ROSELYN B. MONROYO
In this file photo, two Mt. Carmel School players go for the rebound against a Tinian High School player during a local tournament last year. Marianas Islands Basketball Federation will have women’s division games on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota in the 3×3 Hoopfest Marianas. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

The CNMI will be represented by two teams in the basketball competition in the 2017 Pacific Mini Games.

Mariana Islands Basketball Federation general secretary Elias Rangamar told Saipan Tribune yesterday that they will also send a women’s squad in the quadrennial meet that will be held in Vanuatu in December. MIBF earlier announced that it will only field a men’s team in the basketball contest in the Mini Games that will run from Dec. 4 to 15 in Port Vila.

The two teams that will don the colors of the Commonwealth will be determined by a series of games in the 3×3 Hoopfest Marianas. The competition will kick off on Saipan with matches to be played from Sept. 5 to 9 at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. Then at the Tinian Gymnasium, games will take place on Sept. 10, while Rota will have its matches at the Rota Gymnasium from Sept. 22 to 23. Winners in the Saipan, Rota, and Tinian legs will then compete in the final stage of the 3×3 Hoopfest Marianas on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at the Civic Center Court in Susupe.

Victors in the men’s and women’s open divisions will get slots to the Mini Games. However, players from the winning squad must still meet the eligibility and residency requirements of the Pacific Games Council before they could join Team Marianas in Vanuatu. Athletes eligible for the Mini Games should be citizens/passport holders of the country they are representing and have been residing in that nation for at least five years. In the event that the winning squad has an eligible member, a replacement may be considered. Players who do not meet the eligibility and residency requirements are still encourage to join the 3×3 Hoopfest Marianas, as MIBF would like to further promote the sport in the Commonwealth and open doors for CNMI to compete in other off-island events.

Friday meeting
Team captains or representatives of teams interested in participating in the 3×3 Hoopfest Marianas are asked to attend the event’s final meeting this Friday at 5:30pm at the conference room of the Ada Gym. Entrance fees ($50 per team), copy of rosters, and filled-out registration forms should be turned in at the meeting. Each team is allowed to have a maximum of four players (including one reserve) and every player could register online at 3x3planet.com and create a profile.

For more information, check the event’s Facebook page Marianas Hoop Fest or contact Rangamar at 287-6347/234-6672 or MIBF treasurer Preston Basa at 989-2516.

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The CNMI Rugby Sevens Team’s Stanley Iakopo is tackled by a defender during one of their games in the 2017 Heineken Guam Rugby Sevens held at the University of Guam Calvo Field House in Mangilao over the weekend. (Contributed Photo)

The CNMI Rugby Sevens Team proved a point after advancing to the semifinals of last weekend’s 2017 Heineken Guam Rugby Sevens held at the University of Guam Calvo Field House in Mangilao.

“I am extremely proud of our team’s performance. They showed courage before, during, and after every game, despite not having any rugby experience,” said Northern Marianas Rugy Union president and team member Stanley Iakopo, whose squad saw action in an organized tournament for the first time.

Joining Iakopo on the group are Neemia Vaiagae, Tim Asaivao, Malani Raass, Misionare Tuitamai, Stewart Toilolo, Alvin Takai, Fred Apolo, Kelvin Fitial, Ben Jones Jr., Kentson Tammy, Irvin Olopai, and Oscar Setefano and coach Viliame Kaitabu, and they challenged well-established squads in Guam.

“We knew that we’re up against experienced rugby teams, but the CNMI National Rugby Team showed a lot of heart and played their best. We made it to the semifinals which proved that the CNMI is up on the rugby board and we will be ready for Vanuatu,” Iakopo added.

The Commonwealth team debuted with a tough win against BBC, 7-5, before pounding Maga’Lahi in its second game in Pool A, 19-0. The CNMI made in three in a row and posted its biggest winning margin after hammering Alliance, 31-0. Iakopo and company dueled Alliance anew for their last match in the elimination round and kept their perfect record going into the semifinals after another lopsided victory, 27-0.

In the semis, the CNMI was paired against Flying Proas, which was also unbeaten in the eliminations, earning a 3-0 record. The Flying Proas eked out a 12-5 victory over Southside and then shut down Alliance, 36-0, and BCC, 21-0. The Flying Proas went on to extend their winning run and end the CNMI’s streak after registering a 14-5 win in the semifinals. The Flying Proas eventually took the championship in the tournament following a 12-7 triumph over Guam Rugby Clug Aiga in the finals, while the Commonwealth played in the battle for third place and bowed to Southside, 7-17.

Meanwhile, after competing in the weekend event, the CNMI Rugby Sevens Team will take a week off and resumes its training sessions on Tuesday. The group will also host three squads from Guam and play training matches with them to warm up for the Mini Games

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Roman “Sonic Boom” Alvarez will try to defend his featherweight belt against Robin Eclavea in one of the three scheduled title bouts in Rites of Passage 22: Rampage on Sept. 15 at the Marianas Business Plaza. (Contributed Photo)

Longtime mixed martial arts organizer Cuki Alvarez is still looking for at least six more individuals who would like to enter the eight-sides to further stack up the fight card of Rites of Passage 22: Rampage set on Sept. 15 at the Marianas Business Plaza.

A replacement fighter that would face Jaybo Frederick of Steel Athletics is needed after Kier Agda pulled out following an injury while training for their scheduled clash in the 185-lb weight class.

Alvarez is also looking for an opponent that would face Shane “Pikaboo” Alvarez in a boxing match at a catch weight of 150 lbs. He is also seeking to have four more fighters get matched up with other individuals in their respective weight categories.

Austin Kosam (135-150 lbs), Peter Benavente of Vida BJJ (135 lbs), Sitchiro Langu of Red Ants Academy (155lbs), and John Taisacan (135 lbs) are fighters waiting for their respective opponents.

