The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia,net

The Sigma Wildcats came up with a big five-run bottom of the fourth inning to secure an 11-7 victory over Andros to open the Bahamas Softball Federation’s National Round Robin Tournament on a high note last night in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

“The girls were too relaxed, but Andros is a team that keeps clawing back,” said Wildcats’ manager Anthony Bullard. “You can’t take any chances, so we had to go and shut the door.”

Bullard was referring to his New Providence Softball Association champions Wildcats’ decision to bring in ace Mary ‘Cruise’ Sweeting to replace starter Shonell Symonette in the top of the fourth inning after she gave up a leadoff single.

All Edgecombe did, as she slowly recuperates from an injury she sustained in the NPSA final, was give up a walk, struck out the next two batters and forced the final out on a grounder to set the stage for their offensive attack to take over in the bottom of the frame.

Right fielder LaShonda Bethel led off with a single, second sacker Mechelle Moss got to first on an error, moving Bethel to third. On a wild pitch, Bethel scored and on a throwing error, Moss scampered home.

Left fielder Maryann Ferguson then singled, stole second and scored on centre fielder Candice Smith’s run-producing double. First sacker Jeannette Hilton, fresh off her MVP performance in the NPSA final, singled to allow Smith to catch a ride home.

Hilton then stole second and catcher Donnette Edwards had a RBI ground out to plate Smith. And on third sacker Vantrice Bowleg’s ground out, Hilton came home.

But before they could continue the onslaught, shortstop Vonetta Nairn grounded out.

Move to the top of the fifth and Andros had their last chance to make it an exciting game.

They got off to an early start as Claudette Scott reached safely on an error. Pinch runner Paulamae White then stole second and Joycelyn Bowleg struck out. White then got to third on a passed ball and scored on a wild pitch as replacement catcher Wandelee Harris couldn’t hold onto the ball.

On an error from Harris, Dora Evans was awarded first, but Patricia Rolle grounded out, sending pinch runner Theora Evans to third where she was left stranded as the Wildcats got the final out to end the game.

Both teams scored a run in the first inning and they added five each in the fifth for a 6-6 tie before the Wildcats blew the game open in the fourth.

Candice Smith went 2-for-2 with three RBI and three runs, Donette Edwards was 2-for-3 with three RBI and a run scored, Vantrice Bowleg was 1-for-3 with a RBI and a run scored and Mechelle Moss was 1-for-2 with two runs scored.

For Andros, Claudette Scott went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and losing pitcher Albertha Russell, a tall lanky basketball player, was 1-for-1 with a run scored.,

After taking their opener in the tournament, Bullard said they are now prepared to get in full gear for their anticipated showdown with Grand Bahama. “They say Freeport is our competition, but we still have to wait and see,” said Bullard, who will take on the Grand Bahama champions tonight as the tournament continues.

In the feature game last night, the NPSA men’s champions Arnette’s Sporting Lounge Hitmen took on the defending national champions Creter Bulldogs from Abaco.

No score, however, was available up to press time last night.

The tournament is slated to continue tonight when the opening ceremonies are set to take place. The tournament is scheduled to run through Sunday with teams from Abaco, Andros, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama and New Providence participating in divisions for men and women.