Stingerz buzz way to title

 By WENDY KATUSELE
STINGERZ are the queens of Port Moresby women’s softball after beating Gazelle 5-3 in the grand final on Saturday.
The win was Stingerz first premiership title from two appearances.
The grade final win made it a double celebration for the club who also took out the B grade premiership title.
While it was the antelopes who were first to score at the top of the third inning through a bunt by Talitha Pondriket who was strong in the field gloving the big hits by Stingerz into the left outfield.
Pondriket was brought home by a two base hit by veteran Jenny Pilak who later picked up the batter of the grand final award.
And it seemed Gazelle could have scored from a full base in that particular inning, it was the experience of hurler Selina Karai that mattered most reining in the antelope’s batting.
Karai, who had an outstanding season scooped three awards being named the pitcher of the season and also the pitcher of the grand final and best and fairest award.
Stingerz scored three rapid fire runs at the bottom of the fourth inning from centre outfielder Dulcie Simba, Nancy Maradi and Daphne Rasehei to take over the lead.
Nicky Simba and Tessa Karai crossed the home plate in the fifth and six innings respectively.
Gazelle had more runners on base but again Stingerz fielding cordon was up to the mark.
Gazelle had the opportunity at their last turn at bat but could only managed two runs from Jessica Tonga and Navasha Pilak.
Stingerz captain Leno Simba said the team had finally landed a premiership title and thanked the players, families, supporters and sponsor for contributing to this season’s success.
“The girls are just over the moon and they all deserve it,” Simba said.
The other grand final awards went to Gazelle’s Mectil Raymond as top infielder and Stingerz Ellie Hugo picked up the top outfielder award.
The season’s top performers were Georgina Mautu top infielder,  Del Iwaroi top outfielder, Lisa Polum top batter and best and fairest went to Hazel Schulz.