By James Sablan
james@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
SAIPAN Southern High School defeated Saipan International School, 21-7, on Monday at the Dandan ballfield, marking their first victory in the boys high school division of the PSS-NMISA Interscholastic Fastpitch Softball League SY25-26.
The game opened with intense action on both sides. SIS struggled early, as their first two batters were quickly retired via strikeout and flyout. They managed to load the bases and create a scoring opportunity, but the third out denied any runs from crossing the plate.
SSHS’ defense carried over to the bottom half of the inning, as they turned hits and walks into 10 runs. Dylan Lieto, Kapua Hocog, and Kian Helgen all recorded RBIs to help build the early lead.
SIS finally broke the scoreboard in the top of the second inning when Theo Joab stole home for a run. SSHS responded with three runs in the bottom half, led by Seth Aldan and Helgen, extending their lead to 13-1.
In the third inning, SIS added three more runs in an effort to stay in the game, but SSHS fired back with eight runs in the bottom half, triggering the mercy rule with a commanding 21-4 advantage.
SIS managed to score three runs in the top of the fourth, but it wasn’t enough. SSHS secured the final three outs to end the game early, sealing a 21-7 victory.
The win gives SSHS momentum as they continue their campaign in the boys high school division, signaling a strong start to the season.
