Gallant H&D Cebu batters overcome the odds to rule 2007 National Softball Open

Team H & D Cebu dethroned Pasig City with a spine-chilling 6-5 victory to capture the championship of the 2007 National Softball Open crown the other day in Rosario, Pasig City.

The team, composed mostly of veteran Cebuano batters beefed up by some Manila-based players, was formed a bit late because they had to solicit funds first to be able to take part in the tournament.

However, it did not become a hindrance to their success as H & B Cebu started their title quest with a 7-1 rout of Indonesia. Then, they battered Taguig, 11-2, and Cainta, 12-7.

H & D Cebu of playing coach Dionesio "Isyot" Bacarisas kept its hot run by fending off a tough challenge by Laguna, 2-1, to advance into the semifinal round.

In the semis, H & D Cebu bowed to Pasig, 1-4, thus, the Cebuanos were thrown into the losers bracket.

Wanting to get back at Pasig, the Cebuanos demolished Zamboanga, 5-1, to set up a title showdown with erstwhile tormentor Pasig in the final.

Pasig posted a 5-3 lead in the upper portion of the final inning, but the host''s road to victory was suddenly blocked when Roldan Bacarisas swung for a homerun and brought home with him former Salazar Institute of Technology player and RP team member Oscar Bradshaw at first base and Jasper Cabrera at second base that led to the Cebuanos'' victorious bid.

Roldan Bacarisas'' heroic acts also got him the Most RBI or Runs Batted In award as teammate Edcel Bacarisas grabbed the best pitcher award.

First baseman Darios Bacarisas was named as the Most Valuable Player aside from taking the best hitter and slugger accolades.

"Grabe kaayo ang among naagian diri. Nanganhi mi nga wala gyuy klarong supporta. Maayo na lang gani kay naay naluoy namo.Lain sa uniform, sa kalo ug sa plite. Ang sa kaon, kami-kami na lang nagtampuhanay," said playing coach Dionesio Bacarisas to The Freeman.

H & D Cebu is composed of coach Dionesio Bacarisas along with his brothers Isaac, German, Saldy, Luis and Darios and their nephews Manuel Jr., Roldan and Jerome. The rest of the team include Jasper Cabrera, Sherwin Tabar, Felix Custodio, Ian Empacis, Sorab Ladisla and Adolfo Alinton.

Their Manila trip is sponsored by H& D Repair Shop, Wilmar Enterprises, Yamaha, Cebu City Sports Commissioner Rolly Diorico, Mae Ann Caballero, Ely Tabar, Atty. Andales Jr., VAQ Glass and Aluminum and SIT president Enrg. Doroteo M. Salazar. - Caecent No-ot-Magsumbol