Iloilo opens Aspac campaign by blanking Australia

Iloilo launched its Junior League softball title-retention bid in style, blanking Australia, 10-0, Sunday in the Little League Asia Pacific Regional Championships at Clark parade grounds in Angeles City.

Wielding hot bats, the Ilonggo clouters took control with three runs in the opening inning on their way to an abbreviated win in the tournament that serves as a qualifier for the World Series.

Another three-run blitz in the fourth frame sealed Iloilo’s initial triumph in the 12-14 years old girls’ softball division.

The country’s bid in baseball also got a boost with Tanauan, Batangas dumping Guam, 9-2, for its first win in the Big League (14-18 years) division.

The tournament has drawn close to 1,000 athletes and officials from 16 countries with US Embassy Economic Counselor Joel Eihrendeich and LL Asia Pacific regional administrator BH Chow of Hong Kong among those present during the opening ceremonies.

Iloilo won last year after sweeping Indonesia in their best-of-five duel for the regional crown and a trip to the worlds in Portland, Oregon.

The Ilonggas placed 7th in the 11-12 years and 4th in the Junior class (13-14 years).