BACOLOD Mayor Evelio Leonardia congratulated the 13 ETCS-I (Education and Training Center School) pupils for qualifying in the 2019 Little League Softball World Series championship in Portland, Oregon this August.

This, after the 13 ETCS-I pupils, aged 11 to 12, who composed the Major Softball Philippine Team, beat China in their final match Saturday [June 22] at the Little League Softball Asia Pacific Regional Tournament in Jakarta, Indonesia, earning them the right to represent the Asia Pacific region in the World Series.

Leonardia said, “We congratulate the ETCS pupils for their impressive victory. Beating all the rest in an international tournament is no ordinary feat. We are very proud of them. We wish them the best in their future competitions.”

The players are Daniela Cabangon, Che-Restcel Dela Cruz, Jeryll Duller, Ciarina Daniela Eder, Trisha Karyl Hicayen, Angelica Jean Latriz, Vergie Maghinay, Rhea Manalo, April Ann Mongcal, Jian Mongcal, Magdalene Nangan, Laira Dianne Silverio, and Silky Nicole Templado.

They were accompanied by head coach Ramil Jalandoni, coaches Ryan Balanca and Danilo Esmane, Team Mom Ma. Lizviminda Jalandoni, and DepED Bacolod MAPEH Supervisor and Divisions Sports Officer Eden Ariola.

The team, mentored by Lizviminda Jalandoni, was unbeaten all throughout the tournament. They won against Indonesia, 23-0, in the elimination round; against Hong Kong, 15-0, in the semi-finals, and against China, 17-0 in the finals.

The ETCS 1 Little Leaguers also represented the country to the World Series last year after winning the Asia-Pacific championship in Singapore.

Meanwhile, two other Philippine softball teams also won in the 2019 Asia Pacific championship titles—junior and senior—and are also advancing to the 2019 Little League World Series. (PR)