PUP softbelles zero in on semifinal berth

POLYTECHNIC University of the Philippines toppled Central Luzon State University, 11-4, yesterday to close in on a semifinal berth in the Cebuana Lhuillier National Intercollegiate Womens Softball Championship at Rosario Sports Complex in Pasig City.

Sustaining its solid play, PUP scored four runs, built around four hits, right in the first inning in a battle of top teams from the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association.

It was the third straight victory by the PUP girls, who created a stir early on after trouncing UAAP powerhouses University of the East (5-4) and Ateneo (6-0) last Wednesday in Group B play.

With the victories, the girls of coach Opreng dela Cruz need just a win from their last two games to clinch a berth in the semifinal round of the 12-team tournament.

PUP faces University of Santo Tomas today before battling National U on Saturday. UST is also in contention after improving to 2-1 as it beat CLSU late yesterday.

In Group A, Rizal Technological U looked poised to clinch the second semifinal berth after a 10-0 rout of Bulacan State University.

RTU raised its record to 3-1 for second spot in the group behind Adamson, which pulled off an abbreviated 11-1 win over La Salle for its fourth straight victory.

Standing in the way of RTU’s semifinal bid is La Salle, which the SCUAA side faces today.

The tournament is sponsored by Cebuana Lhuillier, Cebuana Pera Padala, Le Soleil de Boracay, Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions, Juest Jewels and Phiten. Cedelf P. Tupas