By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Asia-Pacific representatives from Negros Occidental wrapped up their respective campaigns in the United States with strong performances and commendable finishes in two different world softball series tournaments.

In the Senior League World Softball Series held in Delaware, the softbelles from Bago City finished fourth overall after back-to-back losses in the semifinals and the battle for third.

The team bowed to Hawaii, 6-11, in the bronze medal match held late on Sunday evening, August 3 (Philippine time), after falling earlier in the semifinals to a dominant Michigan squad, 3-13.

Bago had entered the Final 4 after an impressive 6-3 win over Georgia, where ace pitcher Erica Arnaiz fanned 13 batters to lead the team to victory.

Despite missing the podium, the Bago softbelles earned recognition for their sportsmanship, taking home the Sportsmanship Award from tournament organizers — an honor reflective of the team’s spirit throughout the competition.

Michigan, meanwhile, went on to rule the tournament with a crushing 10-0 win over host Delaware in the championship match.

Over on the West Coast, the Junior League World Softball Series in Kirkland, Washington, saw another Negrense squad — this time from Bacolod City — fight valiantly before falling short of a semifinal berth.

Bacolod, the No. 4 seed in Pool B, was eliminated in the single-elimination quarterfinals after a tight 5-4 loss to Central Region, the top seed in Pool A.

Tournament rules meant there were no second chances.

Prior to their exit, the Bacolodnon softbelles pulled off a statement win against West champion Palo Cedro, California, with a 6-3 triumph powered by sharp pitching and timely hitting.

Both teams from Negros Occidental drew praise for their resilience and skill, proudly representing the Philippines on the world stage and adding to the country’s growing legacy in youth softball./ASC, WDJ