MANILA – The Philippines’ Bago City team, representing the Asia-Pacific Region, clinched the 2023 Junior League Softball World Series crown via a 3-0 victory over USA’s East Region on Saturday (Sunday in the Philippines) in Kirkland, Washington.
Erica Arnaiz stepped up for the Bago City, Negros Occidental-based softball squad as she struck out 15 batters on her way to a three-hit complete-game shutout to lift the country to 12-14 age group division crown.
The 14-year-old Arnaiz put Asia Pacific on the scoreboard after a double and reaching home on an error in the third inning. Ana Dyana Buenafe then made it a 3-0 score in the sixth inning with a run by inning single that pushed two runners home.
The championship was the country’s first since a Bacolod City-based squad ruled the age group 20 years ago, while also serving as a bounce back from Bago City’s third place finish last year.
“I am thrilled to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you for achieving this remarkable milestone in your softball journey,” Little League Philippines district administrator Michael Zialcita said.
“Your dedication, hard work, and unwavering determination have brought immense pride not only to your city of Bago but also to our entire district. Your exceptional performance on the field exemplifies the true spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork,” he added.
In the preliminary round, Bago City subdued District 9 Region (Washington) 19-0, Southeast Region (Florida) 4-1, Canada Region (Canada) 7-4 and Central Region (Michigan) 10-0.
The Negrenses then scored a 4-0 victory over West Region (Arizona) 4-0 in the quarterfinals, in a game where Arnaiz hurled a no-hitter after fanning out 17 batters, before blanking Southwest Region (Texas), 4-0, in the semifinals.
Aside from Arnaiz and Buenafe, also part of the Bago City team are Thereze Francine Fuentes, Icelle Tanaman, Ashley Ortiz, Froline Manalo, Christine Jane Caracas, Daniela Bejos, Audrie Sarsona, Marie Antoinette Sicapore, Nice Lobrido and Casandra Sumatra, who are all students of Ramon Torres National High School.
Serving as mentors for the Asia Pacific representatives are Rolando Fuentes, Leo Dayot, Sarah Caracas, Francis Fuentes, team manager Josie Sebunga and player advocate Yolly Sanchez./PN
