Story and pictures contributed by reader Marvin Lowe.
HCI, Wednesday, May 8, 2008 – Hwa Chong Institution demolished Victoria Junior College 9-0 in a girls’ A Division Softball Championship game earlier this week. It was a game that would determine which team would face Raffles Junior College in the final but poor fielding and communication by VJC put paid to their hopes.
Having won the SRC invitational just over a month ago, VJC were the hot favourites to qualify for the final. However, a slip up against RJC two weeks ago left VJC with the need to win big against HCI.
However, it was HCI that got off to a smashing start in the first inning. Sloppy fielding by the VJC team gave HCI many opportunities and HCI seized them with glee. The VJC outfield dropped catches and miscommunication between the bases saw HCI load all bases at one stage. HCI finished the first inning with a 4-0 scoreline.
VJC’s starting pitcher seemed to be having problems settling into her rhythm and was eventually substituted mid-way through the first inning. Pitching problem seem to plague VJC throughout the rest of the game as they changed pitchers at least three more times. On the other hand, HCI’s starting pitcher, Zessa, had a fantastic game in which she pitched four shutout innings before being relieved in the final inning. In the four innings she pitched, she conceded no runs and allowed only two hits.
With such a big lead on hand, HCI could have sat back and relaxed. However, they did not do so and continued to keep the pressure on VJC. HCI continued to pile on the misery for VJC when Rachel hit home runs in both the 2nd and 3rd innings. Tan Xinying from HCI added another home run in the third inning and that pretty much ended VJC’s game. With such an overwhelming deficit, the VJC team could no longer find the will to fight on.
This should have been an evenly-fought contest but Hwa Chong definitely stepped up in style at their home ground. It was a highly entertaining match for the home crowd as the HCI team showed no mercy to their opponents and completely obliterated them. With this victory, HCI moves on to the Softball Championship Final where they will meet RJC.
Ed’s note: If you recognise yourself or your teammates in any of the photos, feel free to leave the names behind in the comments section and we will update the captions accordingly. Thanks!
HC players
Photo 1: Noelle Tam
Photo 4 : Sharon Phui
Photo 10: Felicia Tan
its zesa not zessa
It wasn’t exactly poor pitching, it was tactic, perhaps
last photo vjc fielder is called isabelle, she is the 2nd baseman and not 1st baseman.