Manalos aim for three-peat

 MANALOS are eyeing their first premiership when they take on the Admiralty Marlins in the Lae Softball Association grand final at Scout Hall Oval this weekend.
Since joining the competition in 1988, the Paul Pasen-coached team has yet to win the competition.
The Manalos earned the grand final slot after causing somewhat of an upset beating Stormerz 7-1 last Saturday.
A confident Pasen is looking for a treble as his men’s A, B and women’s A grade sides have all qualified for the seasons’ deciders.
The club will also create history if they can do the three-peat.
To achieve his feat, Pasen must get past the Marlins, who have previously won four premierships, and are looking for a back-to-back titles.
Manalos face Brown Eagles in men’s B grade final while Stormerz stand in the way of Manalos in the women’s A grade.
Pasen ace in the hole is pitcher Steven Bunbun who will combine with backstop Alfred Kinakava.
The duo will be ably assisted by veteran Lindsay at second base, Michael Kalas on first and Mark Ilam at short stop while Darius Kero at the third base completes the infield.
Marlins on the other hand know what it takes to win finals. The Keleu twins Henry and Paul who will shoulder the pitching duties hold the key for their side.
The infielders Alois Valuka (first), Malcom Koilama (second), and Mark Simon (short stop) have to contain Manalos in the earlier exchanges.
A close tussle is expected in the women’s A grade but Manalos with the wealth of experience should come out winners.