SAGAY City — The Sagay City Girls Softball Team made another mark on the international stage by finishing third overall in the recently concluded PONY International Softball World Series held in McAllen, Texas, USA.
Despite fielding only nine players—without any substitutes—the defending 16-under world champions defied the odds, competing against much larger teams with deeper benches.
“Only nine of us, fighting through every moment with no room for rest. Each carrying pain, injuries, and exhaustion. Yet, with every breath and every heartbeat, we fought fiercely,” said Sagay softbelle Jade Marcial Boquial.
The team tallied an impressive record of eight wins and two losses in the tournament, ranking behind only powerhouse squads from the United States and Mexico.
“Our journey wasn’t easy. But in the end, we earned the bronze medal—a testament to our hard work. We proved that true strength isn’t measured by numbers or medals, but by a heart that refuses to quit, no matter what stands in its way,” Boquial added.
Meanwhile, Sagay’s 14-under girls team also delivered a strong performance, finishing fourth among 36 international teams. They placed behind squads from the USA, Netherlands, and Puerto Rico.
Coach Rey Fuentes credited the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, the Sagay City Government, and local leaders for funding the teams’ participation in the tournament./PN
