San Mateo, Sta. Maria top softball elims

MANILA, Philippines - Rizal and Sta. Maria, Bulacan dominated their respective groups and remained undefeated after the qualifying round of the ongoing Cebuana Lhuillier National Inter-secondary Girls’ Softball Championship at the Sto. Niño softball field in Marikina and will face different opponents today in the crossover semifinals.

San Mateo clobbered host Marikina, 9-2, yesterday for a perfect 5-0 sweep of the elimination round and plays Group B second ranked team Woodrose for a slot in the finals. Sta. Maria brushed aside Miriam College-QC, 6-2, for its fourth straight win but is expected to face a tough challenge from Pasig which finished second to San Mateo in Group A with a 4-1.

The week-long tournament is organized by Asaphil headed by local sports patron Jean Henri Lhuillier.

A total of 11 teams participated in the tournament also backed by Cebuana Pera Padala, Le Soleil de Boracay, Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions, Phiten, Just Jewels, and Palm Rock Residences with defending champion Manila falling by the wayside after the elimination round.