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    Team Manila regains Pony World Series crown in dominant fashion

    Big City softbelles complete eight-game sweep of tournament in Texas
    Jul 24, 2023
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    PHOTO: Team Manila

    TEAM Manila is bringing back the Pony International World Series crown to Philippine shores after repeating over Glory Adkins Bejar, 6-0, in the title game on Sunday at the McAllen Softball Complex in Texas (Monday, Manila time).

    Enjoying a twice-to-beat edge in the championship round after topping the winner’s bracket, the Big City bets didn’t waste time and proceeded to demolish the hometown bet and top anew the 18-Under girls tournament via an eight-game sweep.

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    The Pinay softbelles won the title in back-to-back fashion from 2017 but skipped the tournament in 2019 as they prepared for the Manila Southeast Asian Games.

    The team of coach Sheirylou Valenzuela earlier demolished the same Glory Adkins Bejar team, 4-0, to advance in the championship game behind the heroics of second base Mary Jane Libaton, Anne Patricio, and second-third base Rhea May Quilongquilong, who was adjudged Player of the Game.

    Team Manila

    Team Manila won the meet in dominant fashion behind a perfect record, with American Thunder Gulf Coast being the only team to score a run against the Big City bets in a 4-1 win in the playoffs.

    Other members of the team are Mary Joy Alpitche, Mary Jane Beronilla, Angelica Cordero, Katherine Ditchon, Anna Rose Macatbag, Kyle Marie Matarong, Jhaycel Roldan, Sathia Nicole Romero-Salas, and Kenchie Tan.

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      Aside from Valenzuela, also coaching the team was Rafael ‘Che’ Borromeo, while part of the coaching staff were Benzon Santiago and Jorriel Bustillo, with delegation officials Rolando ‘Rolly’ Evangelista and Neil King.

      “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 Borromeo, who is also Manila Little League president.

      McAllen mayor Javier Villalobos personally congratulated Team Manila, which was formed three months prior to the meet and trained at Adamson University and the Rizal Memorial baseball field.

      The Filipino community in Texas later treated the team to dinner.

      Team Manila's campaign in the World Series wouldn't be possible without the support of Manila City Administrator Bernie Ang, Anna Sy Lim, DPWH Usec Robert Bernardo, Hans Sy Lim, Andy Co, Larry Sy, and Manila City Engr. Armand Andres.

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      Glory Adkins Bejar finished runner-up and had to beat Premier Fastpitch, 4-1, to arrange the championship showdown with Team Manila.

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      PHOTO: Team Manila
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