By Emz Gaborno
The all-Filipina softball team, Fate A, played with combined brilliant force to trounce local rival Feliz, 7-0, in their Hong Kong Softball League game on Aug. 7 at Tin Kwong Field in Homantin.
In the B1 division, seventh-ranked Fate B walked over in its scheduled match with True Light, ranked fourth, at Shek Kip Mei at 10:30am on Aug. 14. The two teams were scheduled to meet again on the same pitch on Sept. 4.
Fate needed to win their last two games to remain in bracket A, and the resounding win gave their campaign a much-needed boost. They will next play against locals Phoenix on Aug. 21 to ensure their berth in the competition.
The game against Feliz got off to a rocky start. Fate’s star pitcher Don Gaborno was sidelined due to an injured shoulder from the previous game, and Zenny Badajos had to take over the role.
But although Badajos was still trying to adjust to her new position, the rival team found it hard to hit the ball. Feliz players tried to go for a strike, but unluckily most of their batters were called standing out or caught on a fly ball. If a batter did manage to hit, the runner only managed to reach second base before being put out.
The game lasted five innings.
In the first inning, Fate gained two homes courtesy of Gaborno and Myra Japitana. Three more were added in the second inning, through the effort of Romela Osabel, Edith Hidalgo and Badajos. Finally, in the last inning, Fate scored two more homes, through Gaborno and Ma. Eva Mendez.
Despite their dismal showing, Feliz showed commendable sportsmanship when they came over to shake hands with their Filipina rivals and congratulate them. The locals also showed they enjoyed the game.
Joining Fate in celebrating their remarkable win was their manager, Law Wai-ho, who was again with them throughout the game to show of support.
