Sisters beat Wantoks, Stingerz lose

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The National, Monday February 10th, 2014

 By WENDY KATUSELE

A REJUVENATED United Sisters returned to the winners circle on Saturday with a 8-5 win over Wantoks in Port Moresby women’s softball.

But in the biggest upset of the weekend, Yokomo claimed the scalp of competition leaders Stingerz with a narrow but much welcomed 3-1 upset win.

Despite the loss, Stingerz still maintain their lead on the competition points table. 

In the other games, Chebu walloped Admiralty 24-7 and Gazelle caned Wolves 10-0.

 Sisters wasted no time at their first turn at bat piling on four runs through  Tersie Komek, Basemath Xkenjik, Georgina Mautu and Florence Daple.

Wantoks hurler Mathilda Moe took time finding her rhythm but picked up three strike-outs to stop the rampaging Sisters batting outfit.

Wantoks quickly gathered at the top of the first inning with Addie Tamti and Elly Arek crossing the home plate from a well-placed two-base hit by experienced Pala Manet to bridge the gap but Sisters scored every inning. 

The next inning saw Nicole Mamia and Komek racing home from a three-base hit by catcher Mautu to extend the lead.

The Port Moresby women’s softball reigning queens introduced regular hurler Natalie Petalie in the third inning to replace Milcha Xkenjik allowing Wantoks a single run from left hander Margaret Parom but that was not enough to claim the much-needed competition points.

Sisters’ two other runs came from again Mamia and Priscilla Mocke from a Komek hit to left outfield.

The win shakes off the previous weekend’s loss at the hands of Yokomo.

Yokomo’s smart infield plays got the better of the pace setters Stingerz who on two occasions had two full bases. 

Pitcher Esther Xkenjik was again the star of the day producing a top batting display with a two-base hit bringing Dale Iwaroi and short stopper Carol Moeder for an early two point lead.

A similar play was repeated in the third inning as she smashed another two-base hit to see Moeder sprinting home from second base. 

Stingerz’s only run came from Tessa Karai after an infield error.