By MARK REY MONTEJO
Despite boasting of only three veterans on its roster, Team Manila is determined to win the 2025 PONY International Girls Softball World Series for the third straight time at all cost.
Both coach Sheirylou Valenzuela and Manila Councilor Rafael “Che” Borromeo said their rookie-laden squad is still capable of stamping its class in the event set from July 17 to 21 at McAllen Softball Complex in Texas owing to its long preparation.
“Masasabi ko sa team ngayon, mas malakas ‘yong paluan nila galing sila sa Palaro (Laoag)… [and] Asia qualifying and World last year,” said Valenzuela in Tuesday’s Forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.
Eager to spoil the team’s 3-peat bid, according to Borromeo, are Puerto Rico and Mexico. He also sees Japan and China as possible rivals in the five-day meet.
“Sana naman masungkit ulit natin ulit ‘to sa tulong at dasal ninyong lahat,” added Borromeo.
Most of the players are from Adamson, La Salle, and Bacolod.
A total of 27 teams are participating in this year’s edition to be bracketed into several groups.
The Philippine squad is set to fly to Texas next Monday, July 14 – same date as the RP Blu Girls departure to Xi’an, China where they are set to vie in the 2025 Women’s Softball Asia Cup.
