The KONQER factory is busy finishing up builds for this year’s all-new course and obstacles. The KONQER Apocalypse Tour kicks off in Saipan on May 25 and features massive “boss” obstacles. (Konqer Facebook Page)

Saipan’s KONQER Apocalypse Obstacle Course Challenge has been rescheduled from April 27 to May 25, according to KONQER president Kelli Wedd and MVA managing director Chris Concepcion.

“With so many community events taking place in April and May, and with some logistical issues we unexpectedly encountered recently, we are very happy to be able to move KONQER Saipan to May 25,” said Concepcion.

“This gives the organizers more time to prepare and teams and individuals more time to register. This will definitely be a great event with it falling on Memorial Day weekend, too. We are very excited for the third annual KONQER Saipan to take place next month,” he added.

Registration is available for as low as $25 per person, 18 and older (event only) and free for age 17 and under at konqersports.com. Non-business team registration is also available on the KONQER website, and business teams can be coordinated directly by emailing support@konqersports.com. KONQER Saipan will start at 9am.

“Now that we are on our 10th event overall, we’ve learned that while delays are never ideal, it’s always best to hold KONQER when it’s in the best interest of the community,” said Wedd.

“We hope everyone understands the decision to push back the date for K10, and we’d like to extend our sincere appreciation to the local agencies and partners who have shown us such kindness and cooperation,” she said.

Revised course information will be released soon, so event organizers encourage everyone to stay tuned to the KONQER website and Facebook page for the latest updates.

KONQER Saipan is presented by the MVA and sponsored by Bank of Guam, Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, IT&E, American President Lines, Coors Light, Marianas Variety, Roil Soil, Saipan Brewing Company, Tribe Marianas, Paradise Awnings, DR LLC, Vantage Advertising, GoPro, and TriVision Media Group. (PR)

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From left, Joe “Kamikaze” Camacho, Edward Lee, Ed Tenorio, and Korean Community of Saipan president Neung Sik Chang pose for a photo during the awards ceremony for the 2019 Korean Community of Saipan Golf Classic held at the Saipan World Resort last Saturday. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Pacific Games-bound Joe “Kamikaze” Camacho shot a 3-under par 69 to win the low gross category, while Ed Tenorio topped the low net division in the 2019 Korean Community of Saipan Golf Classic held on the east course of the Laolao Bay Golf & Resort last Saturday.

Camacho, who will be representing the CNMI in the 2019 Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa this summer, carded a 1-under par on the front nines and had two birdies in the first nine holes to get himself in a good position to rule the strong 144-player field. He then capped the competition with three birdies on the back nine for an even better 2-under par and a two-stroke victory over J.J. Atalig.

Despite besting the more than 100 players in the weekend tournament, Camacho said he still needs more work on his game, as he and the rest of the Pacific Games-bound team get ready for the Pacific Games in July. He added that he could have recorded a better gross score if not for fatigue, as he worked since 6:30am in the morning and then after his shift, he quickly joined the tournament that started at 12:30pm.

“We will continue our regular practice and push ourselves harder, as the Pacific Games gets closer,” said the Laolao Bay Golf & Resort pro instructor.

Camacho won $500 and got an extra $200 for his closest to the pin shot on No. 15.

Tenorio went home with $500, too for registering the lowest net (68) in the double-peoria event. The 12-handicapper fired a 41 on the front and 39 on the back for a gross 80. Joining him on the Top 3 and winning $300 and $200 were Young Cheon Kim and junior golfer and Camacho’s teammate on the CNMI National Team, Edward Lee. Kim had a 25.20 handicap and posted a gross 94 (45 and 49) for a net 68.80. Lee, on the other hand, logged a net 69.20 after tallying a 4.48 handicap and shooting a 41 and 33 on the front and back nines, respectively, for a gross 74.

Besides the Top 3 low net winners and best gross, the organizing Korean Community of Saipan also handed prizes to the No. 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63, and 73 finishers. The winners were Eun Ae Jang, Thompson Palik, Chris Leon Guerrero, Jin Kyu Hong, Hean Song Jung, Jong Wan Won, and Jae Yoon Cha.

In the closest to the pin contest, other winners were Jay Kim (No. 6) and Byung Hyun Park (No. 11), while Pat Kaipat had the longest drive at No. 18 with 315 yards.

Meanwhile, Korean Community of Saipan president Neung Sik Chang thanked all the golfers and the sponsors who supported the tournament. He added that part of the proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to bring local students to Korea for cultural exchange programs, while others will support their community projects on Saipan.

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Seiyul Hong makes a backhand return to Savita Sikkel during their girls U12 singles game in the 2019 DFS CNMI Junior Championships yesterday at the American Memorial Park tennis courts. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

The girls U12 singles competition in the 2019 DFS CNMI Junior Championships is down to four players after Seiyul Hong and Hoo Wang secured semis berths over the weekend.

Wang notched the third Final Four ticket in the division after downing Anna Kwon in an extended game last Saturday at the American Memorial Park tennis courts. Wang prevailed in the first set, 6-3, but could not close out the match early when Kwon fought back and eked out a 7-6 (6) triumph in the second. Then in the deciding super-tiebreaker third set, Wang regained her bearings and outlasted Kwon, 10-7, to move into the semis where she will challenge No. 1 seed Irin Chung this weekend.

Chung drew a bye in the opening week of the DFS Saipan-sponsored competition and automatically made it to the Final Four. No. 2 seed Dana Lee also got the outright semis ticket and will face Hong in the other battle for a finals berth this weekend.

Hong needed only two sets to march into the semifinals after she topped Savita Sikkel yesterday, 6-4, 6-4.

Sikkel will also play in the girls U12 doubles and this time will partner with Wang. They will go head-to-head against Chung and Lee for the division championship this weekend.

In other results, Malika Miyawaki drew first blood in the round-robin girls U18 singles after outclassing Maria Gregoire, 6-0, 6-1. Tania Tan is the third player entered in the field and did not play in the opening week, as she competed in the 10K event of the Guam Marathon yesterday morning.

In the girls U18 doubles, Gregoire ended up on the winning side, as she and Hyejin Elliot swept Serin Ching and Miyawaki, 6-3, 6-2. Helen Kim and Tania Tan will also be playing in the round-robin contest.

Kim, Serin Chung, and Elliot will also see action in the girls U14 singles event of the tournament, which is the last local competition under the Northern Mariana Islands Tennis Association’s 2018-2019 calendar and is part of NMITA’s selection process for the CNMI National Team that will play in the 2019 North Pacific Regional Championships in June on Saipan.

In the girls U10 singles, Lina Tsukagoshi and Eubeen Hwang both defeated Ellie Cho to set up their title game in the division this weekend. Hwang was the first one to down Cho after cruising to a 6-1 victory last Saturday. Then yesterday, Tsukagoshi had a similar easy victory over Cho, 6-2.

