Sabana Grande downs Juncos to win women’s softball title

The Prodigiosas of Sabana Grande won the Women’s Premier Softball League title in their second appearance in the league finals.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Prodigiosas of Sabana Grande became champions of the Women’s Premier Softball League (LPSF by its initials in Spanish) on Sunday by defeating the Valencianas of Juncos 3-2 in Game 7 at Felipe Díaz Park.

Sabana Grande claimed the title in just their second appearance in the league finals. The franchise arrived in Sabana Grande in 2023 after relocating from Villalba; that same year, they finished as runners-up, falling to the Caribeñas of Salinas.

The victory also marked the second managerial title for Normagelie Vázquez, who previously won the championship in 2016 while leading the Jueyeras of Maunabo.

The Prodigiosas struck in the first inning when Makayla Nieves singled in Colby McClinton to open the scoring. In posting the game’s initial run in its column, Sabana Grande continued a series trend: the team that scored first won every one of the seven games.

In the fourth inning, the Prodigiosas extended their lead to 3-0 when Julianna Nieves singled to drive in Luz Feliciano and Morgan Smith.

The Valencianas got on the scoreboard in the fifth inning when Hailey Guerrero singled in Tatianna Román, and pulled to within a run in the seventh when Nayeli Hernández scored on a defensive error. The rally ended there as the Prodigiosas held on for the victory.

Smith turned in another strong pitching performance, working all seven innings. She allowed five hits and two runs (one earned), and struck out eight batters for the win.

The former All-American import from Phoenix was named the Crown Series MVP after playing a key role in all four of Sabana Grande’s victories during the series.

The loss went to Venezuelan pitcher Alondra Pérez, who started for the Valencianas and pitched one and one-third innings, allowing four hits and one run while striking out two.

Following the game, LPSF General Manager Jeanc M. Rodríguez Martínez presented the championship trophy to Prodigiosas co-owner Melissa Zapata.