Atienza sees big showing by Golden Girls

High hopes are pinned on the MayniLA Golden Girls as they leave tonight to invade Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA and make a strong bid in the 2001 Girls Big League Softball World Series, which opens Aug. 13.

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, who celebrated his 60th birthday yesterday, will personally send off the 16-18-year-old softbelles, who earned the right to represent the country by topping their division in the Philippine series held last May in Bulacan.

"What better birthday gift for me than to give the City of Manila and the country honor and prestige in the international sports arena," said Mayor Atienza.

"Malaking karangalan na kung may maiuuwing medalya. But we will definitely go for the championship. Ipakita natin kung anong klaseng mga tao ang mga Manilenyo at mga Filipino," Atienza added.

The Mayor has actually thrown his and the city government’s all-out support for the undertaking by shouldering all pre-departure requirements of the team now popularly known as the MayniLA Golden Girls.

It is only the first time in the history of the local Little League movement that the Manila is carrying the country’s colors in any international meet.

Backed up by four veterans and led by former 13-14 World Series Most Valuable Player and shortstop Theresa Lagman, the MayniLA Golden Girls are one of the favorites to win in the Big League bracket, which is making a debut in Little League history.

"If you have faced the best in the world and will now compete with newcomers from the junior league, your confidence level will definitely be high," reasoned head coach Filomeno "Boy" Codiñera Jr., who has been closely supervising the team’s preparations.

"Dalawang sunod na panalo lang, sa tingin ko diretso na sa finals ang mga bata natin," Codiñera added.

The other veterans of the team, also supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, PCSO and PAGCOR, are catcher Erlinda Pascual, third base Karen Aribal and pitchers Gedda Valencia, Emily Batac and Rosalyn Tayag.

The Mayor’s son Ali Atienza, a former national taekwondo standout and soon to be chief of the Manila Sports Council (MASCO), will head the delegation with team manager Engr. Che Borromeo and Little League Manila Chapter president Engr. Robert Evangelista. Assisting Codiñera are coaches Jenny de Jesus and Rolly Malaguit.

Aside from powerhouse United States, which is fielding in four teams, Central, North and South America, and Europe are expected to send teams to the prestigious youth event. The MayniLA Golden Girls will represent the Far East.