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PEGS’ Don Brennan, left, battles MJD Corp.’s Randy Mungcal for the rebound during their title game in the Emon Lodge caging yesterday at the Koblerville Gymnasium. (Roby N. Pamintuan)

Pacific Engineering Groups & Services pulled off an upset in the season finale after beating MJD Corp., 65-55, in the 2018 Emon Lodge No. 179 Brotherhood/IT&E Basketball League yesterday at the Koblerville Gymnasium.

The No. 4 seed PEGS overcame the odds to defeat No. 2 MJD in the winner-take-all match. PEGS’ road to the Promised Land was not easy, as it had to go through No. 1 Pacific Islands Club first. PEGS went on to stun PIC in the semis game last Saturday, 65-59, and completed the uphill climb in the playoffs and claimed the championship trophy with an upset over MJD, which marched into the finals after eliminating Islander Rent A Car, 90-74.

MJD and PEGS were evenly match in the title showdown, as they exchanged leads from the opening tip to the closing minutes of the game before the latter’s grit and resilience on the defensive end fueled them to success.

“Whether we were leading or behind, it all came down to our defense and grabbing those boards,” Don Brennan said. “As long as we were doing our job on defense, I knew we would be able to find our rhythm on offense and make the shots.”

PEGS did really get the job done on defense in the last two minutes and change of the finale, as the eventual champion shut down MJD.

Then on offense, Andrew Ashburn had a 5-point string, as he knocked in a triple and made a fastbreak layup to put PEGS on top, 57-55. Brennan and Melvin Villarin also contributed in the decisive run, as the former finished a contested layup and hit the bonus free throw, while the latter flipped in a fastbreak layup plus a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to seal the deal.

It was a sorry loss for MJD, which was ahead at the break, 32-27.

Then at resumption of the match, PEGS rode on Brennan’s shoulders to steal the win. Brennan finished with a game-high 25 points, and his efforts were rewarded with a Finals MVP plaque.

“Finals MVP! I wasn’t even thinking about awards during the game, to be honest, but I’m very humbled to receive this award,” Brennan said. “I wouldn’t have gotten [the Finals MVP] without my teammates.”

Ashburn backed up Brennan after adding 16 markers, while Villarin and Gino Libuw recorded 8 and 6 points, respectively. Jack Aranda had 15 for MJD, while Jorge De Guzman chipped in 14.

“I just wanna thank my team for trusting me to run the ball [as point guard]. Thanks to coach Edong for inviting me to be on his team and for giving me this opportunity,” Brennan said. Thanks to the [Emon Lodge No. 179] organization for putting this together and continuing the league after the typhoon,” Brennan added. “And most importantly, thanks to my loving family for always supporting me with everything.”

Meanwhile, Islander took the third place trophy after a narrow victory against top-ranked PIC, 85-82.

James Abuy had an opportunity to tie the game, as he was left wide open for a trey, but his shot hit the back iron as time expired.

Jet Jandoc led Islander with his 33 points, while Ed Pangelinan and Rocyl Ritual contributed 17 and 16 points, respectively. Abuy top-scored for PIC with his 41 points, while Raymond Tolentino, Jerome Norita, and Butch Sublemente added 15, 13, and 10 markers, respectively.

Pacific Engineering Groups & Services players pose with their championship trophy after beating MJD Corp., 65-55, in the finals of the Emon Lodge caging yesterday at the Koblerville Gymnasium. (Roby N. Pamintuan)

Finals
PEGS 65—Brennan 25, Ashburn 16, Villarin 8, Libuw 6, Dayrit 4, Rasa 4, Echavez 2
MJD 55—Aranda 15, De Guzman 14, Bisana 6, Lisua 6, Tabora 6, Ocampo 4.
Scoring by quarters: 15-17, 27-32, 44-44, 65-55.

Third Place
Islander 85—Jandoc 33, Pangelinan 17, Ritual 16, Mangali 12, Manabat 2, Paraiso 2, Tabora 2.
PIC 82—Abuy 41, Tolentino 15, Norita 13, Sublemente 10, Fernandez 6.
Scoring by quarters: 18-17, 37-50, 58-61, 85-82.

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Agape Christian School’s Eason Tang pulls up for a jumper against a Saipan Community School defender during an earlier middle school game in the CCOPSA caging at the Agape court. The Torchbearers are unbeaten in four matches. (Roby N. Pamintuan)

Agape Christian School extended its winning streak to four after cruising to a 54-14 victory over Mt. Carmel School in the Commonwealth Coalition of Private Schools Association Middle School Basketball League last Friday at ACS basketball court.

After clinging to a 4-point lead at the end of the first period, 10-6, the Torchbearers went on a blistering 17-4 scoring run in the second canto to gain firm control of the match, 27-10. Despite the big lead, Agape didn’t relent in the second half, especially on the defensive end, as it held the Knights to 4 points to deal MCS its first loss in four games,

Eason Tag led Agape’s breakaway in the second period, as he fired 8 points and finished the half with 12. Antonio Lee, David Zheng, and Tony Liang also contributed for the Torchbearers in the pivotal second period, while Leo Naraja registered all of Mt. Carmel’s 4 points in that quarter, as no other Knights came to his aid.

The Knights were almost held scoreless when action resumed with only O’hane Borja making a deuce for MCS in the third canto. In contrast, Tang, Bao, and Li teamed up for Agape, as they increased the team’s lead to 25, 37-12, heading into the final frame.

With the game in ACS’ control, the team’s reserves came to play and finished off Mt. Carmel. Samuel He scored 8 points, while Jordan Miao, Caleb Dai, and Hilton Jin also made baskets in the fourth canto. The Knights, on the other hand, still struggled n the end game with only Charles Cepeda scoring for the squad,

Agape’s convincing victory in the boys division game gave the team a sweep last weekend, as it earlier won in the girls match, 25-14.

After failing to hit the board in the second quarter and facing a 7-8 halftime deficit, Agape played better in the second half, outgunning the Lady Knights, 18-6. Mt. Carmel lost the shaky lead at the break, as it was held scoreless in the third period.

Jenny Lin, Mei Ou, Shuo Yang led Agape’s balance attack after recording10, 7, and 6 points, respectively. Kaithlynn Chavez, on the other hand, accounted for 12 of the Knights’ total output.

With the win, Agape now holds a 2-0 record, while the Mt. Carmel fell to a 1-2 mark.

Meanwhile, Saipan Community School bagged its first victory in four matches after routing Northern Marianas International School, 44-8.

The Tsunamis’ consistent effort on the defensive end was the key factor in their victory, as they held the Phoenix scoreless in the second and third quarters. NMIS absorbed its third straight defeat after winning its season debut.

On offense, Charlie McDonald top-scored for SCS with his 26 points, while Isaiah Aleksenko added14 markers.

Girls Game
ACS 25—Lin 10, Ou 7, Zhao 6, Wang 2.
MCS 14—Chavez 12, Pathil 2.
Scoring by quarters: 7-6, 7-8, 15-8, 25-14.

