HEMET, CALIFORNIA – The 2018 PONY World Series 18-U Girls Softball Championships starts today with Team Manila-Philippines determined to retain its title at the Diamond Valley Park here.
The Big City softbelles, composed mainly of the finest 18-under batters from the UAAP 8–peat Champions Adamson University, held a series of grueling training sessions at the Artesia Park in Cerritos, California before proceeding to the sunny city.
Backed by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), Team Manila-Philippines boasts of a youthful but experienced lineup, with all members having played in the World Series and other major international competitions.
And to boost its powerhouse roster, five standout pitchers led by last year’s World Series best pitcher Alma Tauli, veterans Shirlette Maygay and Karen Nicole Chavez of Adamson, Glory Alonzo from the Domingo Lacson National High School in Negros Occidental, and the 15-year old heavy-hitting Alexandra Isabel Romero-Salas from the Maria Montessori Children School in Paranaque, will strut their wares in this year’s event.
Manila Softball President Engr. Rafael “Che” Borromeo is upbeat of their chances of defending the crown in the event.
“I think this is a well balanced and experienced team and I expect the girls to give a good account of themselves in this World Series,” said Borromeo.
Also expected to deliver are veteran catcher Aliza Pichon, shortstop Maria Angelu Gabriel, center fielder Khrisha Cantor, first baseman and outfielder Cleofe Magsayo, outfielder Alaiza Montejo Talisik, and second baseman Mary Joy Maguad of Adamson, as well as left fielder Jojielyn Lim and third baseman Madaelene Domaug from the Fortunato Halili National Agricultural School in Bulacan.
“Tingin ko malakas ang team natin, mga bata nga pero lahat may experience na sa World Series. Malaki ang tsansa natin na makalaro uli ng championship game,” added head coach Anna Santiago, the multi-titled coach of Adamson and head coach of the national team, who will be assisted by Sheirylou Valenzuela, Stan Terrones, and Fr. Rock Joseph Enriquez.
