THE Negros Occidental major and junior teams, representing the Philippines, are in tough preparations for the upcoming 2018 World Series scheduled late July to the middle of August.
It would be a huge challenge for the Negrense softbelles to play their best games in the World Series after their senior team finished silver last year in Delaware.
It has been a while since the junior team last entered the finals and won the title. The last was in 2003 when Paglaum National High School took home the honors.
Bannered by softbelles mostly from Domingo Lacson National High School, the junior team is expected to leave for Kirkland, Washington on July 27 with their games commencing July 29 to August 4.
Coach Lizvi Jalandoni said that the younger major leaguers are looking forward to improving their 5th place finish last year. The tournament starts July 8 to 15 in Portland, Oregon.
“Our edge this year is that we have 5 World Series players who will play important roles in the team. These include our lefty pitcher, catcher, first base, shortstop and the right fielder,” she said.
“But we have to double our effort since we already saw the quality of opponents we have there. My only wish is that my players will not be feeling anxious and mindful of ESPN’s cameras around the playing field,” she added.
“They already have the skills. Our role as coaches is to encourage and direct our players,” she ended.
The Negrense softball teams earned their rights to represent the country to the World Series after dominating the Asia Pacific qualifying in Singapore early this month. (HGD)