Manila belles loom as WS fave

MANILA, Philippines - Manila South’s softbelles feel upbeat about their chances against rivals from the US and other regional champions in the dispute for coveted diadem in the 2015 Big League Softball World Series slated Aug. 2-9 in Sussex Country, Delaware.

Coach Ana Santiago said the Manileñas, bannered by some members of the gold-winning Blu Girls in the last Southeast Asian Games, are well-equipped and possess just about the right mix of experience and youth to be a contender and possibly make the country world champions again for the first time since 2012.

“I’m positive (the team will contend) considering we’ve prepared well. Some of the players even competed in the SEA Games and won the gold so that should be a big advantage to us,” said Santiago during yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

SEAG gold medalists Florabelle Fabiano, Celestine Palma, and Shaira Damasing, and top pitchers Mary Ann Antolihao and Laica Basa are expected to take the cudgels for Manila, a selection of the brightest softbelles from five-peat UAAP queen Adamson (10), Santo Tomas (3), National U (3) and University of the East (2).

“In the game of softball, the first line of defense – the pitcher – is of paramount importance. We had our best pitchers back in 2012 when we won the title. This year, we’re confident Antolihao and Basa will play that role for us again,” said Santiago.

The multi-titled mentor tagged teams from host Michigan, California, and Puerto Rico as their toughest rivals for the plum.

The team, which will carry the flag of the Asia-Pacific region in the world meet, left for the US yesterday. The Filipinas kick off their campaign in Pool B on Aug. 3 against USA West, then takes on Canada in the next day, USA Southeast on Aug. 5, and USA Central on Aug. 6.

“With their training and the players’ sacrifices, I think they deserve to be in the championship,” said Santiago.