Lae softball pitches off pre-season

**Tigers’ Patrick Kiapen Jr trying to reach the first base.**

By LARRY ANDREW
THE Lae Softball Association pitched off its pre-season on Saturday with eight men’s teams and seven women’s sides competing at the Eriku Niall Reserve Oval in the Morobe capital.
Association president Lindsay Pulu said the pre-season had a slow start with the first two men’s games being forfeited due to a no-show by Brown Eagles and NGI.

**Tigers second baseman Cleland Simon attempting to tag Marlins’ Lionel Hebei.**

He said the third game of the day saw Bismarck stopped in their tracks as Marlins pitcher Henry Keleu restricted the reigning premiers and helped his side to a 3-0 lead.
Marlins then fielded left-handed pitcher Steven Koilamas who brought more pace to help claim a 6-5 victory.
The main game of the day saw rookies Kikila Cats putting on a spirited performance against IS&T Manolos to take a 5-0 lead at the fifth inning.

**Tigers’ Cleland Simon tagging Marlins’ Lionel Hebei (right) as his teammate Patrick Kiapen Jr provides support.**

Manolos fought back to tie the game at 5-5 but Cats responded by scoring four more runs.
It was then that the game was called off due to fading light and the umpires awarded Cats their maiden win.

**A Marlins runner reaching the first base but was beaten by the ball.**

On Sunday, the match of the day saw Marlins facing Tigers with Keleu and former national No.1 pitcher Peter Simon hailed as standouts for their sides despite a 1-1 draw.
“The women’s division saw just Marlins facing Manolos with the latter snatching victory during their last turn at batting, winning 12-11,” Pulu said.
“The other games were all forfeits due to no-show by three clubs.
“We want all the clubs to show up in order for the pre-season to be more enjoyable.”