Team Manila crowned champion

MANILA, Philippines — Team Manila trounced home bet Glory Adkins Bejar, 6-0, to reign supreme in the Pony International Softball World Series via an amazing sweep yesterday at the McAllen Softball Complex in Texas.

It was a remarkable domination for the unbeaten Philippine representative, allowing only a single run across eight matches to bring back home the international youth (18-under) crown after five years.

The wards of coach Sheirylou Valenzuela previously ruled the 2017 and 2018 editions before skipping the 2019 edition due to the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

The event took a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rheamay Quilongquilong and Maryjoy Alpitche took turns in anchoring the Filipinos’ onslaught with the former leading a 4-0 shutout of Glory Adkins to top the elims and notch a finale ticket.

After Glory Adkins earned a rematch with the Philippines after a 3-1 win over California’s Premier Fastpitch, it was Alpitche who rose to the occasion.

Also making up Team Manila were Kenchie Tan, Jhaycel Rolda, Anne Frensbelle Patricio, Kylemarie Matarong, Annerose Macatbag, Angelica Cordero, Katherine Ditchon, Maryjane Libaton, Sathia Nicole Romero-Salas and Mary Jane Beronilla.

“Despite all the difficulties, hardships and constraints in support that we encountered, Team Manila-Philippines remained focused and steadfast in recapturing and taking home the crown in the PONY International World Series,” said Rafael “Che” Borromeo, who was accompanied by Rolando Evangelista and Neil King in leading the Philippine delegation.