Golden Girls split opening matches

KALAMAZOO, Michigan – Team Manila felt the absence of head coach Filomeno "Boy" Codinera and could only split its two-game opening day assignment in the Big League girls’ softball World Series Monday at the Wilson Field here.

The Golden Girls escaped with a 3-1 victory over last year’s runner-up Antelope Valley of California in the first game on a one-hit five-inning start by Gedda Valencia and a scoreless three-inning relief by Leah Crudo.

The Golden Girls survived three full base-situations in the third before scoring two unearned runs at the bottom of the sixth to seal the victory.

In the second game, the Golden Girls lost to Southern Maryland.