W. Java women's softball team to play in tourney

W. Java women's softball team to play in tourney

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Baseball and Softball Association
(Perbasasi) has selected the West Java women's softball team to
represent the country in the Asia Softball Championships in
Shanghai, China, from Nov. 1 to Nov. 7.

One of the coaches of the West Java team, Wawan, said in
Bandung on Monday that the championships would provide an
opportunity for a tryout with other teams.

"West Java is certainly proud to be chosen for the Asian meet.
The team was chosen following its victory in the 14th National
Games (PON) last year," Wawan said as quoted by Antara.

His team consist of players currently in training for the 15th
PON to be held in Surabaya, East Java, in 2000.

The Perbasasi regional office in Bandung will send 17 players
and five officials to the tournament. Wawan said the team did not
have a target for the tournament because it would face stiff
competition from the other teams.

Among the players are Muchtiarah, Puri, Iyan Nurmala, Teti
Widawati, Frida, Vina, Feby Wiliaziboa, Wida, Nani, Sri
Nuratnadewi, Mulyati, Rini, Ratna, Ciki and Indri.

Apart from coaches Wawan and Dondi, the team will be assisted
by officials Pramana, Heryawan and Dahlan Alkadiredja.

China, Japan, Chinese Taipei, South Korea, the Philippines,
Thailand, India and Indonesia will take part in the
championships.

"We have not prepared well for the tournament but we hope we
can pull off some surprises by at least beating teams in the same
class as Indonesia," Wawan said.

He acknowledged that it would be difficult to beat China and
Japan because the two countries were world ranked. "I am proud
that the players have high motivation not to give up easily."
(lnt)