Stingerz make Gazelle pay for poor performance

 By WENDY KATUSELE

GAZELLE’S poor base running and ineffective batting resulted in the antelopes going down to Stingerz 5-0 in Port Moresby women’s softball on Saturday.

Coach Titus Kambiu had admitted in his pre-match assessment of his team’s chances that his players needed to lift their batting performance to beat Stingerz and sadly his problems were compounded by a lack of effort at the weekend.  

Stingerz pitcher Selina Karai and catcher Nicky Simba capitalised by controlling the game as Gazelle faltered at every turn. 

“We ran over bases on three occasions and on top of that we just did not bat (effectively),” a disappointed Kambiu said.

He said his team now needs to “train as a team” and win the remaining games to make the playoffs.

Kambiu’s first choice of pitcher Mectil Raymond saw Stingerz pile on five runs in their opening turn at bat. 

Dulcie Simba and Tesa Karai were brought home by a good hit by Selina Karai, who is Tesa’s mother. Hurler Karai (pictured) has been one of the star performers of side in both fielding and batting.

Karai and Aivi Robinson later came home from another good hit by Leno Simba.

Gazelle’s regular pitcher Navasha Pilak who started off at short-stop was introduced in the next inning but that made little difference as Stingerz rolled home.

Stingerz coach Oscar Karai said it was good win for his side.

Reigning champions United Sisters fell prey to Yokomo 10-4 in a upset of the round, Wolves drew 5-5 with Wantoks and Bears mauled tail-enders Admiralty 8-0.