BAGUIO CITY ? Rizal Technical University and the Cavite-Philippine Navy All Stars came up with contrasting victories yesterday to pave the way for a championship showdown in the men?s division play of the 2010 Cebuana Lhuillier National Open softball championships here.
Leo Barredo pitched a one-hit, no-run five-inning start and come backing Ronnie Pagkaliwagan preserved his feat with two-inning no-hit relief ass the RTU Blue Thunders shutout Bulacan State University, 5-0, in their side of the knockout semifinal round encounter.
The Cavitenos, on the other, hand needed an extra inning tiebreak to subdue a fighting MS-Marikina side, 3-2 and found themselves contesting the title left undefended by Philippine Air force, which begged off on the eve the tournament, sponsored by Pera Padala, Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, Phiten, Just Jewels and le Soleil de Boracay, was to get unfurl last Saturday.
RTU, actually, has a chance for a rare sweep of the men?s and women?s divisions following the Lady Thunders? 4-1 disposing of a young Adamson University-Manila side over at the Melvin Jones Park.
The Lady Thunders face tough University of Santo Tomas for the crown abandoned by last year?s winner Pampanga Legends which disbanded after ruling the series at the Rosario Sports Complex in Pasig City.
The Lady Tigresses, the reigning UAAP champions mishandled the University of the Philippines-Mama Sita?s Selection, 9-2, in their side of the Final Four battle.
While Barredo stood tall on the mound, his teammates feasted on Joel Valderama and another come backing hurler Esme Sta. Maria against whom they connected 11 times, including seven at the bottom of the fourth frame that produced eight runs.
The Thunders and the Cavitenos collide at noon following a third place meeting between the Bulakenos and the Marikenos at 10 o?clock
The UST-RTU collision for the women?s crown is also scheduled at noon after the Lady Falcons and the UP-Mama Sita?s Selection shall have decided who between them ended up with the bronze medal.
?Kaya,? Blue thunders coach Noel Bumagat in his ward?s chance for their first ever national Open diadem. ?Inspirado ang mga bata at determinadong maiapanalo ang korona. ?
?Maaring dehado kami sa labanan. Multi-titled ang RTU at sanay sa championship pressure. Pero tingnan din natin,? Cavite coach Boy Banta, for his part, said. ?Tumawag si Gov (Caviter Gov. Ayong Maliksi) kanina at binati ang mga bata sa pagpasok sa semis.?
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Lady Thunders mentor Lita Velasco, a Philippine Blue Girl since the 60s until the early 90s, was, likewise, optimistic of her girls? chances. ?Bilog ang bola. Malakas nga ang kalaban, pero magta-tama lang ang mga bata, may paglalagyan ang UST.
?:Tinalo na kami ng RTU noong elimination so, siyempre gusto ng mga batang makaganti. Lalo na kung nakataya ang korona,? was all UST coach Sandy Barredo could say.
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