Chinhoyi crowned softball champs

they beat Emakhandeni from Bulawayo 14-4 in the finals in Mutare.
The two-day tournament attracted 20 schools from Midlands, Harare, Bulawayo, Mashonaland West and Manicaland.
The schools were divided into four groups of five and the top two schools in each group progressed to the quarter-finals.
Group A was made up of Roosevelt, St Josephs, Mandwa-ndwe, Regina Mundi and Matora-nhembe while group B consisted of Alaska, St David Girls High Bonda, Tafara 1 High, Montrose and Thornhill.
Group C comprised of Chinhoyi High, Emakhandeni, Matinunura, Harare Girls High and Dangamvura while Group D featured Sakubva 1 High, Mkoba 3, Luveve and Chegutu. Chinhoyi finished on top in group C.
They beat St Josephs 6-3 in the quarter-finals before defeating Sakubva High 13-6 in the semi-finals to book their place in the finals.
Emakhandeni had beaten Alaska 11-7 in the other semi-final match.
In the third and fourth play-off Alaska beat Sakubva High 6-4.
For their efforts Chinhoyi walked away with US$500 and the runners up pocketed US$350. Emakhandeni went home US$250 richer and Sakubva got US$100. All the top four teams got trophies. Regina Mundi got a shield and US$50 for being the most disciplined team.
For individual prizes each winner walked away with a certificate and US$20.
Zimbabwe Softball Association secretary general, Witness Nkomo was pleased with the quality of play displayed by the participating teams. “The tournament lived to its expectations as all the games were as exciting as anticipated,” said Nkomo.
The national association is using the event as part of their preparations for the Under-19 Softball Junior Women’s World Cup to be held in Cape Town, South Africa from December 6 to 17.
Individual Prizes
Best Pitcher: Nokuthaba Mkandla – Sakubva 1 High School. Best Catcher: Fernillia Kadzura – St. Joseph’s High. First Best Base Player: Martha kanodereka – Chinhoyi High School. Second Best Base Player: Fortunate Sibanda – Tafara 1 High. Third Best Base Player: Brenda Marewo – Chinhoyi High. Best Shortstop: Anokuthula Sibanda – Emakhandeni High. Best Left Outfielder: Idah Collins – Alaska High. Best Centre Outfielder: Belinda Mwale – Alaska High. Best Right Outfielder: Elizabeth Lupafya – Alaska High. Best Batter: Patricia Chikamba – Sakubva 1 High.
Most Outstanding: Sandra Limbani – Mkoba 3 High.