Team Manila stays unbeaten in Texas

MANILA, Philippines — Team Manila continued to stamp its class with a sizzling 6-0 record so far, boosting its title redemption bid in the Pony International Softball World Series in Texas.

Under coach Sheirylou Valenzuela, Team Manila has scored six straight blowout wins in its return to the prestigious softball tourney at the McAllen Softball Complex.

Team Manila drubbed Nitro (Mexico), 4-0, Mustang SC (San Antonio, Texas), 7-0, STX Gladiatrix (Texas), 11-0, Texas Glory Adkins LT Wood (San Antonio), 11-0, American Thunder Gulf Coast (Houston), 4-1, and Premier Fastpitch (California), 3-0.

Up next for Team Manila is Glory Adkins Bejar of Texas, which also wiped out its six counterparts for a similar slate.

The Philippines ruled the 2017 and 2018 editions and skipped the 2019 event due to the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

It’s the return of the Pony World Series after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Team Manila is made up of Kenchie Tan, Jhaycel Roldan, Rheamay Quilongquilong, Anne Frensbelle Patricio, Kylemarie Matarong, Annerose Macatbag and Angelica Cordero.

Also in the fray are Maryjoy Alpitche, Katherine Ditchon, Maryjane Libaton, Sathia Nicole Romero-Salas and Mary Jane Beronilla.

Heading the Philippine delegation to Texas are Rafael “Che” Borromeo, Rolando Evangelista and Neil King.