MANILA, Philippines - Only two remained in Team Manila’s Big League 2008 roster that won the Asia-Pacific elimination and subsequently ended up runner-up in the World Big League girls softball World Series, but team officials believe this year’s lineup is a lot stronger than its predecessor and, therefore, capable of capturing both titles.
Jenny Pangilinan, the tiny but sensational Filipina hurler who wowed the spectators and opponents alike in the World Series held in Kalamazoo, Michigan two years ago, is no longer around along with seven of her teammates who graduated to the women’s division, but head coach Filomeno “Boy” Codiñera and Manila Little League Charter chair Robert Evangelista were one in diagnosing that this year’s Manila Golden Girls have what it takes to hand the country its first World Series championship in the 16-18 age group category.
“I’m not talking about the Asia-Pacific championship which is a cinch for us to win,” Codiñera said during yesterday’s SCOOP Sa Kamayan weekly session.