By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Philippines, which was represented by a Negros Occidental-based softball team, ruled the 2024 PONY Girls Under-16 International World Series held recently in McAllen, Texas.

The Filipino squad, composed mostly of players from Sagay City, beat the local Bambinas, 5-2.

They ended the week-long tournament undefeated in eight matches.

Team Philippines also won against Mexico, San Antonio-Texas, Texas Selection, the Texas Ball Club, Mayhem-Texas, and Culiacan-Mexico in the preliminary round.

Team Philippines repeated over Mexico in the semifinals round, 4-1, to set up the championship match against the Bambinas.

Nadine Pajotal was named the Most Valuable Player for the Sagay City-based squad, which was coached by Rey Fuentes, Marciano Sta. Maria Jr., Rodgen Dolorito, and Nelsa dela Gente.

“Congratulations to the team for a job well done. We are beaming with so much pride,” Sagay City Vice Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva said.

“We applaud the athletes for their determination. We should continue inspiring youth athletes to discover their sports competency,” he added./ASC, WDJ