The softbelles from Bacolod Central Little League moved a victory away from the Junior League World Series, after demolishing Guam, 8-1, yesterday in Game 1 of their Best-of-Three series for the Asia-Pacific title at the Rosario Sports Complex in Pasig.

Angelique Benjamin had the hot bat, driving three hits, including a double that sent home Christine Sebuan and Clariz Palma as part of the four-run burst in the third inning, based on the Bacolod squad's scorebook.

Michelle Lentija pitched the first four innings, before Benjamin's cousin, Analie, took over to put the finishing touches in the victory that put the Education Training and Center School-Domingo Lacson National High School squad on the threshold of their fourth straight World Series appearance.

The Junior League World Series is set in August in Kirkland, Washington, where the Bacoleñas pulled off an impressive second place finish in last year's tournament. Only Charmaine Joy Oria's error in the third inning allowed Guam to score, although the Bacolod squad immediately responded with the burst that Angelique Benjamin spearheaded.

Undaunted by Guam's height advantage, ETCS started strong, scoring two runs as Cherry Ann Basco's single sent home lead-off hitter Jonalyn Polinario and Analie Benjamin.

ETCS registered another run in the second inning when Angelique Benjamin hit a single that allowed Cindy Carol Banay to score.

The win also puts ETCS in a strong position to duplicate its sweep of the Guamanians in the Asia Pacific Little League Championship two years ago. *CPT

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