The second of two kickboxing matches also had some changes with Derrick Evangelista of Guam Muay Thai now facing Railey Miwata of Zalaka in the 135-lb bout. Lenny “Machine Gun” Sablan was supposed to fight Evangelista.

The rest of the fight card stay the same but promoter Alvarez again reminded that it is subject change even weeks before the event.

Trench Tech’s Luis “Two Two” Litulumar will still open things up when he faces William Juanis King of Team Tinian in a kid’s exhibition kickboxing match.

Team Tinian’s Kimo Adriano and Bad Ass Beach Boys’ Andres “The Tanapag Beach Bad Boy” Camacho will kick things off in MMA action followed by the bout of independent fighter Jesse C. Mesa against Jadrien “Last King” Camacho of Down 2 Scrap.

J-Boy Langu, another Red Ants Academy bet, and Team Tinian’s Audrien Cruz will be going up against a pair of Zombie MMA fighters in Manny “The Kid” Camacho and George “Game Over” Grover.

The next three bouts will be an inter-island fight with Luta Top Team’s L.D. Ogo, John Mendiola, and A.J. Barcinas each facing Perry Mundo, Juschery Castro, and Austin John King of Team Tinian.

A pair of Koreans will be making the trip to Saipan to test the skills of two fighters from Steel Athletics Guam. Team Ace MMA Korea’s Sang Hyung Park will take on Seay Camacho, while Korean Top Team’s Sung Kwon Kim faces Patrick Ungcangco.

The much-awaited title matches for the flyweight, featherweight, and lightweight belts will close out the expected sold out event. Jordan “The Machine” Manglona, Roman “Sonic Boom” Alvarez, and Guam’s Rob “The Deal” Wusstig will be making their respective title defense.

Trench Tech’s Manglona aims to keep the flyweight belt in the CNMI when he takes on challenger McKlane “The Game” Alfred of Vida MMA Guam. This will be Manglona’s first title defense and MMA match since a split decision win over Guam Muay Thai/Underworld Extreme’s Scott “Da Slaya” Eclavea in last year’s Pacific Xtreme Combat 52 in Guam.

Roman, another Trench Tech fighter, hopes his long layoff won’t cause him any problems when he faces Robin Eclavea of Vida MMA Guam. The reigning featherweight champ got injured twice last year while training for two separate fights.

Team Tuck’s Wusstig ends the night as he tries to fend off the challenge of Min Ju Lee of Korean Top Team.

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Rodney Camacho, right, enjoys a light moment with James Lee, left, and Ando Agulto after they completed the Trench Challenge Obstacle Course Race in Guam early this month. (Contributed Photo)

Rodney Camacho had been physically active in his younger years when he regularly played basketball with his friends. But things began to change when he left Saipan for college in the mainland.

He first went to Olympic College, a public two-year community college in Bremerton, Washington State before pursuing additional studies at Washington State University. “That’s when I started gaining weight. The pressure of university life and studies took over.”

“I failed to watch what I eat and [had] less exercise. I was more active in high school, but in college I had no physical activity.”

Camacho came back to Saipan after college and found work at the Bureau of Environmental Coastal Quality. Work and the island lifestyle also made him gain weight.

He finally decided to lose the extra pounds when he joined a weight loss challenge at BECQ in February of this year. His weight then was over 270 lbs.

He sought the help of long-time sports enthusiast James Lee, a certified National Academy of Sports Medicine personal trainer. “I’ve known James since junior high at Grace Christian Academy.”

“He has always opened up the idea of helping me lose weight. He’s always invited me to join their workout sessions, but I guess I’m just too lazy,” Camacho said with a smile. “That’s why he was pleased when I finally decided to join them.”

Lee is training and helping some of his friends either lose weight, get back in shape, or recover from an injury at his “garage gym” in their house in Koblerville.

“I was lucky to know James and have him as a trainer. He helped me with a program that’s fit me, which is a mix of weight training and cardio that he changes often so you won’t get bored. I also have a dietician friend who helped me with my diet and eating habits,” said Camacho.

He has already lost almost 60 pounds in a span of six months. Early this month, he tested his renewed strength when he joined Lee and Ando Agulto in the Trench Challenge Obstacle Course Race in Guam.

“It was only in the recreational division but it was a fun experience. There were obstacles that I have not completed since I still have to develop my upper body strength. But there were some that were easy,” said Camacho.

“I enjoyed it so much that I’m looking forward to join again next year, hopefully no longer at the recreational level but the actual competition. I have one year to train and get in shape with James,” he added.

He said he is now looking to bring down his body fat percentage from 25 percent to 20 percent. “I’m not looking to have muscle mass but to maintain my weight and lower my body fat percentage.”

Camacho is also encouraging others to make the decision to change their lifestyle. “They should do it. This is your body so you need to take care of it and keep it healthy. You get more energy to do stuff. Like me, I feel better and happier now.”

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CNMI head coach Michiteru Mita points out a play during a training session of the national team at the Koblerville Elementary School Field. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

With the AFC U16 Championship 2018 Qualifiers fast approaching, the CNMI U15 Boys National Team is going all out in its preparation for next month’s competition.

The Teen Ayuyus have about two weeks left to train before they head to Thailand for the Group G qualifier that will run from Sept. 16 to 24 and head coach Michiteru Mita said they will spend the final stages of their practice sessions fine tuning the players’ skills, conditioning, and tactics and team strategies.

“We will focus on tactical understanding and improving our teamwork and physical fitness. We will especially work on team defending and improving our chances to have more ball possessions,” said Mita, who gauged the squad’s readiness for the Asian Football Confederation-sanctioned tournament at seven.

