MANILA, Philippines - The International Little League Association of Manila (ILLAM) team sets out for the Little League Softball World Series in Portland, Oregon, confident of its chances following its dominating victory over Australia in the regionals recently.
On their way back to the World Series, the ILLAM All-Star girls trounced the softball powerhouse teams from Iloilo, Tanauan and Makati then beat the Aussies in their best-of-five series. This marks the fourth time ILLAM has qualified to the prestigious tournament and the dream of many Little Leaguers all over the world.
“We are happy to be back in the Little League Softball World Series. After LLSWS appearances in 2006, 2007 and 2012, ILLAM’s return this year is the fruit of the hard work of the charter officers, parent-volunteers and of course the players throughout the year,” said ILLAM president Arsenic Laurel. “They all serve to keep the ILLAM charter vibrant, active and competitive. ILLAM has contributed players from its baseball and softball program to the national team and the UAAP schools. We are proud that we are one of the training grounds for future national athletes and more importantly model citizens.”
“The girls fully deserve to be in the World Series. For the past year, they have worked very hard in improving their individual skills as well as team strategies. I have seen their love for the game, as well as their dedication and commitment to the sport,” said team manager Norman Macasaet.
Making up the ILLAM squad are Olivia Banzon, Julia Carsi Cruz (co-captain), Martine Francisco, Rocio Macasaet, Ginger Mendiola, Kendra Morris, Azusa Murano, Martina Nacion, Laticia Puno, Ysabel Rodriguez, Alex Romero-Salas (captain) and Alia Tuprio with Edwin Mercado and Carlos Galedo as coaches.