HEMET, CALIFORNIA—Team Manila–Philippines will clash with one of two host teams, the East Hemet Screaming Eagles, in one of five matches lined up today at 5:45 p.m. (Thursday, 8:45 a.m. Manila time) in this year’s edition of the PONY International 18-U Girls Softball World Series at the sprawling Diamond Valley Park inside the 36–acre Valley–Wide Recreation here.
The Asia Pacific Region representatives arrived Saturday in this hot but windy City of Hemet in high spirits after a road trip from Cerritos, Los Angeles County, where they have been subjected to a number of grueling training sessions and practice games by the coaching staff, led by multi-titled UAAP and national team coach Anna Santiago, UAAP ’79 Athlete of the Year Angelie Ursabia and former Blu Girl Sheirylou Valenzuela in preparation for their bid in this prestigious event.
The Big City softbelles, composed of the best 18-under batters picked from the National University, Ateneo de Manila University, Fort Bonifacio High School in Makati, Fortunato Halili National Agricultural School (FHNAS) in Bulacan, St. Pedro Poveda College, Beacon Academy, and UAAP 7-peat champion Adamson University, is backed by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and the International Container Terminal Services Inc.
Three standout pitchers led by Alma Tauli of FHNAS Bulacan, Shirlette Maygay of Adamson and Mery Ann Ramos of National University will power the Manila Batters together with upcoming young stars led by short stops Mary Nichole Padasas of Adamson and Angelu Gabriel of Fort Bonifacio High School, 3rd baseman Madelene Domaug of FHNAS Bulacan, and right fielder Krisha Cantor of Adamson.
“We expect our team to face the Series’ toughest early, such as the two strong teams from host Hemet, one of which is the defending World Series Champion, as well as the current PONY West Zone Champion,” said Manila Softball President Engr. Rafael “Che” Borromeo.
“We just need to stay focused and take this one game at a time. I believe that the girls can pull this one off, but of course we cannot be over confident and should still expect stiff competition,” added Borromeo.
Eight other teams, led by 2016 World Series champion Central Hemet Xplosions, are seeing action in this year’s edition of the event together with the 2017 West Zone Champion San Bernardino, Palm Springs, Moreno Valley, Indio Riverside County Reckless, Coachella Valley Chaos, Redlands South California, and the Valley–Wide Heavy Hitters.
All participating teams had a rest day yesterday, Tuesday, going into their respective opening battles today with the Manila Softbelles facing next Redlands on Thursday, July 27 (Friday, July 28 in Manila) in Pool Play action to advance into the knock out rounds.