Boys Games
ACS 54—Tang 16, He 8, Bao 7, Li 7, Liang 4, Miao 4, Zheng 3, Dai 2, Jin 2, Chen 1.
MCS 14—Borja 4, Naraja 4, Cepeda 2, San Nicolas 2, Sasamoto 2.
Scoring by quarters: 10-6, 27-10, 37-12, 54-14.

SCS 44 —McDonald 26, Aleksenko 14, Timmons 4.
NMIS 8—Valdoz 6, Mateo 2.
Scoring by quarters: 4-6, 18-6, 26-6, 44-8.

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From left, Lydia and Tania Tan, Heather Taylor, Travis and Robyn Spaeth, and Kathy and Brad Ruszala pose for a group photo after completing their respective races in last Sunday’s Guam Marathon. (Contributed Photo)

Mother and daughter Lydia and Tania Tan made it to the Top 3 of the 10K event of the 2019 Guam Marathon held last Sunday.

Lydia finished second in the 50 to 59 age group after completing the race from the Gov. Joseph Flores Memorial Park in Ypao Beach in Tumon past the Alupang Beach Tower in Tamuning at the Trinchera Beach Park and back in 54:11 (gun time). She was one of the only two runners in her age group to round out the course in under an hour. The other one was age group champion Yumiko Hansen, who clocked in at 46:27. Seventy-four runners entered the women’s 50 to 59 age group.

In the women’s 14 to 19 age group, Tania was ranked third with a time of 49:12. She was No. 9 out of the 419 female finishers and No. 34 out of the 836 runners that completed the 10K. Shakeera Esma and Mya Tolerson placed first and second in the division with times of 44:36 and 47:21, respectively, while Japanese Hikaru Kumagai (31:53) and Guam’s Rhea Macaluso (44:32) were the overall finishers in the men’s and women’s divisions.

Meanwhile, five other Saipan runners also raced in last weekend’s event.

Husband and wife Travis and Robyn Spaeth, along with Brad and Kathy and Ruszala competed in the half marathon, while Heather Taylor joined the marathon.

Taylor was entered in the women’s 30 to 39 age group and finished second in the division after checking in at 3:35:39. She was No. 4 out of the 135 female finishers and No. 28 out of nearly 500 finishers. Kris Lawrence (3:11:31) ruled the age group, while Tomomi Sawahata (3:01:18) and Yoshiki Nakamura (2:32:31) took the top overall honors in the women’s and men’s divisions, respectively.

In the half marathon, Travis had the fastest time among Saipan runners after breaking the two-hour barrier, as he posted 1:56:18. He came in at No. 25 in the men’s 30 to 39 age group and No. 71 among the 427 female finishers in his division. Travis’ wife, Robyn, also raced in the 30 to 39 age group and was ranked No. 22 in her category after recording 2:08:54.

Just less than three minutes behind Robyn was Kathy, who timed in at 2:11:38 to finish No. 26 in the same age group, while the latter’s husband, Brad, registered 2:51:21 in the men’s 40 to 49 division. Rieko Koshi (1:29:22) topped the women’s field (406 runners), while Takumi Hasube (1:12:00) was the overall winner in the 427-runners men’s division.

Last Sunday’s Guam Marathon, which also featured a 5K event, drew a record of more than 4,000 runners.

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The Little Legals’ Austin Diaz throws to McDonald’s batter M.J. Tudela during the bottom of the sixth inning of their Majors division game in the 2019 Saipan Little League Baseball last Saturday at the Capital Hill Ballfield. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

The Kagman Little Legals recovered from a rough start to beat McDonald’s, 5-2, during their Majors division game in the 2019 Saipan Little League Baseball last Saturday at the Capital Hill Ballfield.

The Little Legals were without a run in the first three innings before making it to the board with a four-run top of the fourth. They added one more in the fifth and then finished off McDonald’s in the sixth and last inning with relief pitcher Austin Diaz getting the third strike for the third out with the bases loaded.

Starting pitcher Albert Adriano broke the Little Legals’ silence when he singled, advanced to second and third off McDonald’s errors, and stole home. Ryan Dela Cruz made it a 3-0 lead with a two-run double and he also reached off a RBI walk from Brandon Babauta to lift the Little Legals to a 4-0 advantage.

The defending champions increased the lead to a 5-0, courtesy of Diaz’ RBI single at the top of the fifth inning, while McDonald’s still could not end its dry spell at the bottom.

A 1-2-3 at the top of the sixth inning gave McDonald’s the final chance to mount a comeback and it seemed it is headed for one with Kazu Dela Cruz’s double driving Dillon Santos home. Dela Cruz then handed McDonald’s its second run, as he reached off Lance Acosta sacrifice’s out.

With two outs and runners on second and third, McDonald’s loaded the bases and boosted its bid for a late rally after Diaz walked Champ Aldan. Next up to bat was Jordan Agulto and he came up with an empty swing for the first strike before letting go off a high pitch to stay ahead. The McDonald’s batter then hit a foul ball for the second strike, while Diaz caught him looking in the next pitch, giving the Little Legals their second win in as many games.

Adriano worked the mound for 5.2 innings, gave up five hits and fanned eight batters. Diaz struck out two batters and threw a no-hitter in a good closing job.

MINOR DIVISION
NSA Braves 15, Kagman Marlins 5
The NSA Braves were on target right in the first inning for another easy victory in the second week of the competition.

The Braves, who routed the Blue Jays in their season debut, 15-1, scored seven runs at the bottom of the first inning of their match versus the defending champions Marlins to set the tone of the game. Leadoff batter Damian Marchadesh kicked things off for the Braves, as he reached off a passed ball from Nate Seman. The Braves went on to get four more runs off passed balls, while Mike Taitano had an RBI single and also scored on a Marlins’ error.

After giving up seven early runs, the Marlins remained in contention, as they logged four runs at the top of the first. However, that was the best that the reigning champs could do, as Braves pitcher Alden Magofna found his rhythm and allowed only one hit in the last three innings and an unearned run (Kyle Laniyo) at the top of the fourth and last inning. The Braves pitcher finished the match with seven strikeouts and got two runs.

The rest of the Braves’ defense also picked up in the final three innings after committing miscues in the first to close out the match after only three and a half innings. The Braves delivered six runs at the bottom of the third to press the Marlins to score at least 11 runs to continue the game. Minor division matches are only four innings.

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Mount Carmel School outlasted Saipan Community School in a back-and-forth affair, 28-20, in the Commonwealth Coalition of Private Schools Association Middle School Basketball League last Monday at the SCS’ court.

After several lead changes in the first three quarters, the Knights managed to control the game in the fourth, thanks to their double-digit output. Mt. Carmel scored 10 points in the final canto and held SCS to 3 points and no field goal.

Gabby San Nicolas started things off for the Knights in the fourth quarter with his two consecutive fastbreak layups before Leo Naraja drilled two pull-up baskets to turn a shaky 18-17 lead to a 26-20 cushion. The Tsunamis’ offense crumpled under Mount Carmel’s defensive pressure, as they only mustered three free throws from Charlie McDonald. San Nicolas then iced the game after he picked Isaiah Aleksenko’s pocket and glided to the rim for an easy layup.

