The Sagay City, Negros Occidental U16 Girls Softball Team has returned home as heroes after their stunning victory at the 2024 PONY International Softball World Series, held in McAllen, Texas. Competing against some of the best young softball teams from around the globe, the team from Negros Occidental, Philippines, emerged undefeated throughout the tournament, capturing the championship title with a 5-2 victory over the local Bambinas in the final match.
A Remarkable Journey to Victory
The team’s journey to the top was nothing short of spectacular. Over the course of the week-long competition, the girls faced and defeated formidable teams from Mexico, Texas, and San Antonio, showcasing their skill, determination, and teamwork. Their consistent performance in both the preliminary rounds and the semifinals set the stage for their championship win, where they once again proved their mettle against the Bambinas.
Photos: I Love Sagay FB Page
Nadine Pajotal, the team’s ace pitcher, was a standout performer throughout the tournament and was rightfully named the Most Valuable Player (MVP). Her exceptional pitching, combined with the strategic guidance of coaches Rey Fuentes, Marciano Sta. Maria Jr., Rodgen Dolorito, and Nelsa Dela Gente, propelled the team to the top of the leaderboard.
National Recognition and Honors
Upon their triumphant return to the Philippines, the Sagay City U16 Girls Softball Team was honored by various national officials for their outstanding achievement. The team made courtesy visits to several prominent figures, including Negros Occidental Second Congressional District Representative Alfredo “Thirdy” Maranon, III, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Tingog Party-list Representative Yedda Romualdez, Ilocos Norte First District Congressman Sandro Ramos, and Congressman Richard Gomez.
During their visit to the Batasan Pambansa Session Hall, the team was formally recognized for bringing immense pride not only to Sagay City and Negros Occidental but to the entire nation. The officials lauded the athletes for their hard work, dedication, and the honor they brought to the country on an international stage.
In addition to their visit to the House of Representatives, the team also met with Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila. Here, Nadine Pajotal received further accolades for her role as the MVP of the World Series.
PONY International Softball World Series
The PONY (Protect Our Nation’s Youth) International Softball World Series is an annual event that draws top youth softball teams from around the world. The series is known for its high level of competition and its emphasis on sportsmanship, teamwork, and cultural exchange. Winning this tournament is a significant achievement, as it represents the pinnacle of success in youth softball.
The victory of the Sagay City U16 Girls Softball Team at the 2024 PONY International Softball World Series is a powerful testament to their exceptional talent, perseverance, and the unwavering support from their coaches and community. Bringing home the championship title is not just a personal triumph for these athletes but a moment of immense pride for the entire nation. Their success story serves as an inspiration to young athletes across the Philippines, showing that with hard work and dedication, they too can compete and succeed on the international stage.
Congratulations once again to the Sagay City U16 Girls Softball Team! Their triumph deserves to be recognized and celebrated just as much as the achievements of recent Olympic medalists. Hopefully, these young athletes will receive the due recognition they deserve for bringing honor to the country. It is crucial that their victory is acknowledged, and that they are given the opportunity to showcase their talents further, demonstrating that the Philippines can compete in a variety of sports on the global stage—not just those traditionally favored by big sponsors and mainstream attention.
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Photos: I love Sagay FB Pages
