Mt. Carmel School 1’s Aven Evangelista is left open for a long shot during their game against Saipan International School in the CCOPSA caging yesterday at the Koblerville Gymnasium. (Roby N. Pamintuan)

Mount Carmel School 1 closed out its regular season campaign in the 2018-2019 Commonwealth Coalition of Private Schools Association Varsity Basketball League with a victory over Saipan International School, 53-40, yesterday at the Koblerville Gymnasium.

The Geckos were within just 2 points behind the Knights at the end of the third quarter, 35-37, before the latter put their foot on the pedal in the fourth canto to leave SIS in the dust.

Chioni Dela Cruz swished two treys and made a couple of layups to score 10 points in the payoff canto and hand MCS 1 the double-digit winning margin. Aven Evangelista and Matthew Richardson also contributed in the Knights’ fourth-quarter assault with the former starting the decisive period with a shot from beyond the arc and the latter making a mid-range jumper and a free throw to round out the Knights’ 16-point performance.

Before saving their best for last, things looked bleak for the Knights as they mustered just 6 points and were blindsided by the Geckos’ 13-point output. Jason Sablan scored SIS’ first 5 points, while A.J. Hudkins followed up with two baskets from close range. Then with the clock ticking, Kuu Nishimura pulled up from deep for the buzzer-beating trey that gave the Geckos the short-lived 7 point cushion.

After the slow start, MCS pumped out 22 points in the second period and held its opponents to just 7 markers to grab the upper hand at halftime, 28-20. Richardson accounted for 13 of his team’s production in the second frame, while Dela Cruz, Angelo Factor, and Minsu Park also hit baskets to turn the tables on the reeling Geckos.

At the resumption of the game, the Geckos fought back with Hudkins churning out 7 and Nishimura anchoring their defense to set up his teammates for easy baskets. SIS rallied to produce 15 points against the Knights’ 9 and stay afloat as the Geckos were down by only a deuce. However, that was the closest that SIS could get, as Dela Cruz took over in the final canto.

The Knights finished the double-round robin regular season with a 11-3 card for second place in the team standings, while SIS fell to a 4-5 slate with three games left in its schedule. The Geckos will play Grace Christian Academy today, while their last two matches are set for Monday and Tuesday.

Also on Monday, the playoffs for the girls division will start with GCA battling Agape Christian School and the winner advancing to the finals against the top-ranked MCS on March 29.

MCS 1 53 —Richardson 21, Dela Cruz 15, Evangelista 6, Factor 5, Ong 2, Kiser 2, Park 2.
SIS 1 40—Hudkins 16, J.P. Sablan 9, Nishimura 9, Lee 4, Jason Sablan 2.
Scoring by quarters: 6-13, 28-20, 37-35, 53-40.

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Shirley’s Football Club, left, and Kanoa FC-1 players ward each other off as they battle for the ball during the first half of their boys U15 division game in the 2019 NMIFA Spring Youth League last Saturday at the NMI Soccer Training Center. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Kanoa Football Club and MP United Football Club are still unscathed in the boys U15 division of the 2019 NMIFA Spring Youth League.

MP United bagged its third win in as many games after whipping Kanoa-2, 10-0, while Kanoa-1 earned the same perfect mark following a similar easy victory over Shirley’s FC, 9-1, last Saturday at the NMI Soccer Training Center.

Jim Kurt Maniago and Merrick Toves caused a lot of problems to Shirley’s defense of the lack of it, as they combined for seven goals. They alternately knocked in goals for Kanoa-1 with Maniago scoring in the seventh, 18th, 42nd, and 67th minute and Merrick hitting the board in the 13th, 41st, and 65th.

Merrick’s younger brother, Markus, added a pair after finding his target in the second and 22nd minute. Shirley’s lone goal in the match came from Jayvin Bisek in the second half.

Three players also scored for MP United in its demolition of Kanoa-2. Richard Castro was on top of the short list, as he led MP United’s breakaway in the second half where he delivered all his six goals. Castro was really on target in last weekend’s lopsided match that he nailed a pair of goals in a less than a minute and MP United’s last three goals in a five-minute stretch. His first goal was recorded just four minutes into the second half.

While Castro finished off Kanoa-2, it was Richard Steele who started things off for MP United after earning two goals in the first half, while Dylan Mister made it a 3-0 lead for the team in the closing minutes of the opening frame. Steele then completed a hat trick when he got his third goal just 30 seconds into the second half before Castro took over the rest of the way.

Meanwhile, in the third game in the division, TanHoldings notched win No. 2 after shutting down Matansa, 2-0.

Oliver Fajardo knocked in the twin goals for TanHoldings after lighting up the board in the 25th and 58th minute.

CO-ED U12A DIVISION
Kanoa 11, MP United 1
Kanoa kept its undefeated record in three games following a blowout against MP United.

Taehun Han paced Kanoa with his three goals, while Tyler Omelau chipped in two. Kanoa ran a balance offense with Ronney Gil, Jolo Izeah, Kaleen Leemarvin, and Adrian Lubao also scoring in the easy win. MP United avoided a shutout loss after drawing a goal from Moshe Sikkel.

TanHoldings 8, Shirley’s 1
The other match in the division was also one-sided with TanHoldings dominating Shirley’s.

Mark Ryan Costales, Tamia Hix, and Morico Clarides nailed two goals apiece to lead TanHoldings’ second win, while Kaitlyn Andrei Chavez and Jared Villagomez chipped in one each. Jayvin Bisek made the only goal for Shirley’s.

BOYS U18 DIVISION
MP United 4, TanHoldings 1
MP United took the solo lead in the division after outclassing erstwhile leader TanHoldings last Friday.

Sunjoon Tenorio singlehandedly towed MP United to its third straight victory after scoring all of his team’s goals. Tenorio hit his target in the fourth, 29th, 62nd, and 67th minute, while Joshua Waldo delivered the lone goal for TanHoldings in the 30th.

Matansa 1, NMI U15 NT 0
Matansa barged into the win column after dropping its debut following a close victory over the NMI Boys U15 National Team.
Romel Jamilia Mendoza registered the only goal in the match in the 48th minute.

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Participants in the AFC Women’s Football Day pose for a group photo. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

The NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville was filled with more than 100 female players of all ages, as they participated in the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association’s AFC Women’s Football Day.

NMIFA joined the Asian Football Confederation in observing the International Women’s Day (March 8) by holding a 3×3 soccer tournament, which featured competitions in four divisions: U9, U12, women’s open, and masters.

Still Playing went on to top the masters category after beating Matansa 1 in the finals, 3-1. Still Playing earned 3 points in Pool B to advance to the title game, while Matansa 1 ruled Pool A after getting 6 points. Kanoa 1 and 2, TanHoldings 1 and 2, and Matansa 2 were the other teams entered in the masters division.

In the women’s open, Wuteva clinched the championship after dominating Wanna Be Soccer Players in the finals, 6-3.