San Nicolas top-scored for MCS with his 15 points, while McDonald shouldered much of SCS’ offense, as he finished with 14 markers.

With the win, MCS improved to a 4-1 card, while the Tsunamis absorbed their fourth loss in six games.

Meanwhile, Agape Christian School continued its streak in the boys division ater manhandling Seventh Day Adventist, 82-32.

The Torchbearers wasted no time, as they ran away with the game after a 16-4 run in the opening canto. ACS then shifted into overdrive, as it exploded for 29 points in the second period to bury the Guardians at the break, 45-11.

David Zheng and Hilton Jin finished with 19 and 16 points, respectively, to hand Agape a 5-0 lead, while Caleb Dai chipped in 12. While Agape rolled to its fifth straight victory, SDA has yet to secure a win after five games.

Over at the Navy Hill court, Grace Christian Academy dominated Northern Marianas International School, 35-14.

Ryan Daproza registered 12 points for the Eagles, while Lance Lerio and Justin Du added 6 apiece to help shoot down the Phoenix. Justin Mateo had 10 points for NMIS.

GCA earned its second straight victory and now holds a 3-2 card, while NMIS tumbled to a 1-4 record.

Meanwhile, Agape improved to a 3-0 slate after topping SDA, 38-22, in the girls division game.

Jenny Lin led the Lady Torchbearers with her 17 markers, while Elvira Zhang contributed 7, and Mei Ou and Lynn Zhao made 6 points apiece. Marielle Lopez dazzled for the Lady Guardians with her 20 points, while SDA’s only other bucket came from Kimberly Bahn.

With the loss, the Lady Guardians dropped to a 1-3 record.

BOYS DIVISION
First Game
MCS 28—San Nicolas 15, Galang 5, Borja 4, Naraja 4.
SCS 20—McDonald 14, Borja 4 Aleksenko 2.
Scoring by quarters: 9-5, 10-11, 18-17, 28-20

Second Game
ACS 82—Zheng 19, Jin 16, Dai 12, Tang 9, Liang 8, Bao 6, Qiu 6, Chen 2, Dang 2, He 2.
SDA 32—Jin 10, Son 7, K. Rechucher 7, Han 6, H. Rechucher 2.
Scoring by quarters: 16-4, 45-11, 68-13, 82-32

Third Game
GCA 35—Daproza 12, Du 6, Lerio 6, Yumul 4, Woo 3, Adriatico 2, Alepuyo 2.
NMIS 14—Mateo 10, Valdoz 2, Balgos 2.
Scoring by quarters: 12-4, 21-8, 29-12, 35-14

GIRLS DIVISION
ACS 38—Lin 17, Zhang 7, Ou 6, Zhao 6, Wang 2.
SDA 22—Lopez 20, Bahn 2.
Scoring by quarters: 12-4, 25-11, 29-13, 38-22

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Juncheol Hwang receives a low return from Isaac Heo as they warm up for a doubles match in the 2019 DFS CNMI Junior Championships last Sunday at the American Memorial Park tennis courts. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

The unranked Anthony Gregoire and Juncheol Hwang clinched the first finals berth in the boys U16 doubles event in the 2019 DFS CNMI Junior Championships after stunning their seeded opponents last Sunday at the American Memorial Park tennis courts.

Hwang and Gregoire swept No. 2 Isaac Heo and David Kwon, 6-4, 6-4, to take the finals berth at the lower half of the draw. The first finalists will face the winner of the semis match between the pairs of No. 1 Sean Lee and Sam Ryu and Hyumin Cho and Alex Park this weekend. Cho and Park made it to the semifinals of the upper half of the draw following a 6-3, 7-5 triumph over Gang Min Kim and Jun Wang, while Lee and Ryu got an outright Final Four slot after drawing a bye in the opening week of the Northern Mariana Islands Tennis Association-sanctioned tournament.

In the boys U18 singles, the Top 2 favorites, Robbie Schorr and Jimin Woo, delivered in the opener of the round-robin contest.

Woo defeated Vincent Tudela, 6-2, 6-2, while Schorr had a similar straight set victory over Andy Kim, 6-1, 6-0. Schorr and Woo will cross path this Sunday for the likely division-deciding match.

In other results, Kwon Lee and Yutaka Kadokura both downed Riku Takahashi to set up their duel for the boys U10 singles championship this weekend. Lee outclassed Takahashi last Saturday, 6-4, while Kadokura had an easier win over the latter last Sunday, 6-2.

In the boys U14 singles that also has a round-robin format, Gregoire and Kwon made it to the win column after dominating Cory Lee and Eubin Park in similar scores, 6-0, 6-0.

In the boys U12 singles, Wataru Kadokura and Nason Wessel booked the last two semis tickets in the division. Kadokura eliminated Kisuk Lee, 6-1, 4-6, 10-5, to march into the Final Four against the No. 1 seed Hwang, who drew a bye in the opening week for an automatic semis berth. No. 2 seed June Yu also got an outright semis entry and will collide against Wessel, who ousted Takeru Jim, 6-4, 6-1.

The semis cast in the boys U16 singles event has been completed, too after No. 1 Sean Lee, No. 2 Ryu, and No. 3 Andy Kim delivered, and Heo pulled off an upset last weekend.

Lee hammered Eugene Park, 6-0, 6-0, for a semis date with Kim, who knocked off Hyumin Cho, 6-0, 6-2. Ryu also took only two sets to beat Gang Min Kim, 6-0, 6-2, and arrange a Final Four showdown versus Heo, who stunned No. 4 Jun Wang, 6-4, 6-4.

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MP United Football Club’s Rachel Nonato, right, kicks the ball, while TanHoldings FC’s Victoria Camama tries to deflect it during the masters division game in the 2019 Dove Spring Women’s League last Sunday at the TSL Sports Complex. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Matansa Football Club won its pair of opening matches, while MP United Football Club also triumphed in the masters division of the 2019 Dove Spring Women’s League last Sunday at the TSL Sports Complex.

Matansa-2 drew first blood in the kick-off after outclassing Kanoa Football Club, 4-2, while Matansa-1 duplicated the former’s season-opening win following a 5-2 triumph over Topnotch. MP United capped the night with a 2-1 victory against TanHoldings.

Amy Quito-Weiss powered MP United to the close win over TanHoldings after drilling the go-ahead in the 35th minute. She also scored MP United’s other goal after lighting up the board in the eighth minute. Jessica Ortizo knocked in the equalizer in the 18th minute and TanHoldings failed to keep the standoff when Weiss made the dagger in the second half.

Meanwhile, in the first game, Tawnie Barcinas starred in Matansa-2’s victory against Kanoa after recording a hat trick. She fired back-to-back goals in the opening half with her first registered in the third minute and the second seven minutes later. Barcinas then closed out for Matansa-2 in the 58th minute, while earlier in the 26th minute, Valerie Hofschneider gave the winning squad a 3-1 lead.

