Ludhiana, May 31
On the penultimate day of the 25th Junior National Softball Championship being held at the Punjab Agricultural University ground here, defending champions Punjab recorded victories in the boys as well as girls sections and secured berths in the last four stage.
In the super league (boys), Punjab players scripted wins over Chhattisgarh, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh to assure themselves a place in the semis.
Hosts thrashed Chhatisgarh 13-3; outplayed Orissa 16-7 and then defeated Andhra Pradesh 4-2.
In the girl's section, Punjab quelled a strong challenge from Rajasthan before romping home victorious with a wafer-thin margin (10-9).
For Punjab, Karamjeet Kaur contributed 3 runs while Amritpreet and Amanjeet scored two runs each. For the losers, Arti and Sarita chipped in with two runs each.
Results: Boys- Punjab bt Chhattisgarh 13-3; Andhra Pradesh bt Orissa 13-10; Kerala bt Goa 11-0; Rajashtan bt Madhya Pradesh 7-3; Andhra Pradesh bt Chhattisgarh 18-5; Goa drew with Madhya Pradesh 4-4; Punjab bt Orissa 16-7; Kerala bt Madhya Pradesh 13-3; Rajasthan bt Kerala 15-9; Punjab bt Andhra Pradesh 4-2; Orissa bt Chhattisgarh 15-6 and Rajasthan bt Goa 15-4.
Girls- Orissa bt Madhya Pradesh 8-4; Punjab bt Rajasthan 10-9; Goa bt Chhatisgarh 15-7; Kerala bt Chandigarh 36-9 and Kerala bt Madhya Pradesh 13-1.