“We are at seven at this moment, but we will push further and try to make it to 10 in the last two weeks. As you know, we have limited soccer environment compared to the teams we will be facing in Thailand. However, my boys and the coaching staff are doing their best always to prepare for the AFC tournament,” the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association technical director added.

Mita, along with assistant coaches Jershwin Angeles and Jonathan Takano, are working with the Teen Ayuyus four times a week since they got back from a training camp in Guam last month. They are consistently putting hours of practice time despite the uncooperative weather, training at the indoor pitch at the TSL Sports Complex to polish individual and team plays.

Twenty-two players are attending the rigorous training sessions and the number will be down to 19 today when Mita and his assistant coaches name the members of the squad that will represent the Commonwealth to the AFC tournament in Thailand.

The qualifier will take place at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok with the Teen Ayuyus debuting against Indonesia on Sept. 16. For its second game, the CNMI will face host and early favorite Thailand on Sept. 18, while the Teen Ayuyus’ match versus Laos is set for Sept. 20. For their final game, the Commonwealth players will take on Timor-Leste on Sept. 24. The top finisher in the round-robin play in Group G will advance to next year’s finals along with the winners in the nine other pools.

“We will do our best to bring positive results from Thailand,” said Mita, who thanked the squad’s supporters.

“We continue to get a lot of support from the parents and NMIFA and they are a big boost to the team. We appreciate all the help we are getting from them. Keep cheering for your Teen Ayuyus,” the head coach said.

The Teen Ayuyus will leave Saipan for Thailand on Sept. 14.

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Carol Lee, seen here in the Juniors ITF event on Saipan in 2016, played in her last Pacific Oceania Junior Championships in Fiji early this month. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Carol Lee’s U16 singles championship in the Pacific Oceania Junior Championships is her last.

The title in the tournament held early this month in Fiji was the CNMI bet’s third straight in the age group, giving her the distinction of becoming the first player in the region to achieve that feat.

“POJC will always be special to me. I loved representing Northern Marianas and the North Pacific every year. It was a great platform for me since I was 12, and performing well there gave me opportunities to compete internationally,” said Lee, who is also the only player in Pacific Oceania to rule three different age groups competitions (U12, U14, and U16) in the annual tournament that features players from 19 counties.

“It’s sad that I won’t be competing next year, but I hope that I’ve set an example for younger players, especially girls, so that they can represent their countries with pride, and know that if they work hard, POJC is just the beginning of better opportunities for them,” the 15-year-old player added.

Lee did not drop a single set in her girls U16 title conquest in her swan song in the POJC. She shut down both her foes in the pool play and then allowed only a point in the first two games in the playoffs. In the finals, she was never threatened, easing her way to a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Tahiti’s top player Naia Guitton.

In the doubles, Lee and fellow CNMI player Malika Miyawaki also won their first two games convincingly, yielding only one point each to their foes. In the finals, Lee and Miyawaki cruised to a 6-2 triumph against Guitton and Samoa’s Eleanor Schuster in the first set before being outclassed in the second, 5-7. The CNMI pair then dominated the super-tiebreaker third set, 10-5, to give Lee the sweep and Miyawaki her first doubles title in the girls U16 division.

The world No. 212 also played in the POCJ Team Event and was unbeaten, too in four games. Her perfect record in the second week of the POJC helped the North Team tie East Team on top of the standings. North and East had similar 9-7 records in the round-robin play, but the latter was declared the champion by winning the tie that was resolved via the sets win/loss mark of each squad.

Meanwhile, Lee will return to Saipan for a well deserved two-week break before she goes back to Fiji to train again at the ITF/OTF regional facility and prepare for four ITF Juniors Circuit tournaments.

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The Inaugural Triple J 5K Foam and Fun Run is all set to kick off tomorrow where hundreds are expected to join the inaugural family friendly event where participants will be greeted by bubbles and foams at the finish line.

Organizers have installed two infinite foam machines that would shoot over 15 feet of colored bubbles to everyone that would make their way to the finish line. Participants are advised to be at Sakman Guma or the former 4H Building in Susupe as early as 5:15am as race starts at 6am.
The color powder that would be used will be easy to wash off from your clothes and shoes, while some would stay on your skin for a couple of days but it would eventually be washed away. Color powders are natural food grade cornstarch so it is 100 percent safe.

The 5K race course will start at Sakman Guma and head toward Quartermaster Road along Beach Road near the pathway and back to the starting line in Susupe.

The fun run is a fundraising event by Triple J, which introduced the event in Guam more than 10 years ago. They are now holding it on Saipan where all proceeds will go to the Commonwealth Cancer Association and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

A press conference will be held today at 2pm at Surf Club Restaurant in Chalan Kanoa where sponsors of the event will be presented to the community, while also serving as a platform for the beneficiaries to inform the community how they would use the proceeds donated to their respective organizations.

Medals and other prizes will be given to the overall men’s and women’s champion, and the top finishers in each age group. There will also be free food while raffle prizes will also be given away including the grand prize of one round-trip ticket to anywhere in Asia or Micronesia courtesy of United Airlines.

Organizers are encouraging participants to carpool since parking space is expected to be limited around the venue. Traffic is also expected to build up within the area so motorists and participants are advised to be extra careful.

For more information, email Triple J vice president for marketing and public relations Kristine Lujan at klujan@triplejguam.com or Tina Esteves at marketing@triplejguam.com or visit Triple J Motors’ Facebook page for updates.

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Mike Sablan of the S.A. Masters throws to the plate in their game against the Papa Bears in the 2017 Belau Masters Men’s Softball League last Sunday at the Dandan Softball Field.
(Jon Perez)

The S.A. Masters and Momma Charu defeated their respective foes in the continuation of games in the 2017 Belau Masters Men’s Softball League last Sunday at the Dandan Softball Field.

