Team Manila upends Michigan in World Series

Manila, Philippines -  Team Manila rallied from a five-run deficit and pounded out a 12-9 victory over host Michigan to sustain its remarkable comeback in the Big League Women’s (16 – 18 yrs old) Softball World Series in Kalamazoo Sunday.

The victory was Team Manila’s fourth straight as it wheeled back into contention after dropping its first two games played in one day last Aug. 2.

The Asia-Pacific Regional champions, composed of students from Adamson, University of the East, University of Santo Tomas and Polytechnic University of the Philippines, drew inspiration from the late arrival of Maria Luna Amparo and Mary Jane Fabellar, who helped turn things around after dropping their matches to Puerto Rico, the Latin America regional champions, 2-5, and West Chester, California, 6-9.

Team Manila, handled by coach Ana Santiago, beat Southwest, 13-4, blanked Southeast, 11-0, edged Canada, 4-3, before rallying from 3-8 down to repulse Michigan, 12-9.

The other members of the squad are Rizza Bernardino, Mary Joy Floranza, Andrea Mae Gonzales, Kristine Joy Lacupa, Michelle Lentija, Glesyl Opjer, Charmaine Joy Oria, Krisna Paguican, Gene Joy Parilla, Baby Jane Raro and Queeny Sabobo.

The Filipina clouters, aged 16-18, will next play defending champion Grand Rapids, Michigan in a crucial showdown with the winner gaining a crack at the championship.

Team Manila, headed by Manila League president Che Borromeo, is backed by former President Erap Estrada, Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, Rep. Amado Bagatsing, Martin Cojuangco, Megaworld, PCSO, the Philippine Sports Commission and Pagcor.