Story and pictures contributed by reader Marvin Lowe.

An HCI player slamming the ball with all her might. (Photo 1 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

HCI, Wednesday, May 8, 2008 – Hwa Chong Institution demolished Victoria Junior College 9-0 in a girls’ A Division Softball Championship game earlier this week. It was a game that would determine which team would face Raffles Junior College in the final but poor fielding and communication by VJC put paid to their hopes.

Having won the SRC invitational just over a month ago, VJC were the hot favourites to qualify for the final. However, a slip up against RJC two weeks ago left VJC with the need to win big against HCI.

However, it was HCI that got off to a smashing start in the first inning. Sloppy fielding by the VJC team gave HCI many opportunities and HCI seized them with glee. The VJC outfield dropped catches and miscommunication between the bases saw HCI load all bases at one stage. HCI finished the first inning with a 4-0 scoreline.

VJC’s starting pitcher seemed to be having problems settling into her rhythm and was eventually substituted mid-way through the first inning. Pitching problem seem to plague VJC throughout the rest of the game as they changed pitchers at least three more times. On the other hand, HCI’s starting pitcher, Zessa, had a fantastic game in which she pitched four shutout innings before being relieved in the final inning. In the four innings she pitched, she conceded no runs and allowed only two hits.

With such a big lead on hand, HCI could have sat back and relaxed. However, they did not do so and continued to keep the pressure on VJC. HCI continued to pile on the misery for VJC when Rachel hit home runs in both the 2nd and 3rd innings. Tan Xinying from HCI added another home run in the third inning and that pretty much ended VJC’s game. With such an overwhelming deficit, the VJC team could no longer find the will to fight on.

This should have been an evenly-fought contest but Hwa Chong definitely stepped up in style at their home ground. It was a highly entertaining match for the home crowd as the HCI team showed no mercy to their opponents and completely obliterated them. With this victory, HCI moves on to the Softball Championship Final where they will meet RJC.

HCI’s starting pitcher Zessa winding up for a pitch. (Photo 2 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

A HCI player scores after running through the home plate while the VJC team was still trying to gather the ball. (Photo 3 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

A HCI player hits the ball through the outfield. (Photo 4 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

VJC’s catcher at the plate batting. (Photo 5 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

VJC’s pitcher about to release the ball. (Photo 6 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

A HCI batter remains cool as a wild pitch zips past her head.(Photo 7 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

The VJC batter focusing on returning the ball by HCI’s pitcher, Zessa. (Photo 8 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

VJC’s Chan, sliding into the base safely and was nearly tagged out by the HCI second base. (Photo 9 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

A HCI player hits the ball sweetly. (Photo 10 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

HCI’s Lilo reaching base just on time. (Photo 11 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

HCI’s relief southpaw pitcher in the fifth inning, Tianyu. (Photo 12 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

Batter from HCI totally focused on hitting the ball. (Photo 13 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

HCI’s Sharon, misses the ball and allows VJC’s Chan to get on base. (Photo 14 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

Third time unlucky. VJC’s Chan finally gets tagged at third base. (Photo 15 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

Out! HCI’s Eunice running in vain as the first baseman gets hold of the ball. (Photo 16 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

Ed’s note: If you recognise yourself or your teammates in any of the photos, feel free to leave the names behind in the comments section and we will update the captions accordingly. Thanks!