The Masters breezed through a 14-3 win over Sufa, while Momma Charu completed a 14-9 decision against the Papa Bears to shore up their respective bids in the next round of the annual league.

The Top 8 teams will advance to the next round with Red Torch, still winless after 12 games, on the verge of being kicked out after the double- round robin eliminations.

Jeff Cabrera and Jude Dickinson led the Masters to their sixth win in 12 games after both went perfect at the plate, 4-for-4. Both batters are also a double and triple short of hitting the cycle.

Cabrera had a pair of singles, a triple, and an inside-the-park home run in the Masters’ six-run sixth inning, while Dickinson singled twice, had a double, and a three-run home run also in the sixth. They also combined for seven runs and eight RBIs.

Reno Celis went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs, while Dennis Ngeskebei, who walked in the first inning, also batted 2-for-3 while scoring two runs. Phil Celis was held to 1-for-4 but reached home plate twice and had an RBI double in the sixth.

Mike Sablan also shone for the Masters on the mound as he held Sufa to six hits, all singles, with no walks while striking out four. The Masters’ defense also backed him up after Sufa could just managed to hit fly outs and line drives despite committing three errors.

John Pialur had two of Sufa’s six hits with a pair of singles in three at bats while also scoring one of their team’s three runs with an RBI. Tom Camacho, Poland Yamada, Ernie Bell, and Ed Santos went 1-for-3 each with the first two batters scoring one run apiece.

Momma Charu, still riding on its morale-boosting 16-13 win over league-leaders Brotherhood on Aug. 20, won its third straight game after completing a 14-9 decision against the Papa Bears.

Momma Charu improved to 8-3 to remain within striking distance with Brotherhood’s league-best 11-1 slate and the 10-1 record of Peleliu. The Papa Bears dropped to 2-9.

Kuich Damian and Ben Tagabuel each went 3-for-4 with the former blasting a two-run homer in the fifth inning and the latter scoring thrice. Ron Olopai went perfect at the plate, 3-for-3, all singles with one run, while Peyton Sakuma batted 2-for-3 with an RBI double and triple to go with his two runs.

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The 670 Sonics’ R.J. Paragados takes off for a layup against a Warriors defender during their game in the Diaz youth caging last July at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

A big tournament in the Philippines awaits the 670 Sonics Basketball Club in the first quarter of 2018.

Omar Ajoste, one of the Sonics coaches, told Saipan Tribune that the club will be invited to participate in the “19U Boys Basketball Challenge” organized by Pinoy Youth Dreamers founder and director Rhuel “Beaujing” Acot.

“We are in contact with coach Acot who was Jericho Cruz’s first coach in the Philippines at Rizal Technological University. We are waiting for coach Acot’s invitation letter for the details of the ‘19U Boys Basketball Challenge’ that will happen March 2018. We plan to send two teams to this tournament,” Omar said.

The competition will feature teams from the Philippines, Guam, Canada, and Los Angeles, according to Ajoste.

Besides the event in the Philippines, the 670 Sonics are also planning to join a tournament in Guam and they are still waiting for more details from organizers. The club will form a team from the nearly 50 players in its pool.

Right now, the 670 Sonics has more than 10 returning and new players in the U16 age group and they practice every Tuesday and Thursday at the San Antonio Middle School court from 4pm to 6pm. For the U19 division, the 670 Sonics has more than 25 new and familiar faces and they also train every Tuesdays and Thursdays at the San Antonio court from 4:45pm to 7pm. On Saturdays, both groups have beach workouts for strength and conditioning. 670 Sonics players come from the various villages on Saipan and they also participate in the club’s community service programs, such as the beach cleanups under Marianas Visitors Authority’s Beautify My Marianas.

Meanwhile, the 670 Sonics headed by its president Francis Mendiola and head coach Jesse Tudela hosted an appreciation lunch for their players and supporters last Saturday at Laly Beach 4 in Chalan Kanoa. The club also held some games at the event with Jude Tengco, John Caruana, and Joshua Chavez winning the free throw, 3-point, and halfcourt shot contests, respectively, and Sean Licop, Raven Francisco, Melvin Deocares, and Jaymark De Guzman ruling the 3×3 games.

“We want to thank our sponsors and committed members behind the scenes for making our youth basketball club a success this year. Thank you to first lady Diann Tudela Torres, Reps. Angel Demapan, Vinnie Sablan, Ed Villagomez, Ed Propst, and Janet Maratita, Sen. Sixto Igisomar, PHI Pharmacy’s Bruce Cohen, 670 Sonics officers, board members, and coaches, and the Marianas Visitors Authority,” Omar said.

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MP United U12 players and coach Gene Weaver huddle before the start of their title match against Paire FC in April this year at the Koblerville Elementary School Field. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

MP United Football Club’s U12 team will go for championship No. 4 as it participates in the Pacific Ocean Cup 8 this weekend in Numazu, Japan

The squad, made up of Garett and Tori Maratita, Angelo Xu, Yi Sui, Carlo Diaz, Stephanie Kim, Evan Mendiola, Andrew Chung, and Ian Song, leaves Saipan this afternoon with coaches Alex Park and Gene Weaver and team official Lydia Tan. MP United U12 will be playing against host and sister club Vivid Blue, Fact FC, Harasato FC, and Susononishi FC this Saturday and Sunday and hopes to better the group’s performance the last time it played in Japan.

In September last year when Vivid Blue hosted Pacific Ocean Cup 6, MP United failed to win a single game in the five-team field. Pure FC topped the sixth edition of the biannual tournament, while the hosts were ranked second and Dream and Susononishi finished third and fourth, respectively. Jeremiah Diaz, Richard Steele, Garret Weaver, Fiona Bucalig, Dane Hodges, Richard Castro, Tori Weaver, and Jerrick Quimzon were the members of last year’s MPU U12.

