Education Training and Center School-Domingo Lacson National High School, losing finalist in last year's Junior League (13-14) World Series, moved a step closer to booking a return trip to the prestigious tournament, after claiming its first win in the 2007 Philippine Series in Batangas yesterday.

Bannering the Bacolod-Negros Occidental LL Charter, the ETCS-DLNHS clouters whipped Nueva Ecija, 26-3, in just three innings at the Altura ballfield to lead the three-team division. The Bacoleñas face International Little League of Manila at 8 a.m. today for their second assignment in the double-round robin tournament.

But two straight setbacks in the girls' Little League (11-12) competition yesterday dimmed ETCS chances of winning the crown in the division it dominated from 2001 to 2005.

The ETCS girls absorbed a 7-2 beating at the hands of ILLAM, before suffering a close but surprising 10-11 loss against Cavite, a team it has consistently defeated during their five-year reign.

ETCS manager Lagrimas Ciokon said she welcomes the one-day break for her players, who are hoping to recover against Muntinlupa on Thursday.

Talisay, not ETCS as earlier reported, is actually representing the Ba-Neg LL Charter in the boys Little League competition and the Northern Negros squad made a rousing debut, trampling Rizal, 18-0.

The team from Palayan, Nueva Ecija will be Talisay's next opponent. In the girls (14-18) Big League division, Bacolod City National High School made a good account of its title potential by pushing ILLAM to seven innings, before surrendering a 0-1 decision.

The City High girls try to get their campaign back on track when it collides with Makati today. *CPT

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