Wuteva also led in the elimination round after bagging 12 points, while Wanna Be Soccer Players notched 6 and defeated Super Friends in the tiebreak for the No. 2 spot to take the second finals ticket. Kanoa and Paire also fielded one team each in the division.

In the U12 age group, Betde United prevailed in a best-of-three showdown with Kanoa FC to make it to the champions’ circle, while Paire edged Matansa in the finals, 2-1, to top the U9 division.

Paire matched into the final game after collecting 9 points in the elimination round, while Matansa defeated Kanoa in the tiebreak for the second finals berth. Matansa and Kanoa each gained 7 markers in the elimination, while TanHoldings and Fiesta FC completed the field.

The champions in each division received trophies during the brief award ceremonies.

“We would like to thank all the players and officials for taking part in the AFC Women’s Football Day. We would also like to acknowledge our president, Jerry Tan, other NMIFA officials and staff for making sure that we continue to have this program to promote women’s football in our islands,” NMIFA Executive Committee member Patricia Coleman said.

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The Blue Jays first baseman is set to catch the ball ahead of a Braves runner during their semis game in the Natibu Sports Association Girls Fast-pitch and Boys Slow-pitch Softball League last Saturday at the Capital Hill Ballfield. (Roby N. Pamintuan)

The Blue Jays outgunned the Braves in five innings, 18-8, to claim the second and last finals berth in the Natibu Sports Association Girls Fast-pitch and Boys Slow-pitch Softball League last Saturday at the Capital Hill Ballfield.

The Blue Jays will play the top-ranked Falcons in the finals this Saturday at 2pm.

With the Blue Jays barely ahead of the Braves at the end of the third inning of their semis match, 6-4, the former strung together eight runs and shut out the latter in the pivotal fourth inning to gain full control of the game. The Blue Jays’ momentum carried over into the top of the fifth inning, as they added four more runs.

Jun Celis led the Blue Jays in the fourth inning as he delivered a crucial round-tripper that sent Henry Fleming and J.P. Celis home. Before Jun Celis’ homer, Fleming and J.P. Celis each hit singles, which set the table for the Blue Jays to gorge themselves on runs after Jun Celis’ timely hit. Trevon Lieto also hit the ball out of the park in the fourth, while Adam Salalila, Cody Foreman, James Salalila, and Jordan Babauta rounded out the Blue Jays’ eight-run scoring output.

Then in the fifth and final inning, Jordan Babauta and J.P. Celis launched one homer apiece. Babauta brought with him James Salalila, while the J.P. Celis gave Fleming passage home. Babauta and J.P. Celis’ hits were enough to push the Braves closer to the exit door.

Down by 14, 4-18, going into the last inning, the Braves were pressured to score at least five runs to extend the game. However, they fell short despite getting a big shot from Bing Nakamura. Nakamura’s swing launched the ball past the fence and sent Heath Camacho and J.J. Sablan home, while Harry Moses made the fourth and last run for the Braves, as they were not able to overhaul the deficit.

The Blue Jays had five homer in the semis win, two of them came from J.P. Celis, while the Braves got three. Fleming and J.P. Celis led the Blue Jays with four runs apiece.

J.P. Celis acknowledged and praised his team’s blue-collared work ethic during the game.

“The positive things about my team is that we try our best and grind hard,” J.P. Celis said.

While J.P. Celis is elated that his team marched into the finale, he acknowledges that his team still has important adjustments to make before they can perform at their best He also noted that they will probably be working more on hitting base hits in preparation for the battle for the championship trophy against the Falcons.

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Saipan International School’s Kuu Nishimura drives against a phalanx of Grace Christian Academy defenders during their game in the CCOPSA caging last Friday at the Geckos court in As Lito. (Roby N. Pamintuan)

Saipan International School had their way against Grace Christian Academy after cruising to a 51-34 victory in the 2018-2019 Commonwealth Coalition of Private Schools Association Varsity Basketball League last Friday at the Geckos court in As Lito.

The Geckos led the Eagles right from the get-go as co-captains Kuu Nishimura and A.J. Hudkins teamed up in handing their squad a13-4 advantage after the first period. Hudkins showcased his versatility in the opening quarter, as he swished a trey to draw first blood and then hit two more shots in the paint for his 7 points. Nishimura added 4 points, while Mike Lee’s reverse lay up skipped off the backboard and found the bottom of the net to end the period.

In the second canto, the Eagles deployed two and even three players to slow Hudkins down and they managed to neutralize the SIS center. However Nishimura and Ron Muńa helped the Geckos extend their lead at the break, 22-11

When the game resumed, the Geckos turned to their defense to limit the Eagles to 4 markers in the third period. Only Steven Balakrishna and Keoni Yarofalir were able to knock down shots for GCA, while the trio of Nishimura, Hudkins, and Lee, combined for a dozen for SIS, as they pulled away further, 34-15, with only one quarter left.

The Eagles came to life in the closing canto, as they generated 19 markers, but the Geckos played steady on offense and scored 17 to maintain their safe distance. Lance Tumalad had 9 points for GCA in the final canto and all came from the 3-point area, while Balakrishna and Seung Jun Baek combined for the 10 other markers.

Hudkins and Nishimura to-scored for SIS after firing 19 points apiece.

With the victory, the Geckos now hold a 5-5 slate, while Grace Christian ended their season with a 3-11 record. The Eagles finished the season at seventh place, ahead of Agape Christian School 2 (0-13), while SIS’ ranking has yet to be decided, as it still has two make-up games left.

The Geckos will take on Agape Christian School 1 today at the latter’s court in Gualo Rai at 3:30pm, while their last match will be against Saipan Southern High School.

SIS 51—Hudkins 19, Nishimura 19, Lee 6, Muńa 5, Guo 2.
GCA 34—Balakrishna 13, Tumalad 9, Baek 4, Kim 2, Masilungan 2, Ryu 2, Yarofalir 2.
Scoring by quarters: 13-4, 22-11, 34-15, 51-34.

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The CNMI’s Carol Lee is all smiles after receiving a plaque for winning the singles event in the ITF/CAT North African Circuit yesterday in Casablanca, Morocco. (Contributed Photo)

The CNMI’s Carol Lee rallied past her highly favored finals foe to clinch the singles championship in the ITF/CAT North African Circuit yesterday in Casablanca, Morocco.

Lee defeated No.1 seed Aubane Droguet of France, 7-6 (3), 2-6, 7-6 (6) to win her first Juniors ITF title of the year.

“I was losing in the tiebreak, 2-6, but I was able to catch up with her,” Lee said. “I would like to thank Head for the sponsorship and of course the International Tennis Federation, my coaches at the ITF center in Fiji, and my family for always supporting me.”

The ITF/CAT North African Circuit was Lee’s penultimate tournament while training at the ITF/Confederation of African Tennis Regional Training Centre and besides beating Droguet, she also topped two other players from France to rule the Grade 3 competition.

