Crunch time as women’s softball heads to finals

 By WENDY KATUSELE

It is crunch time in Port Moresby women’s softball competition tomorrow.

The two top teams, Stingerz on 33 points and Bears 31, face tough challenges from reigning champions United Sisters and Wantoks respectively.

Following last weekend’s wash-out, players are eager to get back into their favourite colors and consolidate wins to maintain their finals hopes. A lose from both top teams would result in Sisters 28 and Wantoks 27 closing in on the leaders on the points ladder.

The full table is: Stingerz 33, Bears 31, United Sisters 28, Gazelle 28, Wantoks 27, Wolves 27, Chebu 26, Yokomo 23, Admiralty 16.

United Sisters returned to the winners’ circle last fortnight but need to be reminded that complacency can produce unwanted results like the recent crash to Yokomo. 

Sisters under the command of Georgina Mautu behind the home plate, Natalie Bart is tasked to contain the Stingerz onslaught.

Solid batting is the key to another top performance and Sisters will rely on first base custodian Priscilla Mocke, Claire Wutt, Tessie Komek, young Florence Daple, Xkenjik sisters Basemath and Milka to set the platform.

Following her dad’s batting trademark, young Daple has been consistent with her powerful hits.

But Stingerz pitcher/catcher combination of Selina Karai and Nicky Simba have been one of the best in the competition and Sisters know that extra effort and disciplined batting will make a big difference in this clash.

Simba sisters Trudy, Dulcie and Leno must also step up to assist elder sibling Nicky.

Helen Wema, Melisa Kivung, Nancy Maradi, Tessa Karai and Kevani Geita are expected to prove their worth.

Another interesting clash will feature Bears facing a determined fifth-placed Wantoks led by Pacific Games train-on squad member Addie Tamti, Sandra Sawaraba, Elly Arek, Mathilda Moe and Farapo Sevese.

Bears rely on hurler Quandalynne Vinim, Nadia Bais, Antonia Kinit, Lisa Polum, Joyce Inguba, Talitha Tarasomo and Francine Malum.