The 11-10 walk-off win for the Redcoats was further proof of the improvement that the players have made in just two months since coach Tahli Moore took over the head coaching position of the club
Going into the final game of the MABS Women’s Fastpitch Softball Tournament against the Mellieha Curves, Redcoats Softball were confident of putting on a good performance. The disappointment of losing against the same Curves in Mellieha a month ago was an added motivation to work hard during practices. The 11-10 walk-off win for the Redcoats was further proof of the improvement that the players have made in just two months since coach Tahli Moore took over the head coaching position of the club.
The return in the line-up of Daphne Cassar, Kacey Grima and Ilena Buttigieg who did not make the trip to Mellieha last month, was an added boost for Redcoats Softball who were missing their catcher Erica Andolfi. All three players made significant and timely contributions that made the difference during the game. Daphne Cassar walked three times and scored three runs while playing at first base and registering four put-outs. Kacey Grima had a great day at the plate going 3-for-3 with a sacrifice fly RBI, the first of two during the game. The second RBI came in the bottom of the 5th to win the game for her team.
Centre fielder Marilise Vella, who was a standout in Mellieha, made the play of the day when she ran in to catch a pop-up hit to shallow centre field for the 3rd out of the first inning. She also connected for a base hit and scored in the 4-run 3rd inning. Redcoats pitcher, Estelle Scicluna, held her nerve and put on another good performance with the 3rd inning being her only blemish. She was however able recover and register a 3-up-3-down 4th inning to preserve a 9-7 advantage for her team. Estelle also did well batting with a double and a single driving in three runs to help her own cause. The influence of Joanne Mifsud in the team and the positive contribution she is making is one of the reasons the team did so well in this tournament. She had an excellent game playing catcher giving her young pitcher confidence. She also had a base hit and walked twice. Marice Meilak, Monique Camilleri, Monique Attard and Laragh Tabone all contributed in their own way to make this a great team victory.
With this victory Redcoats Softball consolidated 1st place for the tournament with five wins and a loss. The Curves now stand in 2nd place with a 2-and-1 record, and should they go on and win their remaining three games they would have an identical record as the Redcoats. Tie breaker rules would then decide who wins the MABS Women’s Fastpitch Softball Tournament 2017. The Mellieha Curves face Ghajnsielem Redcoats on December 13 at the Sannat Ground. In January they will then play two games against the Mustangs.
Inning | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Runs |
Mellieha Curves | 0 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 10 |
Redcoats Softball | 0 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 11 |
.
.