Stingerz, Gazelle showdown

 By WENDY KATUSELE
GAZELLE is staking its claim at a fifth premiership title in the Port Moresby women’s softball grand final tomorrow.
The antelopes are pitted against minor premiers Stingerz in what should be the pinnacle of the 2013/14 season at the Bisini diamonds.
Gazelle will make it eight grand final appearance in the capital city competition with three veterans appearing for their seventh final.
Jenny Pilak, Mechtil Raymond and Mathilda Pondriket have been part of club’s grand final history and their experience will be crucial against the fast finishing Stingerz.
Captain Jessica Tonga is appearing in her second final down while the rest of Gazelle are making in their first final.
Stingerz are making their second final appearance and are keen on winning their first trophy after coming up short last time.
The final will also be the second time the two sides face off in the finals series after their earlier clash was both a tight and heated affair.
The Stingerz have the momentum after knocking off reigning champions United Sisters, the Oscar Karai-coached side have a score to settle with Gazelle.
Stingerz in-form pitcher-catcher combination off Selina Karai and Nicky Simba will test Gazalle’s batting from the first inning to the last.
Stingerz have proven that winning their minor premiers’ tag was no fluke and the women’s title is the last but most important item on their list to tick off.
Gazelle’s top batters Tonga and Navasha Pilak can turn a game with their hitting but it will be their support that makes or breaks their fortunes.
Talitha Pondriket, Shirley Kalimet, Rosalie Sam and Leila Fox play that complementary role and their performance will be just as crucial if not more so. Stingerz fielders in Tersa Karai, Trudi Simba, Leno Simba, Nancy Maradi, Helen Gebore, Daphne Rasehei and Dulcie Simba are a formidable combination and will take some smart and aggressive hitting to put on the back foot.