Kanoa’s first goal came from Carli Sablan in the 21st minute, while the second and last was courtesy of Catherine Toves in the 46th.

In the second game, Matansa-1 caught fire in the second half to win its season debut.

The final half of the match started with the opposing teams in a deadlock, 2-0. Claire Gozon and Nang Aldrich scored the two goals for Matansa-1, while Jolene Aguon and Hodge delivered for Topnotch.

Another goal from Gozon in the 37th minute broke the tie, while Matansa-1 went on to gain full control of the match when Aldrich also earned her second goal and Ratree Ditwiset got her first late in the game. Ditwiset made it a 4-2 advantage with her shot in the 46th minute, while Aldrich also found the back of the net two minutes later to complete Matansa-1’s second-half assault. Topnotch failed to counter the rest of the way to drop its opener.

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Swimming Center Tsunami Saipan members pose with the medals they won in the Inaugural Micronesian Swimming Championships held at the National Swimming Pool in Palau early this month. (Contributed Photo)

Swimming Center Tsunami Saipan members lived up to high expectations after bringing home 39 gold medals from the Inaugural Micronesian Swimming Championships held at the National Swimming Pool in Palau early this month.

All 10 Tsunami Saipan swimmers who suited up for Team CNMI won medals to reach the goal head coach Hiro Kimura set for the group. Kimura pressed his swimmers entered in the future division (U12) to rule majority of their events, while those racing in the over 13 (star division) were expected to notch a couple of gold medals, too.

Isaiah Aleksenko led Tsunami Saipan’s gold rush in Palau after collecting 13 gold medals (including relay races) in the U12 age group. Ashley Dangol, who also competed in the U12 division, earned 12 gold medals (including relay), while Aika Watanabe bagged nine golds (including relay) and three silvers in the over 13 division.

“Isaiah’s result times were very high level, especially in the 400m freestyle, where his result was faster than the bronze medalist in the star division. Ashley never lost an event and it was really amazing. Aika also had an outstanding performance,” Kimura said.

Also delivering for Tsunami Saipan were Shoko Litulumar and Xans Xu, who earned eight gold medals apiece and three silvers each in the U12 races, while Juhn Tenorio brought home four golds, four silvers, and one bronze in the over 13 events. Rounding out Tsunami Saipan’s medal winners were Nelson Batallones (one gold), Kean Pajarillaga (one gold, seven silvers, and two bronzes), Asaka Litulumar (three silvers and two bronzes), and Joseph Zhang (one bronze).

“Shoko and Hans did not lose to swimmers from other countries, only to their teammates. Nelson is the top swimmer in the 200m butterfly, while Juhn is among the top sprinters in Micronesia, competing against Noel Keane and Jericho Maido of Palau and Kahleo Kihleng of Pohnpei. Joseph went to the finals of all breaststroke events and I am confident he will be stronger in upcoming competitions, while Asaka, the youngest in the star division, also has a lot of promise,” the Tsunami Saipan head coach said.

“As for Kean, he was like the rising star at this meet. Not so many people from Micronesia know him because Kean has not won any medal/trophy in Saipan International Meet or Guam Championships. However, he had a great race with Isaiah and Hans in Palau and this time Micronesian swimmers and coaches recognized him,” Kimura said.

Meanwhile, Tsunami Saipan thanked Palau and the Palau Swimming Association for their hospitality and Pacific Islands Club Saipan, Hyatt Regency Saipan and Dolphin Club Saipan for supporting the team’s training sessions.

“PIC provides us with a daily practice venue after the Marpi pool closure, while Hyatt also accommodated us after Super Typhoon Yutu. Dolphin Club Saipan also helped us in the open water swim. Thank you very much. Without your cooperation and support, we could not win in Palau,” Kimura said. “Thank you, too to Billy Brown, the head coach of Palau National Swimming Team and the meet director of this meet. Billy always thinks of Micronesian swimming—the Micronesian Swimming Championships is his idea.”

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Dan Ito, right, poses for a photo with CNMI National Team head coach Michiteru Mita, as they wait for their game in the 2019 Spring Men’s M-League last Sunday at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

When Former J League player Dan Ito bids for a Guinness World Record, the CNMI would be part of that history.

Ito played in the 2019 Spring Men’s M-League last Sunday at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville and suited up for the Old B Bank. The Japanese is gunning for the record for “playing for most number of countries, with the Commonwealth stop marking his 22nd.

“I am excited to play here and see what kind of football game does this island play,” said Ito, who also managed to watch the game between Korean Football Association on Saipan and Matansa before he played for the Old B Bank in its match versus TanHoldings Football Club.

Ito went on to score the last goal in Old B Bank’s 4-1 victory over TanHoldings, as he lit up the board in the 86th minute.

The 43-year-old is now back in Guam where he is playing for the Rovers FC in Division 1 of the Budweiser Guam Men’s Soccer League. Besides Guam and the CNMI, the midfielder has seen action in his home country, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Timor Leste, Bhutan, Laos, Mongolia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, Maldives, Hong Kong, Macau, and India.

“I am fortunate to have the opportunity to play in many countries and experience different cultures,” said Ito, who hinted at retirement after more than 20 years in the sport.

“I am not getting any younger and I want to move to another phase of my career, maybe try coaching, beginning in the youth level, just like what my friends do,” the Hokkaido native said.

Ito added he hopes to return to Saipan and stay longer so he can meet more players and possibly hold clinics here.

“I would love to share my knowledge in the sport. I know Saipan like football very much and many youth are interested in it. The facility is great and more people will come here in the future to play or train,” the former Sendai University player said.

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Mt. Carmel School’s Leo Naraja, center, drives against Saipan International defenders for the game-winning basket in the middle school match in the CCOPSA caging yesterday at the Geckos court in As Lito. (Roby N. Pamintuan)

Mount Carmel School foiled Saipan International School’s comeback attempt after pulling off a 27-26 victory in the Commonwealth Coalition of Private Schools Association Middle School Basketball League yesterday at the SIS court.

Leo Naraja hit the dagger for the Knights, as he sliced into the Geckos’ defense and nailed the game-winning layup. Mt. Carmel had to rely on their starting point guard after the team squandered a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter.

Ahead at 25-15, the Knights’ slowly lost control of the game, as the SIS went for the final push. Daniel Nam made a trey and banked in a teardrop to move the Geckos within 5, 20-25. Dylan Mister also scored back-to-back baskets, while Nam drained a 15-foot jumper to seize the lead, 26-25, with less than a minute left in the match.

With the game on the line, Naraja took over, as he dribbled his way past three SIS defenders for the go-ahead basket. After the Knights regained the lead, the Geckos were left with 15 seconds to draw up a play. SIS coach Rick Linkenhelt then sued for time to give instructions to his players, but when the game resumed, Mt. Carmel stole the possession and swung the ball around as time expired.

