BACOLOD City – Sagay City further cemented its status as a Philippine softball powerhouse after its unbeaten Under-12 girls team captured the World Series championship in Hemet, California, USA, giving the city its second international softball crown in just 13 days.
The Sagay 12U softbelles overwhelmed Red Lands, USA, 11-2, in the championship match early Monday (Philippine time), completing a flawless campaign from the elimination round to the finals and matching the feat of the city’s Under-14 squad, which ruled the PONY World Series in McAllen, Texas, on July 20.
The back-to-back world titles sparked celebrations in Sagay City, underscoring the success of its long-running grassroots softball development program.
Composed of selected student-athletes from Jose B. Puey Sr. Elementary School and Sagay National High School, the young Filipinas showcased outstanding teamwork, discipline, determination and resilience throughout the tournament.
Inspired by the championship run of their older counterparts, the 12U players entered the competition determined to bring home another world title for Sagay.
Their mission was accomplished in dominant fashion as they outclassed Red Lands in the title match to remain undefeated for the entire tournament.
The victory gave Sagay a rare “double victory” on the international stage, with two world championships won in separate age-group divisions within less than two weeks.
The local government of Sagay, led by Mayor Leo Rafael “Bebo” Cueva, welcomed the latest triumph, describing it as another milestone for the city, which has earned a reputation not only for environmental protection and biodiversity conservation but also for producing world-class softball talent.
The city’s softball program has long enjoyed strong support from former Sagay mayor and Negros Occidental 2nd District Rep. Alfredo “Thirdy” Marañon III, whose sustained backing has helped build one of the country’s most successful grassroots sports programs.
Rather than being an overnight success, Sagay’s softball dominance is the product of years of collaboration between the city government and the Department of Education in developing young athletes while promoting sports alongside environmental stewardship.
The latest championship also continued Sagay’s remarkable rise in international softball. Two years ago, its Under-16 girls team claimed the city’s first World Series title, a feat that has now been followed by two more world crowns in a span of just 13 days./PN
