Manila softbelles battle P Rico in W Series opener

MANILA, Philippines - Team Manila battles San Juan, Puerto Rico Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) at the start of the 2014 World Series Girls Big League Softball Championship  at the Layton Field of the Pyles Center in Sussex, Delaware.

The Asia Pacific champions, backed by Philippine Airlines and International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), will be fighting the San Juan team, representing Latin America, at 8 p.m. (11 a.m. Wednesday in Manila).

As part of its buildup for the tournament,  Team Manila-Philippines held six grueling training sessions in a span of three days at the Artesia Park in Cerritos, Citrus College in Glendora and University of La Verne in Los Angeles.

The Big City softbelles, composed of the finest 18-under UAAP batters from University of Sto. Tomas, National U, University of the East and Adamson U, are bidding to reclaim the world crown they won in 2012.

Pitcher and right fielder Mary Ann Antolihao of UST, catcher and third base Roxzell Pearl Niloban of UE, second base Lovely Dyan Arago of NU and third base Christy Joy Roa of UST, who were all left behind in Manila due to the delayed release of their visas, had  already arrived in Los  Angeles to join the team which flew to Delaware Aug. 2.

Manila Little League Philippines president Rafael “Che” Borromeo, former city councilor and now senior executive assistant to Mayor Estrada, is upbeat of their title chances.

“I think this is quite a strong team,” said Borromeo.

“We have a deep bench with a mix of veterans and rookies, I think it’s even tougher than the 2012 champion team,” added head coach Anna Santiago.

Four standout pitchers led by Antolihao and Mary Luisse Garde of UST, as well as Baby Jane Raro and Riflayca Basa of the UAAP girls softball champion Adamson U will power Team Manila-Philippines.