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Friday, March 29, 2024

Manila gears up for World Series

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CERRITOS—As part of its buildup for the 2017 PONY International U-18 Girls’ Softball World Series set to kick off on Monday, (Tuesday, July 25 Manila time) at the sprawling Diamond Valley Park in the 36–acre Valley–Wide Recreation District, Team Manila–Philippines held three grueling practice games and training sessions at the Saddleback College in this warm and cozy city here.   

The Big City softbelles, composed of the finest 18-under batters from UAAP 7-peat champions Adamson University, National University, Ateneo de Manila University, Fort Bonifacio High School in Makati and Fortunato Halili National Agricultural School  in Bulacan, battled the Orange County Elite girls softball team before facing former members of the Philippine Blu Girls and Blu Boys now residing in California as it gears up for its bid in this World Series wherein the Philippines or Asia will be fielding in a girls’ team only for the second time in history.

Three standout pitchers, led by Alma Tauli of FINAS Bulacan, Shirlette Maygay of Adamson and Mery Ann Ramos of National University will power Team Manila–Philippines, 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 FINAS Bulacan, and right fielder Krisha Cantor of Adamson.

Representing the Asia Pacific Region and backed by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and the International Container Terminal Services Inc., the Manila softbelles’ will face Central Hemet’s Screaming Eagles on Wednesday, July 26 at 5:45 p.m. (Thursday, July 27 8:45 a.m. in Manila) and Redlands, California on Thursday, July 27 at 7:30 p.m. (Friday, July 28 10:30 a.m. in Manila).  

Manila Softball President Rafael “Che” Borromeo remains upbeat of the Team’s chances in delivering a respectable performance in the prestigious event.  

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“I think this is quite a strong team and the girls will give a very good account of themselves in this World Series,” said Borromeo.

“Medyo naninibago lang tayo sa format pero tingin ko mas buo at malakas ang team na ito, pinaghalong beterano at rookies. Malaki ang tsansa natin na makalaro ng championship game,” said head coach Anna Santiago, the multi-titled coach of Adamson and head coach of the Philippine national team, who will be assisted by UAAP Season ’79 Athlete of the Year Angelie Ursabia and Sheirylou Valenzuela.

Completing the PH team’s powerhouse roster are 1st baseman Honey Grace Alegarme, catchers Aliza Pichon and Shaina Camacho of Adamson, pitcher and 3rd baseman Kevyn Anne Lacson of Ateneo, pitcher and 2nd baseman Marie Therese Macasaet of St. Pedro Poveda College, pitcher and 3rd baseman Mariana Solitaria of Beacon Academy, left fielder Jojielyn Lim of FINAS Bulacan, and center fielder Marie Christine Bautista of Fort Bonifacio High School.

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