In the opening round, Lee swept French Flavie Brugnone, 6-1, 7-5, while in the semifinals, the CNMI bet also took only two sets to eliminate the latter’s compatriot Celia Belle Mohr, 6-2, 7-6. Earlier in the Round of 16, Lee downed Austria’s Emily Meyer, 6-3, 6-1, to march into the quarterfinals where the 17-year-old won over Hungary’s Luca Janosi, 6-2, 6-0.

After four wins via straight sets, Lee found her match in Droguet, who was heavily picked to prevail in the finale. The French came into the Morocco tournament holding a pair of doubles titles and one in singles that she all earned early this year, as she triumphed in Juniors ITF events in the Czech Republic, Tunisia, and Lithuania. Lee, on the other hand, struggled at the start of the season, losing in the first round of two tournaments in Australia (including the Australian Open Juniors) and also faltering in the earlier round in both the singles and doubles event of her first tournament in Morocco (Mediterranée Avenir/J1 Casablanca).

With her slow start, Lee’s ranking did not have significant improvement, as she entered her second competition in the African nation at No. 170. Her French opponent is ranked No. 84 in the ITF Juniors and No. 39 in the Junior Masters. However, Lee beat the odds and stunned Droguet in the title showdown between the Top 2 seeds to have a better finish in the tournament where she first participated two years ago. In 2017, Lee made it only to the quarterfinals of both the singles and doubles events of the ITF/CAT North African Circuit.

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The Patriots-Angels’ Chenille Espinosa delivers a pitch during their semis game against the Niners in the Natibu Sports Association Girls Fast-pitch and Boys Slow-pitch Softball League last Saturday at the Capital Hill Ballfield. (Roby N. Pamintuan)

The Patriots-Angels blanked the Niners, 26-0, to punch the first finals ticket in the Natibu Sports Association Girls Fast-pitch and Boys Slow-pitch Softball League last Saturday at the Capital Hill Ballfield.

The Patriots-Angels’ showcased impressive offensive and defensive performances right in the first inning to set up the easy win. They scored seven runs at the bottom of the first against none from the Niners and the trend continued in the last four innings. Leadoff batter Tiah Camacho opened with a solo homer, while Kiana Aldan also hit a round-tripper and brought with her Chenille Espinosa.

The Patriots-Angels delivered seven runs anew in the second inning and this time it was Kiana Camacho who slammed a homer to start things off for their team. Espinosa, Aldan, and Cassandra Camacho later capitalized on the Niners pitcher’s errors to make it home and pad the Patriots-Angels’ lead.

The unbeaten squad kept going in the third, as Kiana Aldan powered in another home run that also drove in Kiana Camacho, while Cass Camacho reached off Christy Aldan’s homer. Laniyo rounded out the Patriots-Angels scoring in the third to help widen the gap, 19-0.

Despite the huge lead, Kiana Aldan was not done yet, as she blasted another homer, while her teammates also reached home, allowing the Patriots-Angels to ease their way to the finals.

Laniyo, Cassandra Camacho, and Kiana Aldan finished the lopsided semis match with four runs apiece with the latter going 4-for-4 at bat. Espinosa and Kiana Camacho added three runs each, while Alannah Sablan, Christy Aldan, Fransie Elleisar and Tiah Camacho logged two runs apiece to complete the blowout.

On the defensive end, Espinosa led the Patriots-Angels, as she struck out five Niners batters. With Espinosa playing steady on the mound and the rest of her teammates also holding their ground, the Niners reached third base only once (third inning). The Patriots-Angels’ defense also forced the Niners to 1-2-3 in the first, fourth, and fifth inning.

After eliminating the Niners, next up for the Patriots-Angels is Balas, as they duel for the title this Saturday at 12pm. The Niners will play in the consolation match at 10am versus the Ayuyus.

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Agape Christian School’s Jonathan Xiong goes up for an off-balance shot against Saipan International School’s A.J. Hudkins during their game in the CCOPSA caging yesterday at Agape’s court in Gualo Rai. (Roby N. Pamintuan)

Agape Christian School 1 hammered Saipan International School, 85-53, during the lone game in the 2018-2019 Commonwealth Coalition of Private Schools Association Varsity Basketball League yesterday.

The Torchbearers roasted the Geckos right from the opening tip for the convincing victory at the former’s court in Gualo Rai.

Agape 1 took a 22-12 lead after the first period, thanks to Silas Xu. The Agape player came off the bench and blindsided the Geckos, as he scored 9 points, while Jonathan Xiong churned out 8, and starting center Mark Shao cleaned up after his teammates’ misses for two putbacks. A.J. Hudkins and Jason Sablan each netted 4 markers in the opening period for SIS, while Michael Lee and Kuu Nishimura had one basket apiece.

Xu continued to deliver for Agape 1, adding 8 more points in the second quarter. Shao also used his ceiling to knock in two more point-blank baskets, while Xiong and John Chen each logged 4 more to hand the Torchbearers a 44-21 advantage in the first half.

Agape picked up where they left off in the second half en route to the 32-point winning margin.

Xu converted a 3-point play to start the third canto, Xiong picked the Geckos’ pockets several times and cashed in on three fast break baskets, while Shao struck again from the paint. When the third period wrapped up, Agape 1 was enjoying a comfortable lead, 56-34.

Then in the final period, the Torchbearers upped the ante, behind Xiong’s 14-point outburst. Xu chipped in 9 markers, while reserves Steven Yaomin and Jerry Yuan combined for 6. While Agape 1 went for the kill in the fourth canto, SIS only got one triple apiece from Hudkins, Lee, and Henry Qian, and as the Geckos simply could not match the Torchbearers’ firepower.

Xiong finished the game with 32 points, while Xu added 30. Mark Shao also had double figures with his 10 points, while Hudkins, Lee, and Jason Sablan mustered 14,13, and 12 points, respectively, for the Geckos.

Agape 1 improved to an 8-5 card, while SIS fell to a 5-6 slate. The two teams face off again today at the Geckos court in As Lito for their last game in the regular season.

Also scheduled this afternoon is the semis match between GCA and Agape in the girls division with the winner battling Mt. Carmel School in the title game this Friday.

ACS 1 85—Xiong 32, Xu 30, Shao 10, Yoomin, 6, Chen 4, Yuan 2, Wang 1
SIS 53—Hudkins 14, Lee 13, Jason Sablan 12, Qian 5, J.P. Sablan 4, Nishimura 3
Scoring by quarters: 22-12, 44-21, 56-34, 85-53.

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Robbie Schorr makes a follow through after returning a shot from the baseline during a doubles game in the 19th Pacific Islands Club Tennis Championships at the PIC Saipan hard court. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Tan Siu Lin Foundation/Northern Marianas Sports Association Male Student Athlete of the Year Robbie Schorr lived up to high expectations after winning two division titles in the 19th Pacific Islands Club Tennis Championships.

