Blue Kumuls survive early scare to register win over MVIL

By SULI SULI
THE Port Moresby Women’s Softball Association headed into round nine on Saturday, as Santos Blue Kumuls rallied from a 1-2 deficit with five runs over the final three innings to sink Motor Vehicles Insurance Limited (MVIL) 6-2.
MVIL threatened at the top of the first inning, but Santos pitcher prompted a line-drive double play to finish the inning.
MVIL’s Matthew Terry started the second with a home run.
Santos’ Pakegin Michael grasped a dropped third strike and Imogen Howe reached an error. They both scored.
Santos failed to register points at the end of the second inning as MVIL’s Chris Leo made an impressive catch behind the second base.
Santos kept their hopes in batting and answered the call at the top of the third inning, adding three runs to take a 4-2 lead.
Mohil Naomi, Kobal Andrew and Bellawai Lyane all scored.
MVIL failed to score at the top of the fourth inning as Santos struck out two batters and made a good catch in foul territory at base two.
At the bottom of the final inning, Santos took advantage in fielding and pitchers denied MVIL from making a comeback.
Santos coach Ainuia Matlam said the team were given a good run by MVIL despite the victory.
“The win was a result of good fielding and strong defence,” he said. “Our batting went astray and we didn’t score in the last inning.
“With the finals nearing, we will polish up on that.”