Raphael Galang top-scored for Mt. Carmel with his 11 markers, while Naraja also registered double figures with 10. Mister and Nam had 9 apiece for SIS.

With MCS narrowly escaping with a victory, it improved its record to 5-1, while SIS dropped to a 3-2 card.

Meanwhile, Agape Christian School pummeled Northern Marianas International School, 68-17.

The Phoenix didn’t stand a chance against the Torchbearers right from the outset, as the latter exploded for 23 points in the first quarter, while the former managed only 7.

After their solid offense in the opening canto, Agape team captain David Zhang delivered the killer blows, scoring 17 of his 23 total points in the fourth. Eason Tang and Bobby Bao backed up Zhang after adding 17 and 10 points, respectively. Eddie Valdoz registered 6 points and Justin Mateo logged 5 in a losing effort for the Phoenix.

Agape marched to a 6-0 record after the rout, while NMIS fell to a 1-5 mark.

In other results, Seventh Day Adventist got a free win after Saipan Community School forfeited its match due to insufficient number of players. SDA recorded its first victory of the season after losing its first five matches, while SCS fell to a 1-5 slate.

With the first round of games in the books, ACS is perched atop the rankings and was followed by Mt, Carmel, SIS, Grace Christian Academy (3-2), SCS, SDA, and NMIS.

The league’s second round will start on April 22. SDA will host MCS in a double-header, while NMIS will visit SIS.

BOYS DIVISION
First Game
MCS 27—Galang 11, Naraja 10, Borja 2, Cepeda 2, San Nicolas 2.
SIS 26—Mister 9, Nam 9, Lee 6, Casey 2.
Scoring by quarters: 8-7, 19-9, 25-15, 27-26

Second Game
ACS 68 —Zhang 23, Tang 17, Bao 10, Jin 8, Dai 5, Liang 5
NMIS 17 — Valdoz 6, Mateo 5, Ralph 4, Pineda 2.
Scoring by quarters: 23-7, 33-11, 47-13, 68-17

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Southern United Football Club’s Marinel Falalimpa, right, dribbles away from Matansa defenders during their girls U16 division game in the 2019 NMIFA Spring Youth League last Saturday at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Southern United Football Club and Kanoa Football Club are breathing down in each other’s neck going into the homestretch of the double-round robin competition in the girls U16 division of the 2019 NMIFA Spring Youth League.

Southern United clobbered Matansa FC, 9-1, in last Saturday’s match at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville for the former’s win No. 6 and the lead in the six-team field. At close second with five victories is Kanoa, which defeated TanHoldings, 5-2, in the other game in the division.

Three more playing weeks are left before the season champion is decided and Southern United and Kanoa are likely to remain in a dogfight the rest of the way. Southern will next face Paire on April 27 and then TanHoldings on May 3 before battling Kanoa in probably the division title-deciding game on May 10. Kanoa before dueling Southern will first square off against Matansa (April 27) and MP United (May 3).

Kanoa had its old reliables delivering in its victory over TanHoldings. Paulynn Joyce and Khristelle Itaas scored two goals apiece, while Shairmaine Francisco added one. Alyssa Mae Angeles recorded the twin goals for TanHoldings, as the team knotted the count at the break before Kanoa gained cushion at the resumption of the match, courtesy of Joyce’s pair of goals and Itaas’second.

As for Southern United, it also leaned on its key player—Keisha Deleon Guerrero—to crush the hapless Matansa. Deleon Guerrero logged seven of Southern United’s total goals, including six straight. She started her string of goals right in the third minute and she finished the half with four against only one from Matansa—off Barbara Peteru’s conversion in the 28th minute.

Despite Southern United having control of the match, Deleon Guerrero was not done yet, as she knocked in back-to-back goals at the start of the second half. Mariana Castro also hit two straight goals before Deleon Guerrero closed out for the winning squad.

In other results in the division, MP United eased past Paire, 7-0.

Stella Lou McCallion powered MP United to its second win after making a hat trick. She scored in the fourth, 30th, and 50th minute. Lilian Podziewski contributed two, while Audrey Castro and Maury Zon Tybaco chipped in one each.

GIRLS U19
Kanoa 5, TanHoldings 2
Kanoa boosted its title bid in the division after keeping its perfect record following a win over TanHoldings last Friday at the TSL Sports Complex.

Kanoa notched its sixth win—two more than the second-running MP United with only two matches left in the double-round robin contest.

Joyce fired three goals in the victory, while Francisco and Sue Ann Huevos also hit the board for the unbeaten team. Mia Carreon and Jenny Ann Capayas scored for TanHoldings.

MP United 7, Matansa 2
MP United got win No. 4 after dominating Matansa in the other match in the division.

Brittany Wally led MP United with her three goals. Wally got a lot of support from her teammates, as Guinevere Borja added two goals, while Anela Duenas and Katrina Costales had one each.

In contrast, only Peteru scored for Matansa with her goals in the 21st and 41st minute.

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A Talaabwogh Falcons batter waits for the pitch during their game against the NSA Braves in the Majors division of the 2019 Saipan Little League Baseball last Sunday at the Capital Hill Ballfield. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

The Talaabwogh Falcons downed the NSA Braves, 19-15, in a battle between the northern-based teams on island during the Majors division game in the 2019 Saipan Little League Baseball last Sunday at the Capital Hill Ballfield.

The Falcons finished strong, scoring 13 runs in the last two innings, including 10 unearned to edge the Braves and get their second straight win after losing their season debut to the defending champions Kagman Little Legals.

Catcher Achilles Evangelista scored three out of the Falcons’ 13 runs in the fourth and fifth inning, was 2-for-3 at bat, and had two RBIs in that stretch. He batted twice and reached two times, too at the bottom of the fourth inning, which started with the Falcons behind, 6-13, after the Braves broke the deadlock (6-6) with a seven-run top of the fourth.

Nick Taisacan had a two-run double at the top of the fourth inning for the Braves and their team got one more earned run, and two each off a passed and the Falcons’ error to take the lead. However, the Falcons countered at the bottom of the fourth with all but two of the batters at the top of the order making it home and Achilles getting his second run in the same inning after Damien Dela Cruz reached off a Braves’ miscue to retake the lead, 15-13. The Falcons then had a chance to increase their lead when they loaded the bases, but Rollan Seidler struck out Marvin Cabrera to stop the bleeding for the Braves.

The Braves were back at bat at the top of the fifth, but managed to score only one run and had two runners stranded when Andre Iguel got the third strikeout, allowing the Falcons to hang on to a 15-14 lead. The Falcons went on to make it a 19-14 cushion when they recorded three earned runs and one unearned at the bottom of the fifth, putting more pressure to the Braves going into the top of the sixth.

To continue the game and remain in contention, the Braves must score at least five runs at the top of the last inning. They were four runs short, as only Willy Joe Lieto reach off a fielder’s choice, while Iguel struck out Seidler and Fabio Norita to end the match.