In April this year, it was MP United’s turn to host the Pacific Ocean Cup and the group won the championship, adding to their titles in Pacific Ocean Cup 2 and 4. Nagaoka SSS (Pacific Ocean Cup 1), Vivid Blue (Pacific Ocean Cup 3), and Paire FC (Pacific Ocean Cup 5) were the other winners of the competition.

Besides the matches in the Pacific Ocean Cup 8, the IT&E-supported MP United players will also participate in a cultural exchange program with Vivid Blue.

“Some Japanese families of Vivid Blue club will host MP United players. Each family will have two MP United living in their home during the entire trip. It will be a great experience for our young players,” MP United FC interim general secretary Ana Hilario said.

Grassroots coaching workshop tomorrow
Meanwhile, MP United and the seven other clubs are invited to join a grassroots coaching workshop this Saturday at the Koblerville Elementary School.

Coaches in the U6, U8, U10, and U12 (non-competitive) age groups should be in a coaching attire when they attend the clinic that will start with a theoretical session from 2pm to 4pm at the KES cafeteria. The practical part will then be held at the KES pitch from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.

Northern Mariana Islands Football Association technical director Michiteru Mita will facilitate the workshop with the help of his assistants Jersh Angeles and Jonathan Takano. A Grassroots Handbook will be distributed to the coaches.

NMIFA is hosting a series of coaching clinics in preparation for the 2017 NMIFA Fall Youth League that will kick off on Sept. 16.

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The 2019 Pacific Games is heading to Samoa.

“On behalf of president Vidhya Lakhan, I am pleased to announce that the PGC Executive Board has unanimously approved the awarding of the hosting rights for the 2019 Pacific Games to the PGA of Samoa,” PGC executive director Andrew Minogue said in a press statement released last Friday.

Samoa defeated Guam in the battle for the hosting rights and replaced Tonga, which earlier pulled out of its hosting duties citing funding problem, forcing the PGC to solicit expression of interest from other Pacific Games Association members. Tahiti joined Samoa and Guam on the list of PGAs that wanted to bring the Games to their turf.

“The Executive Board assessed that the expression of interest lodged by Samoa was the only one that met all of the criteria, most notably the full financial commitment of the host government, including providing the range of other support services required to stage such an event. This commitment was lacking in the expression of interest lodged by the Tahiti PGA and its candidacy was not explored further via a PGC evaluation visit,” Minogue said.

“The expression of interest lodged by the Guam PGA was excellent and contained the support of the governor. However, an agreement between the governor and the Guam Legislature for a budget appropriation to enable Pacific Games preparations to begin in the upcoming fiscal year could not be reached in the short timeframe available,” he added.

Meanwhile, Northern Marianas Sports Association is looking forward to the Games that will be held in Apia for the third time. Samoa hosted the quadrennial event in 1983 and 2007.

“NMSA congratulates our friends from Samoa and looks forward to competing at the Games in two years time. NMSA also thanks our friends from Guam for their willingness to step forward when the countries and territories of the Pacific needed them,” NMASA president Michael White said.

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A GSM Masters batter waits for a pitch from Saisei as Saipan Baseball League formally opened last Friday at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Ballfield. (Jon Perez)

Defending champions GSM Masters had a winning debut after making short work of last year’s finalist Saisei, 20-2, as games in the Saipan Baseball League’s masters division finally started last Friday at the Francisco M. Palacios Ballfield.

Bad weather forced organizers to call off the games scheduled during last Monday’s opening and Wednesday. The scheduled match between the Pirates and Blue Jays last Tuesday in the Under-25 division also did not pushed through, while the Tanapag Falcons were leading against the Chalan Kanoa Cubs 4-0 after two complete innings when play was halted due to heavy rains. SBL coordinator Tony Rogolifoi said all rained-out matches will be played at the latter date after the regular season.

In the masters division, Walt Macaranas went 3-for-3 in leading the GSM Masters to the easy win, making a pair of singles and a double while scoring four times and having three RBIs.

Tom Diaz, who replaced Mark Flores at the bottom of the second inning, batted 2-for-3 with a run on Saisei’s consecutive errors.

Rep. Vinnie Sablan (Ind-Saipan) went 2-for-3 with two singles, two runs, and two RBIs. He was out on his second time at bat and reached first base on an Otis Olkeriil error at the bottom of the fourth, but was left stranded after Leo Bobai retired the next batter.

Joe Terlaje held Saisei to five hits in four complete innings while striking out nine with two walks. The GSM Masters’ defense also worked flawlessly as it forced opposing batters to flyouts and linedrives.

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Joshua Manglona makes his way to the bubble pit before heading to the finish line of last Saturday’s Inaugural Triple J 5K Foam and Fun Run at the Civic Center in Susupe. (Jon Perez)

Tinian’s Joshua Manglona ruled the Inaugural Triple J 5K Foam and Fun Run to lead the winners of the event held last Saturday.

Manglona weaved his way through a sea of humanity in completing the Bubble Fun Run course, from Civic Center in Susupe to Quartermaster Road and back, in 19 minutes and 10 seconds. He was among the group of runners who decided to make their way to the bubble pit, while others chose to head straight to the finish line. Manglona was 26 seconds ahead of Agape Christian School’s Kai Ping Wang (19:36), while cancer survivor Florence Antonio logged the third best time of 20:23.

Ella Zhang, also from ACS, topped the women’s division with a time of 21:43, followed by Claire Devey’s 23:09 and the 23:31 of Emily Northrop. Rintaro Miyawaki led the age group winners, claiming the male U13 division crown and beating Joshua Jason and Jia Sheo Song. Kaitlyn Chavez, Maria Gregoire, and Nathanette Blas were the Top 3 finishers in the female U13 division. Only the times in the men’s and women’s open divisions were recorded.

