BACOLOD CITY — Two teams from Negros Occidental will play for the Philippines in the Asia-Pacific (Aspac) Softball Championships on June 27 to July 2 in Singapore.
Team consultant Antonio Oquindo said the teams will fly to the host country on Wednesday to start their campaign to qualify for this year’s Little League World Series in the United States.
He said both teams are composed of players from various towns and cities in Negros Occidental.
The Little League line-up, mentored by Lizviminda Jalandoni with Ernesto Liguaton and Ramil Jalandoni, includes Kenchie Tan, Laira Dianne Silverio, Jhaycel Roldan, Trisha Karyl Hicayen, Kyle Marie Matarong, Anna Leah Dolorfino and Anna Rose Macatbag of Silay City; Anne Frensbelle Patricio of La Carlota City; Angel Zyra Motin and Christine Segovia of Manapla; Mary Joy Alpitche of Hinobaan; Neavia Marie Emborniza of Candoni; April Ann Mongcal of Moises Padilla; and Magdalene Nangan of Hinigaran.
The majors’ squad defended their Philippine Series title with a 13-3 rout of Cavite to earn another right to represent the country in the Aspac Series.
Meanwhile, the Junior League team, coached by Roselle Hulleza with Aileen Cabaybay and Liezl Joy Garay, is comprised of Bacolod City campaigners Glecilyn Alipato and Rhea Mae Quilongquilong, Talisay City’s Angelica Cordero and Ma. Victoria Magbanua, Silay City’s Lyka Angeline Silverio, La Carlota City’s Rodalyn Villanueva with Rodlyn Felizardo, Elemar Olarte and Angela Solidarios of Murcia, Mea Tubongbanua and Josiemers Maguad of Candoni, and Shanayah Sion and Joecel Mae Cabato of Moises Padilla.
The juniors’ team edged Pasig, 3-1, to book a trip to the Singapore championships.
Oquindo said the two teams, which will carry the name Negros First Selection, have received financial assistance from both the Province of Negros Occidental and the City of Bacolod. (Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA)
