to this one confident.”

Geckos pitcher Samantha Quinata nearly threw a shutout against the Cougars. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Leading 3-0 in the bottom of the 4th inning, Geckos head coach Alex Gumataotao huddled the squad and told them he wanted to see a bigger separation on the scoreboard. The inspiring words hit home as the Geckos tacked on five more runs in the inning to take complete control.

Geckos Marika Miyasaki started the bottom of the 4th with a lead-off single, eventually finding her way to 3rd base off an errant throw. Miyasaki then took home on a fielders choice to extend the lead 4-0.

GW managed to load the bases against Cougars Jasmine Balajadia when Geckos big hitter Coleen Quinata smacked a 2RBI double to go up 6-0. Geckos Thea Sablan then got into the hitting action as well getting a 2RBI single, but managed to take second base after another Cougar error, to go up 8-0.

The Cougars decided to retire Balajadia in the inning and bring in Meagan Maratita, but the lead was just too much to overcome as the Cougar offense went scoreless through the 5th and 6th inning despite getting a great showing at the mound from Maratita.

“We’re definitely trying to use this win as momentum and we want to just keep it going,” said Quinata.

Cougars Kiana Rivera scored the lone run for Academy that started off with a base hit. She worked her way to 3rd by stealing bases and eventually slid home after a fielders choice was thrown to first base.

Cougars relief pitcher Meagan Maratita gets on her game-face with her team down big. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Dolphins Get Back To Winning

Coming off a tough loss to the Sanchez Sharks over the weekend, the young Southern Dolphins got back to their winning ways by defeating the Okkodo Bulldogs in a shootout 15-8.

The Dolphins are in unfamiliar waters suffering their first two-loss season at (5-2) since the 2008 season.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Alexis Aguero of Southern slides into home plate to beat the throw from first base. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

The Okkodo Bulldog pitcher fires in heat during the fifth inning. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

A Bulldog grabs a late tag at second base. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

Joy Concepcion of Southern grabs the ball for the out at first before the incoming Bulldog could make it on. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

A Bulldog scoops up a grounder to third while looking to throw to first. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

An Okkodo Bulldog blasts into home to score while bumping into Elyze Pocaigue. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

Alexis Aguero of Southern releases a throw towards first in hopes to beat the runner. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)