Golden touch of Lae in Kavieng

By WENDY KATUSELE in KAVIENG
LAE GOLD are the new national women's after defeating first timers Kokopo 3-2 in a what was a strong encounter in the grand final of the 31st PNG Power Fast-Pitch Championships yesterday in Kavieng.
Lae under guidance of coach Paul Pasen with the bulk of its players from the last year's winning team, Lae Red, had to contemplate a victory after Kokopo shocked the established centre with a 5-1 win in the major semi finals the previous day to earn the first grand final berth.
Lae Gold had too much flare for Port Moresby in the preliminary final with 13-0 thumping to have crack at the national title decider.
Port Moresby had earlier beaten Madang 2-1 in the minor semi finals but their hopes were dashed by a much mobile Lae pack.
Both Kokopo and Lae Gold were undefeated in their respective pool but it was disappointment for Kokopo who were hunting for their first ever national softball title.
Both teams were kept scoreless for three innings with Pacific Games train on squad member and pitcher Tara ToMangana who produced a top performance in the pitching mound to restrict Kokopo's hungry batters.
It was also the same for Kokopo Pauden Markis who combined well with catcher Judy Nauvana to also give Lae the same treatment.
ToMangana won the Player of the tournament, Shirely Gireng of Madang won the top batter, top infielder went to Lae Gold's Sonia Tamilong and top outfielder was Kokopo's Kurai Jackson.
Kokopo's third base custodian Waira Micky who crossed home plate for their opening point courtesy of a slammer by Sunema Vue to see the Kopex women take the lead.
Lae Gold finally came back at the bottom of the sixth inning and it started from youngster Julia Kehatsin reaching first base and a brilliant bunt by Shirley ToMangana saw Lae's squeeze play paying off.
With Kehatsin and ToMangana on base, the onus was up to Hennie Warpin to bring the two runners home and Warpin did what the loyal supporters and it was a perfect line drive over third base that brought the two home for Lae to take over the lead.
Warpin was then brought home by a sacrifice infield by Philomena Marut to lead 3-1.
Kokopo at their last turn at the bat had two runners on base but a big hit by Maryanne Gerald to right outfield could have had the game in their way but young Raphaela Manau just went under the ball to mar Kokopo's chances.

Journey to Paradise

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