Schorr first bagged the boys U16 doubles championship with Anthony Gregoire after they survived Jimin Woo and Jun Cheol Hwang in an extended finale last Sunday at the PIC hard court. Schorr and Gregoire dropped the closely fought first set, 6-7 (4-7), but prevailed in the last two, 7-6 (7-5), 10-6, to secure the division crown.

The eventual champions made it to the finals following a 7-6, 6-2 semis triumph over David Kwon and Jun Wang, while Hwang and Woo advanced after eliminating Andy Kim and Sam Ryu, 6-2, 6-2. Kim and Ryu earlier ousted Daniel Kang and Isaac Heo, 7-6, 6-4, to march into the Final Four.

After the tough doubles finale, Schorr returned to the court to duel Woo anew and this time with the men’s open singles crown at stake. Pacific Oceania’s No. 1 U16 player went on to assert his might over Woo after earning a 6-3, 6-3 victory. Schorr barged into the finals after downing Sean Lee, 6-2, 6-1, and CNMI national team coach Jeff Race, 6-1, 6-3. Woo also swept his two opponents—Vincent Tudela (6-1, 6-2) and Bobby Cruz (6-2, 6-4) to set a title duel against Schorr.

In other results, Malika Miyawaki, Daniel Kang, Nason Wessel, Hwang, Hyejin Elliot, Dana Lee, and Serin Chung also won in the second and final week of the tournament.

Serin notched a pair of titles, as she teamed up with Dana Lee in earning the girls U12 doubles crown and then partnered with Elliot in taking the U16 doubles tiara. Serin and Dana prevailed against Hoo Wang and Anna Kwon in the semis, 7-5, 6-2, and then defeated Helen Kim and Seiyul Hong in the finals, 6-0, 6-3. Kim and Hong made it to the title game following a 6-2, 6-3 triumph over Irin Chung and Savita Sikkel.

In the girls U16 doubles finals, Serin and Elliot won their head-to-head showdown against Maria Gregoire and Kim, while Wessel and Hwang did the same in their boys U12 doubles finals match Wataru Kadokura and June Yu.

In the men’s open 4.0 singles, Daniel Kang topped Andy Kim in the finals, 6-3, 6-2, while in the women’s open singles, Miyawaki swept Mayuko Arriola, 6-0, 6-2.

Meanwhile, PIC Saipan would like to thank the following for supporting the two-weekend competition: Triple J Truckload, Kensington Hotel, Bridge Capital, LLC, and Pacific Trading Company.

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The CNMI U17 Girls National Team players and coaches are joined by Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, fourth right, front row, first lady Diann Torres, second left, front row, Northern Mariana Islands Football Association president Jerry Tan, third left, front row, and other well-wishers for a group photo during a send-off ceremony at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

The CNMI U17 Girls National Team leaves Saipan early this morning to compete in the Jockey Club Girls International Youth Invitational Football Tournament 2019 in Hong Kong.

The squad is made of 22 players with 20 of them listed on the official roster and two as observers. Suiting up for the team are Emalyn Aniana, Christina Atalig, Nathanette Blas, Jenny Ann Capayas, Mia Carreon, Jannah Casarino, Jerlyn Castillo, Katrina Costales, Shairmane Francisco, Marinel Falalimpa, Julianne Hall, Khristelle Itaas, Stellalou McCallion, Lilian Podziewski, Gillian Villagomez, Britany Wally, Guinevere Borja, Katherine Magat, Abigail Decena, and Summer Manahane, while Rizza Relucio and Julie Ann Capayas are also part of the group.

Olympian Luam Khen Koo will coach the group, while goalkeeper coach Jimmy Tang, assistant coach Irish Pagarao, physiotherapist Hazel Mabasa, and team manager Angie Ito complete the CNMI delegation, which is backed by the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association.

“Majority of our players are in the U17 age group and we are allowed to bring in five U19 players. We also have players who are 12 years old and they are joining the team so they could watch and see how an international tournament is played,” said Ito in an interview before the send-off for the squad yesterday at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.

In Hong Kong, the CNMI bets will be playing against the host (March 28), Guam (March 29), and Laos (March 31) at the Po Kong Village Road Park Football Pitch.

“It’s a great opportunity for the team since we did not have much tournament early this season. Also this will gauge where we are at as far as our preparations for the Marianas Cup and the U15 East Asian Football Federation tournament are concerned,” Ito said.

The group resumed its training for upcoming competitions in December last year after taking a long break due to Super Typhoon Yutu. Training sessions are held three times a week and each practice lasts for two to two and a half hours. The core of the squad also plays in Division B of the Men’s M-League.

Majority of the members of the team have donned the colors of the Commonwealth and very competitive, so Ito said expectations from the squad will be a bit high when they play in the Hong Kong tournament.

“We are no longer the underdog team, so our players need to step up and play their best game every time they go out there,” the team manager said.

Special send-off
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and his wife, Diann, NMIFA president Jerry Tan, NMIFA Executive Committee member Patricia Coleman, and other NMIFA officials were among the well wishers of the Hong Kong-bound squad.

Coleman, who also heads NMIFA’s Women’s Committee, said the tournament in Hong Kong is special, not only because it’s the association’s first off-island event for the season, but it also comes at a time when people around the world are celebrating International Women’s Month.

“Not everyone has an opportunity like this (to play and represent the CNMI). Women in other parts of the world are not even allowed to watch a game in the pitch, so you are all very fortunate to have this chance,” Coleman said.

“We are thankful to NMIFA, led by our president, Jerry Tan, for making sure that we get to have the same strong program that our men’s players have, that we continue to promote women’s football in the CNMI,” she added.

For her part, first lady Diann Torres said it’s great to see young ladies representing the CNMI and working hard every practice to make sure they are ready for the games.

“I am sure all your hard work will be worth it. We will be rooting for you, show them the Hafa Adai spirit and go out there to do your best,” Diann Torres said.

Meanwhile, although Tan acknowledged that the CNMI’s opponents in the Hong Kong tournament are all tough, he believes our players are no pushovers either.

“Governor, I have to tell you, I watched them play in the M-League a couple of weeks ago. I don’t know what the coaches did to them, but I am pleasantly surprise with how much they understand how to play women’s soccer as a team. That’s something I am very proud of,” Tan said.

The NMIFA head also thanked the Hong Kong organizers for making adjustments just to accommodate the CNMI team. The competition is only for U17 players, but since NMIFA could not come up with 20 players in such a short notice due to travel document problems, Jockey Club allowed the visiting team to be reinforced by five U19 players.

Tan acknowledged, too the players’ parents for letting their children be part of the program.

“Women’s football and our other programs would not be successful without the parents’ support. I am happy that every week, we get to see more and more parents coming to the pitch to watch their kids play,” he said.

