The three-day 18th National Women’s Softball Championship climaxed last night at Rogers Stadium with defending champions Telemedia of Belize City blowing out Camalote’s Cristal Parrots in the final game, after fending off all challengers, and going undefeated in their four outings to repeat as national champions.
The tournament got under way on Friday, August 29, with Telemedia blasting Sandhill Sluggers, 16-0, in the first game played, a “no hitter” by Elaine Humes. Sherraine Westby picked up the loss for Sandhill. In the second game, Independence Stappaz stopped Seine Bight Royals, 11-4, behind the pitching of Desiree Torres. Seine Bight’s Delvorine Mena was the losing pitcher.
On Saturday, August 30, in the first game, Camalote Cristal Parrots dropped Burrell Boom Survivors, 10 to 3, with Shandi Orellano picking up the victory. Valerie Vernon got the loss for Burrell Boom. In the second game, Roaring Creek Grace clipped Maria Chang Lady Rebels, 8 to 7, in a game that had to go extra innings. Winning pitcher was Leandra Guy; the loss was charged to Lanisha Jones. In the third game, Sandhill Sluggers out-slugged Seine Bight Royals, 12 to 7. Sherraine Westby registered the win, while the loss went to Delvorine Mena. In game four, a must-win game for both teams, Maria Chang Lady Rebels pulled out the 10-8 win, thus eliminating Burrell Boom Survivors. Winning pitcher was Lanisha Jones, while the loss went to Valerie Vernon. In game five, Telemedia overpowered Independence Stappaz, 22-10, as Stappaz’ management forfeited the game in the top of the 6th inning. Game six saw Camalote Cristal Parrots getting the better of their Western neighbors, as they edged Roaring Creek’s Grace Kennedy, 12-9, behind the pitching of Kenisha Sutherland. Dana Cruz was charged with the loss. And in game seven, Independence Stappaz eliminated the tough Maria Chang Lady Rebels, who lost by another tight score, 10-8. Winning pitcher was Desiree Torres, with Lanisha Jones taking the loss.
On the final day, yesterday, in game one, Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy eliminated Sandhill Sluggers with a 9 to 1 score. Leandra Guy got the win, while the loss went to Sherainne Westby. In game two, Telemedia had to battle to put down Camalote Cristal Parrot, 11-9, with pitcher Elaine Humes picking up another win. Camalote’s Kenisha Sutherland took her team’s first loss. In game three, Independence Stappaz eliminated Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy with a 5-2 victory behind the pitching of Desiree Torres. Leandra Guy was charged with the loss. And in game four, Camalote Cristal Parrots clinched a spot in the championship finals against Telemedia, when they eliminated
Independence Stappaz in a tough, low- scoring game, 3 to 1. Winning pitcher for Camalote was Shandi Orellano, with the loss going to Desiree Torres of Independence, who pitched tough back-to-back games.
The Camalote – Telemedia match-up would be the second meeting between the two teams on their way to the finals of the double-elimination tournament, as Telemedia had dealt Camalote their only loss, 11-9, in their previous meeting. But in the ensuing finals, the Cristal Parrots of Camalote were no match for the star-studded and well-rested Telemedia of Belize City, as pitcher Elaine Humes led them to a 16-1 route of a possibly arm-weary Shandi Orellano and her Camalote squad.
In a short ceremony following the championship, Mrs. Gretel Lashley, former National Team second baseman, presented trophies, medals and awards to the respective winners.
Individual award winners were: Batting Average – Jolene Davis (Telemedia) .813; RBI- Jolene Davis 10; Home Runs- Lydia Cacho and Norcia Frazier (Telemedia) 1; Stolen Bases – Lydia Cacho (Telemedia) 2; Most Wins – Elaine Humes (Telemedia) 3-0; Most Strike Outs – Leandra Guy (Roaring Creek) 17; Best Defensive Infielder – Christy Cardinez (Independence Stappaz); Best Outfielder – Lydia Cacho (Telemedia); Most Valuable Player – Jolene Davis (Telemedia).
(Information for this article is courtesy of Belize Softball Federation release.)