In other results, Daiwei Cai ruled the male 14-19 category, followed by Arthur and William Chen. Tania Tan, Therese Millare and Jerlyn Castillo were the Top 3 placers in the female division.

Other Top 3 age group winners were Edward Dela Cruz, R.J. Aquino, and Matt Benjamin (male 20-29); Joy Belalino, Mari Weideraenners, and Mely Kergul (female 20-29); Caleb Steving, Leon Eticnne, and Meao Tang (male 30-39); Robyn Spaeth, Haina Kim, and Krista Falig (female master 30-39); Max Simian, Ernie Moses, and Raj Rai (male 40-49); Janet King, Julie Combinido, and Marilou Camosi (female 40-49); Rodel Samuzo, Mark Isip, and Ariel Lansangan (male 50-59); Helen Olpis, Marie Babauta, and Len Angelo (female 50-59); barefoot runner Chang Wang Jang, Ador Dimaano, and Romy Cayetano (male 60-up); and Felly Garcia, Lolly Velasco, and Lourdes Regino (female 60-up).

Triple J chairman and chief executive officer Bob Jones thanked those who participated and volunteered in the inaugural event.

“Everyone had a great time and expect a bigger event and better prizes for next year. We hope to see more families and groups of friends next year.”

Triple J marketing manager for Guam Tina Esteves said more than 1,000 joined the fun run. “We ran out of shirts and we had 1,000 for this event. We’re really glad people came out to enjoy. We hope they come back next year.”

The Commonwealth Cancer Association and the Make-A-Wish Foundation Guam and CNMI are the recipients of all the proceeds from the bubble run.

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Nineteen players were named to the CNMI Boys U15 National Team that will compete in the AFC U16 Championship 2018 Qualifiers in Thailand this month.

Head coach and Northern Mariana Islands Football Association technical director Michiteru Mita said the list of players who will don the colors of the Commonwealth to the Asian Football Confederation-sanctioned tournament includes midfielders Razeff Altamirano, Taka Borja, John Guiller Canape, Mark Esalan, Sebastien Manabat, Ian Maniago, Joshua Mendez, and John Michael Rojas; defenders Joseph Rasa, Rinto Takahashi, Terrance Montenegro, Eun Syu Hahn, Ichiro Borja, Reginald Pascual, and, Kirt Andon; forward Kaden Church; and goalies Jason Quimzon, Jamin Elliott, and Floyd Muna.

“We selected the players who are ready for the national team pride and to play for the CNMI people that are supporting us,” Mita said.

“I would like to thank the players who did not make the final list for working hard since I took this team eight months ago. All the players showed dedication to the national team. They bring competitive environment to the team and boost each other’s confidence, making it hard for us to select the Final 19. We would also like to thank the players’ parents and clubs for their continued support,” the Teen Ayuyus head coach added.

Players chosen were grateful for the opportunity to compete in an international tournament and vowed to go all out in every game to represent the CNMI well.

“This is my first time to Thailand but this isn’t my first international game so I’m expecting it will hard or even harder than my past games. I can’t be satisfied with what we have now because I know we have a lot to show. This tournament is a big thing, especially because we are the underdogs. We need to change that tag by stepping up and working harder. Other than that I’m excited and hoping for a good result,” said team captain Manabat.

“I’d like to thank my parents, coaches, friends and family for the support. Without them I wouldn’t be able to make it to the team. Thank you as well to NMIFA for giving us a chance to play in the international level,” he added.

For Hahn, playing in Thailand will give them the right time and opportunity to show how the team has been working hard in the past several months.

“No matter what awaits us there, I think the boys are ready to go and give it our all and represent our islands,” Hahn said.

Montenegro echoed Hahn’s sentiments, adding that the Teen Ayuyus will work even harder and together now that the competition is just around the corner. The qualifiers will run from Sept. 16 to 24 with the CNMI challenging Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, and Timor-Leste in the Group G games at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok. The top finisher in the round-robin play in Group G will advance to next year’s finals along with the winners in the nine other qualifiers.

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MP United Football Club’s Tori Maratita Weaver, right, poses with her MVP medals and joins other top players for a group photo during the awards ceremony for the Pacific Ocean Cup 8 held over the weekend in Shizuoka, Japan. (Contributed Photo)

MP United Football Club’s Tori Maratita Weaver was selected as one of the most valuable players in the Pacific Ocean Cup 8 held over the weekend at the Numazu Seibu ground in Shizuoka, Japan.

Weaver teamed up with brother Garett, Angelo Xu, Yi Sui, Carlo Diaz, Stephanie Kim, Evan Mendiola, Andrew Chung, and Ian Song in battling host Vivid Blue, Harasato, FACT Soccer Club, and Susono Nishi in 8×8 games that were played into two 15-minute halves (per match). Tori, who received a MVP medal at the awards ceremony, was among those who put MP United in the board during the round-robin tournament and the visiting club went on score four goals in the competition.

Tori and company first played against Vivid Blue and the host edged out MP United, 4-2. In its second game, MP United was pitted against Harasato and the latter recorded a 4-1 victory. FACT Soccer Club was up next for the Alex Park and Gene Weaver-coached MP United and the former cruised to a 14-0 triumph. For its last match, MP United faced Susono Nishi and the Japanese team foiled the visiting squad’s bid to enter the win column after posting a 7-1 victory.

