RTU, San Rafael nines clobber softball foes

TEAMS from Rizal Technological University and San Rafael, Bulacan, posted convincing victories in the men’s division yesterday at the start of the 10th Summer Grand Slam Tournament in Batangas City.

Collegiate powerhouse RTU whipped a listless Lipa City squad, 5-0, to match the impressive start of its women’s team, while San Rafael pulled off a 12-2 victory over Montalban, Rizal.

The RTU ladies earlier hammered out a 5-2 win over Batangas to join Ateneo, University of Mindanao-Davao and BulSu in the early lead.

Ateneo overwhelmed Sta. Maria, Bulacan, 12-2.

The Benguet Phantoms turned back the Alabang Coaches, 7-0, to continue the march of fancied teams in the men’s tournament that has lured rated squads from Malaysia and Indonesia.

Adamson University is the defending champion in the women’s Open, while University of the Philippines is seeking to retain the women’s club title.

Also hoping to retain their titles in the annual tournament are San Antonio in the men’s club and the Philippine Air Force in the men’s Open.

“It’s great that we have already reached the 10th year of the Summer Grand Slam,” said Asaphil president Jean Henri Lhuillier.

“This year, we have a crop of formidable teams and players and I know that the matches will only get even more exciting day by day.” Cedelf P. Tupas