Juncos and Cidra earn victories in women’s softball semifinals

Xena Dung from Valencianas de Juncos delivered a dominant performance in the circle, pitching six innings while allowing just one run and striking out four

By THE STAR STAFF

The Juncos Valencianas and the Cidra Bravas picked up victories on Saturday in the semifinals of the Women’s Premier Softball League (LPSF).

Juncos defeated the Ponce Leonas 8-1 at Toño Feliciano Park in Ponce.

Juncos’ offense was led by Leanne Matthews, who hit a two-run home run. Hailey Guerrero went 2-for-3 with a double and scored twice, while Nia Carter also crossed the plate two times.

For the Leonas, Keira Bucher took the loss after allowing four runs on five hits over 2.1 innings.

Meanwhile, the two-time defending champion Cidra Bravas protected their home field with a 10-7 victory over the Sabana Grande Prodigiosas, evening Series B at one win apiece.

Cidra rallied with four runs in the fourth inning after trailing 6-4. Ciara Bryan and Hayley Busby hit back-to-back home runs to tie the game, and Amanda Fernández followed with an RBI triple that gave the Bravas the lead for good.

Reliever Odhi Vázquez was instrumental in the win, pitching 4.2 innings while allowing just one run and striking out six batters. Macey Cintrón took the loss for the Prodigiosas after surrendering six runs in three innings.

The Bravas hit five home runs in the game. Busby led the offensive attack with three home runs, while Bryan and Fernández added one apiece.