The Bago City Junior League Softball team bagged the 2023 Junior League World Series championship over the weekend in Kirkland, Washington, USA, shutting out rivals from seven other regions.
The Philippines’ team, composed of softbelles from the Ramon Torres National High School (RTNHS), lifted the Asia Pacific Region to a 3-0 victory over Eastern Region, during the finals match.
Erica Arnaiz struck out 15 batters and Ann Dyana Buenafe recorded two runs batted in (RBIs) to lead the country past Connecticut.
The team, also composed of Icelle Tanaman, Ashley Ortiz, Froline Manalo, Cristine Jane Caracas, Daniela Bejos, Audrie Sarsona, Thereze Francine Fuentes, Mary Antoinette Sicapore, Nice Lobrido, and Casandra Sumatra, swept into the finals after closing the doors on all other participating regions in this year’s World Series.
These included District 9 Region (Washington) 19-0, Southeast (Florida) 4-1, Canada Region (Canada) 7-4, Central Region (Michigan) 10-0, West Region (Arizona) 4-0, and Southwest Region (Texas) 4-0.
The unbreakable streak with seven straight wins was a great comeback for the team after a third-place finish in last year’s competition, the Bago softbelle’s first foray in the World Series.
The team is mentored by coaches Rolando Fuentes and Leo Dayot, and trainers Josie Sebunga and Sarah Caracas.
Mayor Nicholas Yulo, who was with the team during the competition from July 30 to Aug. 5, said this was a historic day for Bago City.
For the first time, the Bagonhon team was able to clinch the Junior League Softball World Series championship, he said in a statement Sunday, as he lauded the girls “for a job well done and for the honor they brought to the city and the whole country.”
“Softball is a sport that is somehow new to us, but with the determination, hard work, and dedication of our team, (it) has now become associated with our city after this world championship trophy, courtesy of our team,” Yulo added.
In addition to the coaching staff, the mayor acknowledged the effort of Francis Fuentes, who stepped up to be the team manager and head coach, and the commitment of Rey Fuentes as team founder.
“I thank their parents and family for their relentless support of their children. The same goes to all Bagonhons, who prayed for their success and, most especially, to the Filipino community here in Washington who came out to support our team,” Yulo said.
He said he already instructed Bago personnel to prepare for the team’s homecoming. “Our world champions deserve no less than a heroes’ welcome.” ||