The CNMI U17 Girls National Team co-captains Jerlyn Castillo, second left, and Julianne Hall, fourth left, receive the CNMI flag before they leave Saipan to compete in a tournament in Hong Kong. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

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MJD Warriors’ Jack Aranda pulls up for a point-blank shot during their game against Cellular Pro in the Emon Lodge caging last Sunday at the Koblerville Gymnasium. (Roby N. Pamintuan)

Armatech Corporation thwarted the Kanoa Krusher’s comeback bid for a 70-62 win in their game in the 2018 Emon Lodge No. 179 Brotherhood/IT&E Basketball League last Sunday at Koblerville Gymnasium.

Armatech withstood the Krusher’s rally in the third quarter by churning out 16 points in the fourth. Stephen Tolosa submitted 5 points in the decisive fourth period, while Bruce Berune, Ed Cosino, Jun Park, Martin Moreno, and Renato Gaviola combined for 11 points to stiff-arm the Krushers.

Kanoa faced a 17-point deficit at the end of the first half, 30-47, but roared back with a 23-point explosion in the third frame to move within one, 53-54, heading into the last period. Dindo Dablo fired 15 points for Kanoa in the third canto, 6 came from 3-point land, while Fradel Sedillo logged 6 markers in the squad’s comeback bid.

Kanoa nearly tripled Armatech’s production in the penultimate frame, as the latter was held to 8 points. However, after a hot start in the second half, the Krushers sputtered in the fourth and mustered only 9 points.

Meanwhile, MJD Warriors erupted for 36 points in the fourth period to scorch Cellular Pro, 106-87.

With the Warriors clinging to a one-point lead at the end of the third period, 70-69, Jack Aranda, Jun Tabora, and Jaymark De Guzman snowballed in the fourth to bury Cellular Pro. Aranda had 14 markers in the fourth, while Tabora and De Guzman finished with 8 and 6 points, respectively. Cellular Pro’s Sonny Ebuen countered with 11 markers, but the rest of his team tallied just 6 points in the final canto.

Tabora led all scorers with 28 markers, while Aranda and De Guzman made 21 apiece. Alex Ocampo was the fourth player for the Warriors to finish in double figures with his 17 points.

Ebuen top-scored for Cellular Pro with 26 points, while Gio Dancel had 24 markers.

Pacific Postal Plus 63, Islander Rent-A-Car 53
After three close quarters, Pacific Postal Plus pulled away in the fourth for a double-digit winning margin against Islander Rent-A-Car.
Pacific Postal was up by only 3, 42-39, when Ryan Odicta shone in the fourth period and scored 8 points. Jener Pineda, Jonathan Broncano, Lando Laxamana chipped in 4 markers apiece in the crucial frame to ground Islander.

First Game
Armatech 70—Gaviola 19, Tolosa 17, Moreno 9, Cosino 7, Park 7, Berline 6, Valencia 3, Malasarte 2.
Kanoa 62—Pablo 27, Daubra 12, Lumauag 10, Sedillo 7, Quinitip 6.
Scoring by quarters: 27-18, 47-30, 54-53, 70-62.

Second Game
MJD 106—Tabora 28, Aranda 21, De Guzman 21, Ocampo 17, Usi 9, Bisana 7, Dayrit 3.
Cellular Pro 87—Ebuen 26, Dancel 24, Santos 19, Samson 14, Garcia 4.
Scoring by quarters: 20-11, 45-42, 70-69, 106-87.
Pacific Postal 63—Odicta 21, Broncano 14, Pineda 10, Usi 10, Emmerson 4, Laxamana 4.
Islander 53—Tandoc 14, Saplan 13, Cortez 11, Pangelinan 11, Manabat 4
Scoring by quarters: 8-8, 23-23, 42-39, 63-53.

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Kanoa Football Club’s Sharmaine Francisco, right, catches up on defense against MP United Footbal Club’s Stellalou McCallion during their girls U16 division game in the the 2019 NMIFA Spring Youth League last Saturday at the NMI Soccer Training Center. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Sharmaine Francisco knocked in a pair of goals to help Kanoa Football Club maintain its undefeated record following a 2-1 triumph over MP United Football Club in the girls U16 division of the 2019 NMIFA Spring Youth League last Saturday at the NMI Soccer Training Center.

Francisco scored her first goal in the fourth minute, while Stellalou McCallion knotted up the count in the eighth before the former drilled the go-ahead in the 32nd for Kanoa’s third victory out of four games. Kanoa, with its 3-1-0 win-draw-loss mark shares the top spot in the six-team field with Southern United FC, while MP United absorbed its second loss to remain at the bottom half of the standings.

Southern United FC missed getting the solo lead after settling for a draw against TanHoldings FC, 1-1.

Rizza Relucio drew first blood for TanHoldings, but their team could not keep the shaky lead, as Nathanette Blas converted the equalizer for Southern United in the 60th minute.

Meanwhile, Matansa barged into the win column after edging out Paire, 3-2.

Pia Ngewakl made the go-ahead goal for Matansa in the 56th minute to complete their come-from-behind win.

Paire led at the break, 2-1, behind the brace of Erin Frink, who scored in the sixth and 10th minute. Matansa then cut the deficit to one at halftime, thanks to Barbara Peteru’s shot in the 13th minute. Peteru went on to tie the game with her goal in the 37th minute before Ngewakl hit the dagger later.

GIRLS U19 DIVISION
Kanoa 12, Matansa 0
Kanoa also holds an unbeaten record in the girls U19 division (futsal) after clobbering Matansa last Friday at the TSL Sports Complex.

Shairmaine Francisco and Paulynn Joyce showed no mercy against the hapless Matansa after firing five goals apiece, as they alternately found the back of the net for the streaking Kanoa.

With Matansa failing to fight back against Francisco and company, the team has yet to win a single game this season, while Kanoa earned its third in as many matches.

MP United 12, Southern United 3
MP United notched an easy win, too after dominating Southern United in the other game in the division.

Guinevere Borja was on target in their demolition of Southern United after making eight goals. McCallion added a pair, while Katrina Costales and Britany Wally chipped in one apiece.

Jerlyn Castillo scored two goals for Southern United, while Keisha Deleon Guerrero recorded one.

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Grace Christian Academy’s Jasmine Phan, left, is tightly guarded by two Agape Christian School defenders during their semis game in the CCOPSA caging yesterday at the Koblerville Gymnasium. (Roby N. Pamintuan)

Grace Christian Academy secured the last finals berth in the girls division of the 2018-2019 Commonwealth Coalition of Private Schools Association Varsity Basketball League after beating Agape Christian School, 28-21, yesterday at the Koblerville Gymnasium.

After a close opening quarter, the Lady Eagles found their stride in the second to gain more cushion en route to the semis win and a finals date with the top-ranked Mount Carmel School this Friday.

Ahead by only 2 at the start of the second canto, 6-4, GCA captain Jasmine Phan fed a wide open Katriel Saures and the latter delivered with a midrange jumper. The Lady Eagles went on to run plays for Phan and she came through, scoring 6 points and giving GCA a 14-6 halftime lead. The Lady Torchbearers were nearly shut out in the second quarter before Wendy Tang drilled the team’s lone basket late in the second period.

