ILOILO Little League softball batters are set to defend their Asia-Pacific title when they fly to Clark Field in Pampanga today for this year’s Asia-Pacific Regional Championships set July 1 to 7.
The Little Leaguers and their Juniors counterpart earned spots in this qualifying tournament for the World Series scheduled this August after winning in the Philippine Series last month in Marikina.
The Ilonggas forced Muntinlupa in the fourth inning regulation, 19-0 in the final and blanked the International Little League of Manila in the semis, 12-0.
The Jerryldin Geroche-mentored Iloilo Little Leaguers are represented by clouters from Palanguia Elementary School of Pototan’s District II.
The team is spearheaded by co-mentor Divina Aguilon, district sports coordinator Jay Poras, principal Jose Quindipan, and Pototan Mayor Tomas Peñaflorida. Also working with Geroche in the coaching tasks are Danilo Estanda and Vivian Deala.
The Junior Leaguers from Zarraga National High School demolished Makati clouters, 11-1, also by regulation in the fourth inning and dominated Bulacan, 14-4 in the semis.
Supporting the Iloilo-based team are Zarraga NHS principal Lina Dordas, Mayor John Tarosa, who is also the ILL charter president; Iloilo Schools Division Superintendent Myrna Castillo, and Education Supervisor Gilbert Solidum.
Teams from different countries in the Asia-Pacific will compete in this week-long competition for the opportunity to represent the region in the World Series in the United States.
Events to be contested are baseball and softball for Little League (11-12), Junior League (14-under), Senior League (16-U), and Big League (18-U) divisions.