BACOLOD CITY – The Bago City Junior League softball team received a hero’s welcome when they arrived home in Negros Occidental on Friday, August 18, after winning the 2023 Junior League Softball World Series title in Kirkland, Washington on August 5.
These softbelles from the Ramon Torres National High School (RTNHS) in Bago City represented the Asia-Pacific region and defeated USA’s East Region, 3-0, in the finals of the 12 to 14 age category.
THE Bago City Junior League softball team receives a hero’s welcome upon their arrival at the Bacolod-Silay Airport in Silay City, Negros Occidental on Friday, August 18. The team bagged the 2023 Junior League Softball World Series title in Kirkland, Washington on August 5. (Glazyl Masculino)
Parents, teachers, and supporters, along with Bago City officials, warmly greeted the team upon their arrival at the Bacolod-Silay Airport in Silay City, Negros Occidental.
It was followed by a motorcade to the provincial capitol here for a courtesy call with Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson.
Lacson lauded the team. “It shows that we Filipinos can compete in the international level.”
The motorcade then proceeded to the Bago City Community Center where a press briefing was held.
Pitcher Erica Arnaiz, who led the team with 85 strikeouts, said that they didn't expect to become champions. She stressed that with God's help, they did it.
Head coach Francis Fuentes said that discipline, proper training, and teamwork paved the way for them to bring the championship back to the Philippines after two decades.
Fuentes acknowledged the support of the Bago city government led by Mayor Nicholas Yulo.
Other members of the team were Icelle Tanaman, Ashley Ortiz, Froline Manalo, Cristine Jane Caracas, Daniela Bejos, Audrie Sarsona, Thereze Francine Fuentes, Mary Antoinette Sicapore, Nice Lobrido, and Casandra Sumatra.
They were coached by Rolando Fuentes and Leo Dayot and trained by Josie Sebunga and Sarah Caracas.