Then in the third frame, Tina Choi and Phan capitalized on their ceiling and athleticism, as they hustled for rebounds and scored on second-chance opportunities. The duo combined for 7 points in the penultimate quarter, handing GCA a double-digit lead, 21-10, heading into the final canto.

The Lady Torchbearers heated up in the fourth period in an attempt to mount a comeback, as they surpassed their output in the first three quarters in the final canto. Lani Lishoalo banked a trey and made a putback for 5 points, Avelia Yu added 4 markers, and Keziah Garcia willed in an and-1 layup, but couldn’t cash in on the bonus shot.

Despite Agape’s team effort, GCA hung tough and made enough baskets to keep its lead and take the second and last finals berth. Mt. Carmel gained the automatic first finals ticket after topping the regular season.

Meanwhile, Agape came from behind and escaped with a narrow victory over Saipan International School, 35-34, at the Geckos court in As Lito.

Jonathan Xiong and John Chen led the Torchbearers’ rally after firing 12 and 9 points respectively, while Kuu Nishimura recorded 11 markers and A.J. Hudkins scored 9 in the heartbreaking loss for the Geckos.

Agape 1 finished the regular season at fourth place with its 9-5 record, while the Geckos locked themselves at No. 5 team with their 5-7 mark.

Meanwhile, the playoff round in the boys division will begin today at the various courts across the island. Over in Kagman, the top-ranked Ayuyus will face No. 8 ACS Agape 2, while a double-header will be played at the Koblerville Gymnasium with No. 2 MCS 1 battling No. 7 GCA at 3:30pm and No. 3 Saipan Southern High School facing No. 6 MCS 2. Then in Gualo Rai, No. 4 Agape 1 will host SIS.

GCA 28—Phan 18, Choi 6, Nunez 2, Saures 2.
Agape 21—Lishoalo 5, A. Yu 4, Garcia 4, Tang 2, Wu 2, Xu 2, I. Yu 2.
Scoring by quarters: 6-4, 14-6, 21-10, 28-21.

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Runners leave at the starting line of the 800m qualifying race in the 2019 Public School System/McDonald’s All Schools Track and Field Championships last Saturday at the Oleai Sports Complex. (Contributed Photo)

Saipan International School and Marianas High School emerged as the early favorites in the girls high school competition in the 2019 Public School System/McDonald’s All Schools Track and Field Championships, while Agape Christian School is not far behind as proven in the results of the first qualifier held last Saturday at the Oleai Sports Complex.

In the girls U18’s 800m trial, SIS had a 1-2 finish with Tania Tan and Anika Snyder timing in at 3:05.97 and 3:10.20, respectively. Agape’s Elizabeth Yu submitted 3:11.47 to rank third.

Tan went also topped the 1,500m and 3,000m qualifying runs with Snyder placing second in the shorter race and fourth in the longer one. Marianas High School’s Jerlyn Castillo and Ruschelle Valino were second and third in the 3,000m run, while Vivian Wu had the second best qualifying time in the 1,500m behind Tan.

In the sprints, SIS’ Maury Zon Tybaco ruled Heat 1 of the 100m run, while MHS’ Jaime Pangelinan and Leani Acosta led Heat 2 and 3, respectively.

Tybaco also came in at first on Heat 1 of the 200m race and was followed by Agape’s Amelia Yu and Hannah Yan, while Pangelinan, Castillo, and Acosta had a 1-2-3 finish on Heat 2.

In the 400m’s Heat 1, Agape swept the Top 3 (Ivy Yu, Vivian Wu, and Wendy Tang), while Valino, Kagman’s Aaliyah Indalecio, and SIS’ Maria Gregoire made up the Top 3 on Heat 2.

In the field events, Pangelinan won in the long jump qualifier, while her fellow MHS students, Castillo and Sendrei Camacho, finished second and third, respectively. Six other students joined the qualifier.

Desdrei Camacho and Pangelinan gave MHS another 1-2 finish in the discus throw, while Agape’s Keziah Garcia rounded out the Top 3. In the shot put, MHS swept the Top 3 with Halle Kenty leading the way and followed by Desrei and Valino.

Besides the U18 age group, the girls high school trials also have competitions in the U15 division. The Top 4 overall finishers (Saipan leg) in sprint events after the series of trials will advance to the championship round, which is set for May 10 and 11, while two slots are allotted for Tinian. In the middle distance runs and jumping and throwing events, the Top 8 in the Saipan leg will advance, while Tinian is also given two spots.

The same rules are implemented in the boys high school, middle, and elementary divisions. Results of other qualifiers will be reported in Saipan Tribune later this week. Fourteen schools are competing in the elementary, 12 in the middle, and eight in high school.

Saipan International School’s Maury Zon Tybaco runs in the 100m qualifying race in the 2019 Public School System/McDonald’s All Schools Track and Field Championships last Saturday at the Oleai Sports Complex. (Contributed Photo)

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Apple Tyquiengco pitches for Balas during their semis game against the Ayuyus in the Natibu Sports Association Girls Fast-pitch and Boys Slow-pitch Softball League last Saturday at the Capital Hill Ballfield. (Roby N. Pamintuan)

Balas doubled up the Ayuyus, 20-10, to secure a spot in the finals of the Natibu Sports Association Girls Fast-pitch and Boys Slow-pitch Softball League last Saturday at the Capital Hill Ballfield.

Balas’ impressive performance on both ends of the field gave the team a 14-0 advantage in the first two innings and it never looked back to beat the Ayuyus in the second semis berth.

Apple Tyquiengco led Balas’ strong start, as she hit a grand slam at the bottom of the first inning. The Balas’ starting pitcher brought home with her Maria Igitol, Amy Cabrera, and Tamisha Sablan. Angel Deleon Guerrero, Keona Rogopes, and Cheyenne Sablan also reached for Balas in the first inning.

Balas sustained its momentum in the second inning with Tyquiengco again, anchoring the team’s offense, as she blasted a two-run homer. The next five batters of Balas also made it home for the eventual finalist’s commanding lead, as the Lady Ayuyus had no response early in the game.

Things continued to look bleak for the Ayuyus in the third inning after their first two batters—Juanah Lizama and Esper Santos—struck out. However, to their relief, Nana Camacho managed to cross home plate off Balas’ error. Not to be outdone, Balas countered with Deleon Guerrero and Tamisha Sablan scoring to increase their lead, 16-1.

Balas and the Ayuyus each scored one run in the fourth inning, allowing the former to keep its safe distance before the latter attempted a comeback in the fifth. The Ayuyus produced seven runs with Camacho, Selina Taitano, Joan Weita, Camille Muna, Mymy Welson, Ane Magofna, and Pauline Bondoe scoring to keep their team in the game. However, when it was Balas’ turn at bat, Agulto homered and drove in Rogopes and Cheyenne Sablan to ice the game and pave their path to a finals duel against the Patriots-Angels this Saturday. The Patriots-Angels earlier bagged the first finals berth after blanking the Niners, 26-0.