MP United ended up at fifth place in the team standings, while Harasato ruled the tournament after earning an unbeaten record in the weekend’s contest. Besides downing MP United, the eventual champion also topped FACT Soccer Club, 2-0; Vivid Blue, 3-1; and Susono Nishi, 4-1. FACT settled for the runner-up honors with its 3-1 record as it also defeated Susono Nishi, 3-0 and Vivid Blue, 6-1. Susoni Nishi (2-2) and Vivid Blue (1-3) finished third and fourth, respectively. Harasato won the biannual tournament for the first time to join MP United (Pacific Ocean Cup 2, 4, and 7), Nagaoka SSS (Pacific Ocean Cup 1), Vivid Blue (Pacific Ocean Cup 3), and Pure FC (Pacific Ocean Cup 6) in the champions circle.

Meanwhile, four other players were named MVPs in the tournament. The list includes Vivid Blue’s Taiki Miyashiro, Susono Nishi’s Shoma Watanabe, FACT Soccer Club’s Issa Komatsu, and Harasato’s Rin Yoshioka.

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Saipan Swim Club’s Kento Akimaru leads a Palau swimmer in the 200m butterfly race of the 2017 SSC International Meet held at the Kan Pacific Swimming Pool. Swimming is among the compulsory sports in the 2019 Pacific Games that will be held in Apia, Samoa. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Though the 2019 Pacific Games has a new host in Samoa, the proposed dates and events as agreed when Tonga was initially awarded the hosting rights will stay.

Pacific Games Council executive director Andrew Minogue, in a press statement, said the quadrennial meet may still be held from July 8 to 20, while 26 sports will be contested in the Games. Fourteen sports are compulsory and these include athletics, boxing, basketball, golf, swimming, table tennis, tennis, va’a (outrigger canoe racing), volleyball (indoor and beach), judo, taekwondo, weightlifting, football and rugby sevens (for men only). Samoa, being the host, will choose the remaining eight, but bodybuilding, hockey, and surfing are already excluded, while badminton and squash maybe considered. 3×3 basketball is also on the list and is included in the basketball program.

As for the cost to participate in the 2019 Pacific Games, the host will charge $35 per diem for each delegate (athletes and officials). The amount was the same per diem offered by Tonga when it won the bid for the hosting rights of the competition in October 2012.

Meanwhile, the Pacific Games Council Executive Board is confident that Samoa will stage another successful Pacific Games in 2019.

“The sporting facilities are all in place and the full and financial support of the Samoan Prime Minister and their government gave the Samoan PGA’s bid the winning edge. We all look forward to returning to Apia in 2019. In the meantime, PGC expects to sign the Games host agreement with the Samoan PGA and government in the next 10 days,” Minogue said.

NMASA meeting tomorrow
Sports federations that will send athletes to the 2017 Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu are required to attend the Northern Marianas Sports Association monthly meeting this Thursday at the conference room of the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium at 7pm.

NMSA president Michael White will discuss with the concerned sports groups the travel subsidy for athletes and coaches going to the Games that will run from Dec. 4 to 15. White is asking golf, rugby, athletics, and basketball (3×3) associations to also turn it brief reports about their team selection and training for the Mini Games. The NMASA head is reminding, too, these federations to submit the requirements for accreditation on or before Sept. 30.

“For people who have previously been accredited for a Pacific Games, all I need is a name. For others, I need a copy of the business page of the passport and a scannable passport-size color photo on a white background, no hat,” White said.

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William Retardo, left, is in a celebratory mood with third placer Daryl Poe after successfully defending his Championship Flight title in the 2nd Annual Governor’s Tourism Cup Golf Tournament held last Saturday at the Laolao Bay Golf & Resort. (Jon Perez)

William Retardo stood up to receive the second place winnings of good friend Freddie Cataluna in the Championship Flight of last Saturday’s 2nd Annual Governor’s Tourism Cup Golf Tournament held at the Laolao Bay Golf & Resort.

Event host Glenn Policare then asked Retardo to stay for the needed photo-op, but the former was a bit surprised that the latter approached him again to accept the $300 check—the prize for the champion in each flight. It turned out that Policare was just joking as he asked the eventual champion if he’s sure that he’s Retardo and not Cataluna, bringing the crowd to laughter. Retardo went on to win his second straight title in the fundraiser after ruling the same competition last year. Guam’s Daryl Poe joined Retardo and Cataluna in the Top 3 of the Championship Flight of the tournament held on the Greg Norman-designed 6,330-yard, par-72 east course of the Kagman facility.

“I just got lucky again since the tournament format is double peoria. The same thing happened last year when I first got lucky in this tournament,” said Retardo, who finished with a gross score of 76 and a handicap of 4.80 earned him a 71.20 net.

Cataluna was 1.80 behind Retardo with a 73 after a gross score of 79 and 6.0 handicap for the $200 runner-up purse. Poe went home with the $100 prize after shooting a 72 and his -1.20 handicap gave him a 73.2 net.

“I got an advantage with this type of format because once somebody hits that handicap hole, you’re going to get a lower score. Luckily, on that day, I hit the handicap hole,” added the Mariana Resort executive chef.

The peoria system is a one-day handicapping method usually used in charity tournaments or company outings.

Though only six signed up in the Championship Flight, it was still a tough field with perennial contender Harry Nakamura, youngster and two-time BMW Guam Junior Open champion Dong Young Lee, and CNMI Federation of Golf Associations president David Largent also on the list.

Meanwhile, the Top 3 winners in other divisions were Joe “Kamikaze” Camacho (67.4), Alex Tudela 69.6), and Tars Olopai (70.8) in the Seniors; Chang Hee Yoo (70.4), Gil An Yoon (70.6), and Shiori Onoue (72.2) in the Ladies; Luis Tilipao (71.2), Sung Soo Lim (71.2), and Chang Ho Kim (73) in the A Flight; Tony Guerrero (67.40), Patrick C. Guerrero (69.2), and Yasuhiro Sato (72.8) in the B Flight; and Dave Apatang (71.8), Tommy Kim (72.6), and Paul Manglona (73) in the C Flight.

