Bears claim POM women’s softball crown

By JAMIE HARO
BEARS have claimed the 2023-2024 Port Moresby Women’s Softball Association title following a merciless 13-1 win over Saints on Saturday at the Bisini diamonds.
Captain Francisca Kinit said it was a slow start for them in the first two innings, however, they picked up momentum in the third inning and continued to score home runs.
Meanwhile in the B-Grade women’s division, Chebu made a 17-8 run against Bears to claim the title.
“It was very tough game especially in the first two innings but we had to make a few adjustments and brought this one home,” Kinit said.
“Softball is a mental game before the physical part of it comes in, so most of the players are used to the game, and we have been consistent throughout the season.” Kinit said their opponents gave them a good run in the first two bottom innings but they had to come back stronger.
“Everyone stood out with their performance, pitching, catching including the inside and outside fielders; we all did all our best and brought the win home,” she said.
“Our senior players had the experience allowing the game to flow and communicating with the young ones to ensure our game plan was played accordingly.”
Kinit and teammate Rosie Apelis posed a strong pitcher-catcher combination catching Saints batters off-guard through support from their fielders. Bears increased their home runs in the bottom third, fourth and fifth innings with batters Carol Apelis, Francine Malum and Nadia Bais scoring most of the runs, while Kinit, R.Apelis, Eunice Fong, Marygold Bebeto, Lisa Polum scored home run each to add to the scoreboard.