Balas is the underdog in the title match, as the squad is just a newly organized team. However, the group is counting on its chemistry to give the favored Patriots-Angels a good fight.

“Without [my team] giving their best effort, we wouldn’t make it to the championship,” Tyquiengco said. “At first, when we watched the Ayuyus and Patriots-Angels, we got scared and had butterflies, but now it’s like a regular game for us since we challenged them already.”

“We have to improve our batting and timing the ball, but most importantly our communication,” she added.

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Saipan Swim Club swimmers rush to the water during the 40th Saipan Swim Club Saipan Ocean Swim held last Saturday in the waters off Susupe. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

More than 20 swimmers joined the historic 40th Saipan Swim Club Saipan Ocean Swim held last Saturday in the waters off Susupe.

Long-time swimmers and a handful of first-timers plunged into the lagoon, going around colorful buoys and getting a clear look of the partially submerged World War II tanks by participating in one of the longest-running ocean swims in the Pacific.

“We congratulate the 23 participants who made this 40th special. We had several first time swimmers—Jordan and Avalon Fryling, Georgia Baetge, Lola Guerrero, Jenny Zhang, Michael Miller, Zeno Iwami, Manuel Magboo, Nagi Tenorio, and Janet King—and they did an outstanding job. We also had a participant from Hilo Hawaii, Catherine Spina, who heard about the SOS from Bill Sakovich. It was great to share the beauty of the SOS with swimmers from around the world,” SSC coach Jacoby Winkfield said.

Spina joined the 5.2-kilometer swim and timed in at 1:37:20, while Lennosuke Suzuki and David Boyer had the fastest times (1:18:17) in the longest race of the day. Tony Raho and Jinju Thompson also completed the five-lap course and submitted 1:40:38 and 1:18:20, respectively.

In the 3.9K race, Jinnosuke Suzuki was the first finisher with his 54:41 and was followed by Taiyo Akimaru (57:66), Anthony Camacho-Deleon Guerrero (59:32), and Jinie Thompson (1:16:59). Michael Miller completed the top finishers in the competitive swims after clocking in at 20:55 in the 1K course and beating three others.

“It is great to see a mix of swimmers and parents and volunteers there to celebrate not only swimming, but family. To add to the event, the Northern Mariana Islands Swimming Federation organized an open water swimming developmental clinic that ran in conjunction with the ocean swim,” Winkfield said.

“John West, an open water technical official from FINA, led the clinic that focused on rules, organization, logistics, and safety aspects of hosting a FINA open water event. The clinic was very informative and gave the participants a more comprehensive look at open water swimming and the huge potential that it has here on Saipan,” the SSC coach added.

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Mike Adams celebrates at the finish line of one of the Tagaman Triathlon races he completed. (Contributed Photo)

Before former Saipan resident Mike Adams left the island in the early 2000s, he told the people behind Tagaman Triathlon that he will still go through the course and they would have to time him if the race has been scrapped.

“Before I left Saipan I told Bill Sakovich, Wolf Mojica, and Bobby Winkfield ‘you have to keep running Tagaman so I can come back when I’m 60! If the race is not being run anymore I will still come back to run it again and you can time me and hold my bike,’” said the Cambodia-based Adams.

Sakovich and company are spared from the hustle, as Tagaman Triathlon continues and will have its 30th edition this Saturday.

“I am so pleased to see that the tradition of the Tagaman race is still being carried on today,” said Adams, who are among the athletes returning to Saipan to race in this weekend’s event.

“Since my very first Tagaman (1990), it has been my life-fitness goal to return to Saipan and complete the Tagaman Triathlon in every decade age group category until I was 60. I did Tagaman in my 30s and 40s while we lived on Saipan and I returned when I was in my 50s a few years back. This year I turned 60, so it’s time to do Tagaman in my fourth decade,” he said.

Adams still has vivid memories of his early Tagaman days, including his “training buddies” and the person who inspired him to try the sport.

“I was first inspired by Mr. Chang (Chan Whang Jang), the marathon runner. He completed the first ever Tagaman even though he was mostly a distance runner. He received one of the bikes given to encourage local residents to participate. Mr. Chang told me he could not swim very well and did a lot of it doing side-stroke. I thought that if he could do Tagaman, then maybe I could too, and I joined Tony Stearns and others who were training for the next race,” Adams said.

“There were a bunch of us from Saipan training together for the 3rd Tagaman. Tony organized the training races and I remember riding along with him, Jerry Facey, and Keith Aughenbaugh trying to keep up. The main memory I had of my first Tagaman was that I finished. That was really my only goal. When I took my glasses off to swim it was hard to see since I am a bit blind. I would just follow the other swimmers since I could not see the next bouy,” he added.

Adams completed his first Tagaman in about five hours and then had a better time (4:50:00) in the second when he trained better.

“This year I am aiming to match or beat my time from seven years ago. My goal is simply to keep finishing Tagaman for as many years as I can. I have never been a fast racer, for me it was always about finishing,” he said.

He looks forward to enjoying the Saipan water when he races this weekend.

“I have always been a swimmer and enjoy that the most. After I started wearing contact lenses, I enjoyed the swim section so much more since I could see everything. I love seeing tropical fish go by and one time on the Rota race, people saw sea turtles swimming by. I had to remind myself ‘hey, you’re in a race and stop watching all the fish.’” Adams said.

“I always knew I would come back 30 years later. During my first race I was inspired by a 60-year-old Japanese triathlete, I think his name was Mr. Watanabe. As I took off on the run I noticed his even steady pace as I passed him by. Later as I was slowing down, I heard his even footsteps as he caught up and passed me. I thought to myself right then, ‘if I am still finishing Tagaman when I am 60 years old I would be really happy.’ His example taught me to run my own race, which is something I will try to do again this year.”

Mike Adams, right, poses with local athlete Daniel Calvo before the swim leg of one of the Tagaman Triathlon events. (Contributed Photo)

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Agape Christian School 1’s Mark Shao blocks the shot of Saipan International School’s Kuu Nishimura during their playoff game in the CCOPSA caging yesterday at the Agape court in Gualo Rai. (Roby N. Pamintuan)

The Top 4 finishers in the regular season of the 2018-2019 Commonwealth Coalition of Private Schools Association Varsity Basketball League all made it to the semifinals after beating their respective opponents yesterday.

Over at the Agape Christian School court in Gualo Rai, No. 4 Agape 1 advanced after dominating No. 5 Saipan International School, 71-43.

The Torchbearers were off to a strong start, scoring 21 points in the first quarter and then buried the Geckos with a 23-point output in the final canto.

Kobe Yang returned from a two-game absence due to illness and made his presence felt when he kicked off the game with a floater. He Jonathan Xiong, and Silas Xu were off to the races, as they combined for 12 fastbreak points, while the towering Mark Shao struck hard with two putbacks, giving Agape a 21-13 advantage.