Evangelista and Noah Iguel delivered three RBIs each for the Falcons with the former collecting four runs and the latter adding two. Xavier Magofna and Cruz had no RBIs, but each scored four runs.

Little Legals 14, JZ Twins 3
The Little Legals kept their unbeaten record in three games after defeating the JZ Twins.

Shortstop Albert Adriano went 3-for-4 at bat and recorded two runs, including a solo shot at the bottom of the third inning where the Little Legals began to control the match.

The game was tied after two and a half innings, 2-2, when Adriano’s round-tripper broke the standoff and the Little Legals never looked back after that, as the defending champion bagged two more runs at the bottom of the third and added six in the fifth for the breakaway. Then in the sixth inning, Santiago Seman blasted a two-run single and also reached for their 14-2 advantage.

The JZ Twins registered their two runs (unearned) in the first and second inning and had to make at least three at the bottom of the fifth to foil the Little Legals’ bid for an early win via 10-run mercy rule. Leadoff batter Kobe Reyes scored off Devin Yumul’s base hit, giving the JZ Twins some hope, but that was it, as closer Greg Perez fanned the next two batters and after giving up a single to Devin Yumul, the former also struck out Frankie Sablan.

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Two Kanoa Football Club players go for the ball during an earlier game against Shirley’s FC in the co-ed U12 division of the 2019 NMIFA Spring Youth League at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Kanoa Football Club bagged the co-ed U12 division crown in the 2019 NMIFA Spring Youth League following another victory last Saturday at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.

Kanoa downed TanHoldings FC, 7-2, to improve its win-draw-loss record to 7-0-0. Only two playing weekends (April 27 and May 4) are left in the three-round robin contest and Kanoa is four victories ahead of TanHoldings and MP United.

Paul Lizama stood out in Kanoa’s triumph over TanHoldings after making four goals. Taehun Han added two goals, while Tyler Omelau had one. Andre Kaitlyn Chavez drilled the pair of goals for TanHoldings.

In the other co-ed U12 match, Shirley’s notched its first win of the season after stunning MP United, 3-1. Jurvin Bisek and Edward Arriola scored for Shirley’s, which got an own goal right in the second minute of the game. Kelly McCallion registered the only goal for MP United.

BOYS U15 DIVISION
Kanoa-1 9, Kanoa-2 0
Kanoa-1 is also on track to its title bid in the boys U15 division after keeping its record perfect following a rout of Kanoa-2
Sean Gil fired three goals in Kanoa-1’s lopsided win, while Markus Toves and Jaydee Jose chipped in two each, and Jim Maniago and Merrick Toves added one apiece.

MP United 8, TanHoldings 0
MP United is in contention, too, for the division crown, as it dominated TanHoldings and is just one victory behind Kanoa-1.

Dylan Mister made two goals for MP United, which drew one goal each from six different players to hammer TanHoldings.

Shirley’s 9, Matansa 0
Shirley’s also cruised to victory last weekend after blanking Matansa.
Rakib Hassan led Shirley’s assault after scoring four goals. Devin Igisomar was equally impressive after bagging three goals, while Harry Kapwich and Ratul Robait contributed one each.

BOYS U18
MP United 3, Matansa 2
MP United closed in on the division championship after nosing out Matansa last Friday.

Joshua Abragan drilled the go-ahead goal in the 49th minute, while Jason Quiamzon and Sunjoon Tenorio scored the two other goals for MP United. Raffy Lee and Razeff Altamirano delivered the pair of goals for Matansa.

With the win, MP United kept its undefeated record and moved two victories ahead of TanHoldings with two matches left in the double-round robin competition.

TanHoldings 5, Kanoa 0
In the other match in the division, TanHoldings shut down Kanoa.

Joshua Waldo hit the board first for TanHoldings and Joshua Mendez handed the team its second goal before Mark Esalan finished off Kanoa with his hat trick.

Meanwhile, there will be no games in the league this weekend in observance of the Lenten season.

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A McDonald’s runner gets ready to sprint from first base during their game against the Kagman Little Legals in the Majors division of the 2019 Saipan Little League Baseball last Saturday at the Capital Hill Ballfield. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

McDonald’s earned its second win in the Majors division of the 2019 Saipan Little League Baseball after outclassing the Comets, 7-3, last Sunday at the Capital Hill Ballfield.

McDonald’s got off to a good start and held the Comets to one run in the first five innings to move back on track after losing to the defending champions Kagman Little Legals last week.

First baseman Dillon Santos fired up McDonald’s, as he blasted a one-run homer at the top of the first inning. McDonald’s went on to score three more runs for a promising 5-0 lead. Joey Dela Cruz reached off Casey Chambers’ single, while Jordan Agulto’s single also drove in Melvin Tudela, and Ezra Ada made it home from the Comets’ error at third base.

Dela Cruz was McDonald’s starting pitcher and gave up only one earned run in 5.2 innings he worked the mound, allowing only four hits and striking out 11 batters. He forced the Comets to a 1-2-3 at the bottom of the first after catching two fly balls and a 1-3 putout play.

Then in the second inning, Dela Cruz gave up a double to leadoff Jesus Tyquengco, but left him stranded there after fanning the Comets’ next three batters. The Comets finally scored one against Dela Cruz in the third inning with Sam Aldan’s RBI single, but the McDonald’s pitcher quickly redeemed himself with back-to-back strikeouts to go with his first on second batter Joe Macaranas.

McDonald’s got the one run back at the top of the fourth with Agulto reaching off Santos’ sacrifice fly and the team kept the 6-1 advantage when Dela Cruz struck out the Comets’ first three batters at the bottom.

The tally remained, going into the sixth inning, as neither team scored in the fifth. Then at the top of the sixth and last inning, Isaiah Mesa gave McDonald’s more cushion, 7-1, with his run off a passed ball. McDonald’s had a chance to get a few more runs in the penultimate inning with the bases loaded, but Lance Acosta was caught stealing second for the third out and the Comets’ turn to bat for the last time.

The Comets went on to be slapped with two quick outs with Dela Cruz catching a fly from leadoff batter Joshua Yorormad and Tyquenco, who batted third. Second batter Justin Camacho gave the Comets the needed break when he scored off McDonald’s’ error and their team stayed afloat when Greg Tebit also reached off Isidro Lizama’s double. However, Lizama was stuck at second and James Blas at third after Ada, who relieved Dela Cruz after the Comets were called for the two outs, fanned Jayvin Camacho to wrap up the match.

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Swimming Center Tsunami Saipan’s Aika Watanabe poses with the medals and most outstanding swimmer award she won in the Inaugural Micronesian Swimming Championships held in Palau early this month. (Contributed Photo)

After stepping away from the pool, Swimming Center Tsunami Saipan’s Aika Watanabe returned via the Inaugural Micronesian Swimming Championships and stood out in the competition held in Palau early this month.

