Manila softbelles upbeat of World Series drive

MANILA, Philippines - Team Manila–Philippines toughened up for the Pony International U-18 Girls Softball World Series with three grueling practice games and training sessions at the Saddleback College as they set out for the big event kicking off Monday (Tuesday in Manila) at Cerritos, California.

The Big City softbelles, composed of the finest 18-under batters from UAAP 7-peat champion Adamson U, National U, Ateneo, Fort Bonifacio High School in Makati and Fortunato Halili National Agricultural School (FINAS) in Bulacan, battled the Orange County Elite girls softball team before facing former members of the Philippine Blu Girls and Blu Boys now residing in California.

The Philippines, representing the Asia-Pacific region, is fielding in a girls team only for the second time in the World Series history.

Three standout pitchers, led by Alma Tauli of FINAS Bulacan, Shirlette Maygay of AdU and Mery Ann Ramos of NU, will lead Team Manila–Phl campaign along with upcoming young stars led by short stops Mary Nichole Padasas of AdU and Angelu Gabriel of FBHS, third baseman Madelene Domaug of FINAS, and right fielder Krisha Cantor of AdU.

Backed by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), the Manila softbelles’ will face Central Hemet’s Screaming Eagles on Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. and Redlands, California on Thursday.