The Geckos got their baker’s dozen off Michael Lee’s 5 points and baskets from siblings Jason and J.P. Sablan and Kuu Nishimura.

In the second canto, Yang and Xiong continued to cause problems to SIS’ defense, as the duo accounted for 9 markers, while Shao, Xu, and Peter Wang each hit shots to pull away even further, 36-23.

Wang and Yang then teamed up when action resumed in the third period, as they scored all of Agape’s 12 points, while the Geckos were held to just 8 markers. Then in the final canto, Shao did the damage in the paint with four point-blank shots, while Yang and Xu connected on a couple of fancy plays, as the Torchbearers ended the game in style.

Yang led all scorers with 24 points, while Shao and Xiong submitted 14 each, and Xu added 13. Jason Sablan netted 12 points and Lee logged 11 markers.

Meanwhile, joining Agape 1 in the semis were No. 1 Kagman, No. 2 Mt. Carmel School 1, and No. 3 Saipan Southern High School.

Kagman overpowered No. 8 Agape 2, 102-58.

Kobe Lifoifoi top-scored for the Ayuyus with his 23 markers, while Henry Aguon, Chris Sacdalan, and Mustafa Augustino logged 14, 13, and 10 points, respectively.

The Ayuyus leaned on their hot shooting from beyond the arc to demolish Agape 2, as the former knocked in 16 shots from deep.

After eliminating Agape 2, next up for Kagman is Agape 1, as they battle for the first finals ticket today in the 3:30pm match at the Koblerville Gymnasium.

The other finals berth will be disputed by MCS 1 and Saipan Southern, which ousted No. 7 Grace Christian Academy, 78-24, and MCS 2, 69-32, respectively.

The Knights 1 was led by Chioni Delacruz and Matthew Ong’s 14 and 13 points, while Seung Jun Baek finished with 14 markers on a losing effort.

Agape 1 71 —Yang 24, Shao 14, Xiong 14, Xu 13, Wang 6.
SIS 43 — Jason Sablan 12, Lee 11, J.P. Sablan 8, Nishimura 7, Hudkins 3, Guo 2.
Scoring by quarters: 21-13, 36-23, 48-31, 71-43

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Paire Football Club’s Joe Miller, seen here in an earlier game in the 2019 Spring Men’s M-League, scored seven goals in their 10-0 win over Korean Football Association on Saipan last week at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville. (Contributed Photo)

Paire Football Club proved to be too much for Korean Football Association on Saipan when they collided in Division A of the 2019 Spring Men’s M-League last week at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.

Paire powered its way to a 10-0 victory to keep its undefeated record in three games. Joe Miller led Paire’s demolition of KFAS after he scored seven goals. The former CNMI National Team member completed a hat trick right in the first half and was even deadly in the second drilling four of Paire’s first five goals in the final period. Daniel Agulto made the last goal for Paire, while Alan Gudino delivered one in the opening half.

After the lopsided loss to Paire, KFAS returned to the pitch and this time avoided back-to-back defeat after forcing a draw with Kanoa FC last Sunday.

Junsik Kim knocked in three goals for KFAS, including the final two that helped his team knotted the count. Kim recorded the final two goals in the 82nd and 87th minute and had his first in the 56th, while Bada Lee hit KFAS’ lone goal in the first half in the 40th.

With KFAS limited to one goal, Kanoa took the upper hand in the first half and even built a 4-1 advantage after getting a pair from Jireh Yobech (52nd and 55th) and one apiece from Davy Laxa and Ruselle Zapanta. Goals from Kim in the 56 th minute and Xiong Zhe Li’s three minutes later cut the deficit to one before Laxa got his second goal in the 67th to give KFAS more cushion.

However, Kanoa failed to keep the lead when Kim saved the day for KFAS with his brace late in the match.

In the other Division A match last Sunday, the CNMI Boys U18 National Team eked out a 2-1 win over TanHoldings.

Sunjoon Tenorio scored the go-ahead goal in the 50th minute and also registered the Teen Ayuyus’ first in the second minute of the close match to give their squad a perfect record after three games.

TanHoldings absorbed its first loss after a 3-0 start, as it only drew a goal from Joshua Waldo, who found the back of the net in the 47th minute.

DIVISION B
Shirley’s 5, Sun Palace 0
In the curtain-raiser in the division, Shirley’s eased past Sun Palace.

Lalaine Pagarao handed Shirley’s a pair of goals and she got enough support from her teammates with Angie Ito, Hoin Ryu, and Jedidah Peteru adding one apiece.

Shirley’s gained its third win in four games.

Pacific Islands Club 4, CNMI Women’s NT 2
Pacific Islands Club matched Shirley’s mark after outclassing the CNMI Women’s National Team.

Floyd Muna lifted PIC to victory with his back-to-back goals in the first half, while Logan Mister and Brandon Tenorio registered the two other goals for the winning squad. Britany Wally posted the two goals for the winless WNT.

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Kelvin Fitial, left, and faces Ben Sosoli during the weigh-in for Hex Fight Series 18 yesterday in Melbourne, Australia. (Contributed Photo)

The CNMI’s Kelvin “The Big Hit” Fitial and Australia’s Ben Sosoli will be on a mission when they collide in the main event of Hex Fight Series 18 tonight at the Melbourne Pavilion in Victoria.

Fitial is looking to prove that his win over the Land Down Under warrior in 2017 was no fluke, while Sosoli is eyeing revenge in their rematch. Fitial defeated the Australian via unanimous decision during their duel in Pacific Xtreme Combat 56 in Guam.

“This time I am not going to let the judges make the decision. This time someone is going to be knocked out,” the BJJ Athletics standout said during a fight preview shown at the event’s official Facebook page.

Fitial, who holds an 15-8-2 win-draw-loss record, hopes his new found quickness and meticulous training regimen with trainer Jerry Diaz plus the U.S. camp under Jackson Wink MMA Academy will earn him a convincing victory this time.

“The training at BJJ and Jackson Wink really helped me a lot. I am a different fighter now, I was not the same guy that he fought in 2017. There will be surprises on fight night,” said Fitial, who arrived in Australia last Tuesday and had light training sessions with Diaz.

A few hours after his last training yesterday, Fitial made it to the weigh-in and tipped the scale at 107.2 kilogram, nearly 13 kg lighter than the stocky Sosoli, who weighed 120.1 kg.

The Australian, in the same fight preview video, believed he will get Fitial in their second outing.

“I am looking to avenge my loss. I believe this fight is more on my favor because I have more fights than him after we met in 2017. Training went well and I worked on my quickness and power,” the 25-year-old said.

“I love to stand up and trade,” added Sosoli (6-2-0), who won his next three fights after bowing to Fitial and all were by TKO (punches).

The 35-year-old Fitial had only one bout after his victory over Sosoli with the former beating Japanese Peter Miyasaki (Guillotine Choke) in Rites of Passage 21: Throwdown in May 2017.

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