The 15-year-old, who was sidelined by health concerns last season, won nine gold medals (including relays) and three silvers in the April 4 to 7 event to earn the most outstanding swimmer award in the star division (13 and over age group). Watanabe topped the 50m butterfly (32.22 seconds) of the short course meet and also prevailed in the 100m backstroke (1:12.85), 200m backstroke (2:46.85), 100m individual medley (1:15.05), 50m backstroke (34.25 seconds), 50m butterfly (32.22 seconds), and 100m backstroke (1:12.85). She was part of the CNMI Team’s relay team that notched gold medals in the mixed 200m freestyle and 200m medley and defeated fellow Commonwealth swimmers, a World Championships participant from Palau, and Pohnpei and Marshall Islands bets.

“Palau was a really tough meet, but I really enjoyed it. We had interactions with other swimming teams in Micronesia, exchanging caps and shirts. I was really happy and surprised (at winning the most outstanding award) at the same time,” Watanabe said.

All these achievements were really unexpected as they came less than a year after the Grace Christian Academy student stepped out of the pool due to some health issues. Watanabe’s coach, Hiro Kimura, was beaming with pride on how the club’s accomplished leader recovered successfully and decided to continue her journey that started when she was just 9 years old.

“Aika improved steadily since joining us when she was 9. She won regularly in Saipan and Guam events, participated in the Tokyo Junior Sprint, and joined training swim camps in Japan. She marked a CNMI age group national record at the Guam Championships 2018 and last year was selected as a CNMI representative to the FINA World Championships in China,” Kimura said.

Unfortunately, Watanabe had to miss the World Championships trip due to health concerns and according to Kimura, the former also stopped swimming for awhile. However, Watanabe rejoined her teammates late last year and quickly regained her old top form.

“We set our first target for Micronesian Swimming Championships and Aika hit that goal and has proven that she is one of the top swimmers in Micronesia. After the tournament, I wish for her to go to the World Championships in Korea this summer, Kimura said.

Though he is proud that Watanabe had a triumphant return in Palau and has a strong chance of making it to the World Championships this year, Kimura is more impressed with how his swimmer inspires her teammates, especially the younger ones.

“There are so many young Tsunami Saipan swimmers who look up to her,” said Kimura.

The Tsunami Saipan coach said Watanabe serves as a mentor to Ashley Dangol, Shoko and Asaka Litulumar, Julia Jinang, Aoi Braxton, Ayumi Obligacion, Michelle Chen, Cassie and Fiona Reagan, and Maria Batallones. Tsunami Saipan’s batch of young swimmers, according to Kimura, will also make their mark in the sport in the near future.

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Matansa Football Club, left, and Korean Football Association on Saipan players get tangled up as they fight for the ball during the second half of their Division A game in the 2019 Spring Men’s M-League last Sunday at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Korean Football Association on Saipan finally broke into the win column this season following an 8-2 triumph over Matansa Football Club in the Division A game in the 2019 Spring Men’s M-League last Sunday at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.

Junsik Kim towed KFAS to its first win after scoring four goals. He drilled all four in the first half to lift KFAS to a 5-1 advantage. The striker had back-to-back for his team after hitting the board in the ninth and 28th minute, while his last two were also in consecutive fashion—33rd and 35th. Bada Lee recorded the other goal for KFAS in the first half with his shot in the 30th minute, while Matansa’s lone goal was courtesy of Jacob Montes-Sabino in the 15th minute.

In the second half, two other KFAS players scored with Juan Oh making a pair (77th and 82nd minute) and Scott Kim firing one in the 67th. Again, Matansa countered with only one goal, which came from Kamrul Kamrul in the 82nd minute.

While KFAS finally snapped its losing skid, Matansa’s struggle this season continued, as it absorbed its sixth defeat in as many games.

NMI U18 4, Paire 1
The CNMI Boys U18 National Team won the battle of the Top 2 squads in the division.

Sunjoon Tenorio knocked in a pair of goals, while John Michael Rojas and Sebastien Manabat added one each for the NMI U18, which is still undefeated after six matches. Daniel Agulto delivered the lone goal for Paire, which absorbed its first loss of the season.

Before bowing to the NMI U18, Paire notched its fifth victory last April 11 after outclassing Kanoa, 5-3.

Agulto had a hat trick in that triumph, scoring in the 18th, 42nd, and 72nd minute, while Joe Miller and Alan Gudino hit the board in the 54th and 84th, respectively.

Kanoa’s three goals all came from Andruw Omelau, who got his first in the 24th minute and then completed penalty kicks in the 66th and 76th.

Old B Bank 4, TanHoldings 1
The Old B Bank gave Japanese player Dan Ito a win in his very short stint in the league.

Ito, who played in 22 countries in Asia and the Pacific, suited up for the Old B Bank and got a brief taste of Saipan football, teaming up with Hwapyoung Kim and Kosuke Sato in handing their squad the victory.

The former J League player scored the Old B Bank’s last goal (86th minute), while Kim registered two (15th and 36th ) and Sato added one in the 67th for their team’s third win.

Mark Esalan posted the lone goal for TanHoldings.

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Blue Jays players pay their respects to the CNMI flag as the Commonwealth anthem is played during the opening of the 2019 Saipan Little League Baseball early this month at the Capitol Hill Ballfield. (Contributed Photo)

The Blue Jays crushed the Kagman Marlins anew, 27-0, in the Minors division game in the 2019 Saipan Little League Baseball last Saturday at the Capitol Hill Ballfield.

The Blue Jays, who also routed the defending champions during the season-opening match, 18-5, were even deadlier in their second outing as they shut down the Marlins and earned the decision after only three innings.

A backbreaking 19-run top of the third inning allowed the Blue Jays to close out the game early. The Minors division is played in only four innings and the Blue Jays took the win via the 10-run mercy rule.

The Blue Jays collected one run after another in the pivotal top of the third inning after capitalizing on the Marlins’ errors, especially from the mound. The Blue Jays scored eight runs off wild pitches and two players on their top of the order went at bat four times in the third inning alone and each made it home on three occasions, while two others batted and scored three times. David Apatang batted twice with his second at bat resulting to a two-run double and he also contributed two runs in the Blue Jays’ juggernaut. Payton Pangelinan was at the plate to bat for the fourth time and finally, the Marlins got the third out, but the damage had been done and the Blue Jays quickly wrapped up the one-sided game in the next inning with pitcher M.J. Sablan striking out the first three batters from the defending champions.

Sablan worked the mound in no relief and threw a one-hitter (a single from John Fred). The Blue Jays pitcher started his shift by fanning the Marlins’ first three batters at the bottom of the first inning. Then in the second inning, with runners on second and third base, Sablan struck out Oliver Pauling for the third out. Earlier, Sablan tagged out at home leadoff batter Austin Camacho, while the Blue Jays pitcher fanned second batter Kyler Laniyo.

The Blue Jays ace, besides his steady performance on the mound, delivered four runs—two in the third inning. Randell Rogolifoi led the Blue Jays with his five runs, while Ethan Salalila and Dane Mangarero registered four apiece.

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