UFO Bud Cup opening tops headlines

The opening of the UFO Inter-Organization Basketball Friendship League 2011 Bud Cup was the centerpiece event last week.

The open division of the United Filipino Organization-led competition drew nine teams with VisMinda/Satbahi recording the biggest win during the kick-off date after stunning defending champion MAFEA-Ali’i Konflikt at the Civic Center Basketball Court in Susupe. Other winners in the opening day were Cabalen/Noni and UPAA/Docomo Hoops. Then in the next two playing days at the TSL Sports Complex, Bayani/Mobil and NMBA/Mixed Blood also made it to the win column, while VisMinda notched its second win.

Still in basketball, the Blue Haus caging continued with its regular season games at the Gualo Rai Basketball Court. Winning their respective matches were Pacific Postal, Mawati, IFashion, Cell Pro, and Joeten.

Back at the TSL Sports Complex, Korean Futsal Team defeated Wild Bill’s in the battle of unbeaten teams in the men’s division of the 2011 Saipan Soccer School Futsal League. Also prevailing in other men’s division games were Docomo, Mellow Yellow, Go Green, and Red Inter.

In the women’s division, Shirley’s A remained undefeated in five games, while sister team Shirley’s B also has a perfect 4-0 mark. Thai Team and Kulet’s Team also won their separate matches last week.

In golf, Carl Hocog topped the Refaluwasch Golf Association August Ace qualifier, while the Tournament of Champions kicked off its 16th season with a cocktail party for its sponsors.

Other notable events last week were the Saipan Cyclers Association MTB & Road Race II, the naming of NMASA top athletes for July, and the CNMI Team’s departure for the 26th Summer Universiade.

Mieko Carey and Butch Sublemente ruled the MTB race of the SCA event. Other winners were Erico Cruz and Reginal Sebial (MTB short course), Erwin Calage and Claire Lanuza (beginners MTB course), and Willy Barbo and Juanita Fajardo (road course).

CNMI U15 National Team striker Jehn Joyner led the list of July’s bests after getting the TSL Foundation/NMASA Male Student Athlete of the Month. Joining the elite list were bowlers Paul Pangelinan and Gloria Omechelang, who were named Male and Female Athletes of the Month.

Swimmer Rezne Wong, biker Matt Mancao, and NMASA president Michael White comprised the CNMI delegates to the 26th Summer Universiade in Shenzhen, China. They left Saipan early Friday morning for the FISU-sanctioned tournament that will run from Aug. 11 to 23.