The country’s finest softball players will comprise Team Manila that will see action in the 2017 PONY International 18-U Girls Softball World Series on July 24-30 at Hemet, California.
Coming off an impressive showing despite being a guest team in the 2017 Inter-Collegiate Girls Softball Championships held last April in Marikina, Team Manila will be up against top teams from the US, Europe, Caribbean and Asia.
This marks the second time Team Manila will represent Asia in the grandest event of the sport.
The Big City softbelles, backed by Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada, Philippine Airlines, and the International Container Terminal Services Inc., is composed of short stops Mary Nichole Padasas of Adamson and Angelu Gabriel of Fort Bonifacio High School, pitcher Alma Tauli and 3rd baseman Madelene Domaug of Fortunato Halili National Agricultural School, and right fielder Krisha Cantor of Adamson.
Aside from Tauli, other pitchers of the team are Shirlette Maygay of Adamson and Mery Ann Ramos of NU.
Team Manila softball president Rafael “Che” Borromeo is upbeat of their chances, saying: “I think this is quite a strong team and the girls will give a good account of themselves in the World Series.”
Other members of the team 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 Fortunato Halili National School, and center fielder Marie Christine Bautista of Fort Bonifacio High School.
“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 national team.