Agoncillo, RTU dominate Asaphil qualifier

MANILA, Philippines - Agoncillo, Batangas and Rizal Technological University came away with a string of lopsided victories during the opening weekend of the Cebuana Lhuillier-Asaphil 25-and-under men’s Fast Pitch Softball Championships at the Banlic softball field in Cabuyao, Laguna recently.

The Batangueños edged the hosts, 1-0, in the opening match then whipped the Antipolo City clouters, 5-0, before crushing their rivals from Paciano, Laguna, 11-0, to seize control in the weekend-only tournament serving as part of the selection process for the national team.

The RTU side also fashioned out a pair of shutout victories, routing Paciano Laguna and Cabuyao City, Laguna via the same scoreline, 4-0, while San Rafael Bulacan also toppled Cabuyao City, Laguna but vowed to Antipolo City in the next game.

Meanwhile, Asaphil (Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines) president and Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier stressed the importance of the tournament, citing the chance to be part of the national team.

“The best performers in this tournament will be given the chance to be part of the national team so I’m glad to see that everyone is giving every game their best. We have several weeks more to go and I’m sure we will witness more exciting matches and find standout players along the way,” said Lhuillier.

The tournament, which also includes Philippine Air Force, will run up to March 12 with the top players to slug it out for berths in the national team.