One hundred forty-four golfers joined the tournament, which will use its proceeds for the programs of the Marianas Tourism Educational Council and MY WAVE Club. B Flight runner-up Patrick C. Guerrero also donated to MTEC his $200 prize check.

MTEC chair Vicky Benavente said the entire board is thankful to all the participants, sponsors, and volunteers of the tournament.

“The board is thankful for their involvement in our tourism business. Thank you also to those who stepped up to the plate for their contributions. We also thank all the 144 players and those on the waiting list that came out and had a good time even if they did not win but came home with raffle prizes,” Benavente said.

“It is always a good feeling to have the community’s support and the Marianas Visitors Authority as one of our partners. The money we collected would go a long way in funding our programs to teach our kids and get them involved in the tourism industry through the MY WAVE Club,” she added.

In other results, Manny Mangarero had the longest drive at No. 18 with his 270 yards, while Manglona, Thomson Palik, and Marco Peter won in the closest to the pin contests.

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Trench Tech Mixed Martial Arts/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy is looking to expand its BJJ classes by holding morning sessions at its training facility at MIHA in Garapan.

The planned early sessions would only be for one hour, from 6:30am to 7:30am, daily. Veteran mixed martial arts fight promoter Cuki Alvarez said learning BJJ is open to anyone of all shapes and sizes.

“We want to start doing a 6am BJJ class and we’re looking for some people who are interested to learn and train the combat sport. This is for those who are interested in [BJJ] who simply do not have the time to attend our night sessions or are just too shy to join the regular classes. So we are planning on catering to them by doing morning classes,” said Alvarez.

He added that the morning classes would be mostly for beginners, but it remains open even to those who are already training for quite some time.

“This will be a good class for those who are shy or beginners, are too scared or just don’t have the time to join the evening sessions.”

Alvarez, last month, also implemented their new training schedule that includes boxersize every Mondays (K1 boxersize), Wednesdays (circuit training), and Fridays (K1 boxersize) from 6:30pm to 7:30pm for $35 a month.

There’s an option for the five days a week sessions that include K1 boxersize (M-W-F) and Gi training or the Kimono used for BJJ classes every Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30pm to 8pm at $50 a month.

Option three includes K1 boxersize and Gi training (Tuesdays and Thursdays) with MMA training and sparring sessions every M-W-F for $60 a month. A mouthpiece is required for sparring sessions.

There’s also a BJJ Gi class only every Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30pm to 8pm with an additional $4 mat fee for Saturday open sessions from 10am to 12nn. A daily rate or drop in fee is $4 per class.

For more information, email Alvarez at trenchwarriorsaipan@gmail.com or call or text him at 7834662 or visit the Trench Tech gym at MIHA.

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Mix Breed’s Greg Sablan, left, pulls up for a point-blanked shot against Ballz Deep’s Jude Tengco during their boys U19 division game in the 3×3 Hoopfest Marianas 2017 yesterday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Mix Breed escaped with a 12-11 victory over Ballz Deep to make it to the win column of the 3×3 Hoopfest Marianas 2017 yesterday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Greg Sablan knocked in a long jumper from the left key in the closing seconds of the 10-minute game to lift Mix Breed past Ballz Deep in their boys U19 division game. Sablan went on to score Mix Breed’s last three markers for the team’s win in the opening day of the tournament.

Coby Santos, N-nes Siech, and Kiku Lizama are the other members of Mix Breed. Santos finished with 6 points, while Siech chipped in 3. Kenji Abobo paced Ballz Deep with his 5 markers, while Jude Tengco and Keeanu Diaz contributed 4 and 2, respectively. Ronel Aque is the fourth member of Ballz Deep.

In the other U19 division match on Day 1 of the Saipan leg of the 3×3 Hoopfest Marianas 2017, LeAir Ballers topped Half Gang, 16-11.

Duncan Laxa tallied 6 points for LeAir Ballers, while Keno Ogasawara and Sean Apasan made 4 points each, and Dondi Ferrer recorded 2. Sunjoon Tenorio carried Half Gang on his shoulders, as he fired a game-high 10 points, while A.J. Hudkins scored the other marker for the losing squad.

In other results, Ballers Bros and Fab 4 prevailed in boys U16 and women’s division games, respectively.

Ballers Bros was pitted against Boonkgang and pulled off a 10-8 triumph.

Khristian Itaas knocked in the go-ahead basket and also led Ballers Bros in scoring with his 5 points. Anthony Lajara chipped in 4 markers, while Drew Bayot had one. Stephen Bartolo also suited up for Ballers Bros, while Paolo Cadag and Adonis Favor played for Boonkgang and registered 3 markers each. J.C. Ferrari and Christian Bravo made the 2 other points for Boonkgang.

In the women’s open division, Fab 4 eased past Blue Babes, 11-4. Eleina Santos towed Fab 4 to victory with her 6 points and was backed up by Annalei Santos and Jan Taimano, who recorded 3 and 2 points, respectively. Halle Kenty is also part of the winning team, while Tawnie Manibusan and Quina Flores were the scorers for Blue Babes. Also included on the losing squad’s roster are Gillian and Jennifer Villagomez.

Meanwhile, seven more games were scheduled in the opening day of the 3×3 Hoopfest Marianas 2017 and complete results of these matches will be reported in Saipan Tribune’s Thursday edition. There were two more U19 division matches set for Day 1 (Big B vs Ol’Aces 2 and Warriors vs V-God), while the five remaining games were to feature four men’s tiffs and one women’s.

Teams playing in the men’s and women’s open are battling for tickets to Vanuatu for the 2017 Pacific Mini Games. The Saipan leg of the Mini Games qualifier will run until Saturday and winners will join Tinian and Rota top finishers in the championship round that will be played later this month.

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