Sofa Kings reign in softball tourney

Sofa Kings members join tournament organizers for a group photo after winning the inaugural Commonwealth Preparedness Month Softball Tournament held last Saturday at the Capital Hill Softball Field. (Jon Perez)

Sofa Kings etched their name in a perpetual trophy as they were declared inaugural champions of the 2017 Commonwealth Preparedness Month Softball Championship-Family Fun Day held last Saturday at the Capital Hill Softball Field.

The Kings, who had to earn a finals berth in the loser’s bracket, overcame the twice-to-beat advantage of Akkari to clinch the perpetual trophy and the $600 top prize that went with it. The eventual champions forced a winner-take-all match after a 17-13 win in Game 1 and then wrapped up the title following an 18-11 victory in the deciding Game 2.

Intermittent rain delayed the matches, including the finals between the top-seeded Akkari and the Kings. Game 2 of the championship stretched up to almost 10pm as volunteers, on several occasions, had to bring out the tarpaulin to cover the field.

In the you-or-me showdown, the Kings erupted for 11 runs at the top of the first inning to establish a comfortable lead against the previously undefeated Team Akkari.

Akkari answered with three runs each at the bottom of the first and third, but the Kings added five more in a three inning stretch—from the third to fifth—for a 16-6 lead and moved three outs away from ending the match via the 10-run mercy rule.

Pitcher Luis Iguel Jr. got the first two outs, forcing Daisy Kaipat to ground out to first and Virgil Secharmidal to an infield fly. Kyle Kaipat singled against Iguel to keep Akarri’s hopes alive with Marvin Kaipat following it up with a two-run shot for a 16-8 count. Iguel got the third out against Audie Maratita.

The Kings came away empty-handed at the top of the sixth, while Akkari touched home plate thrice in the bottom of the inning, which was the last time the latter scored for a 16-11 tally. The Kings scored twice at the top of the seventh and the team’s celebration began as Iguel preserved the win with a 1-2-3 inning in the bottom half.

Akkari went home with $400, while Sweet Rolls came in third for $200 after bowing to the eventual champions, 18-8, in their semifinal match in the loser’s bracket. Akkari went undefeated before the title showdown, beating Team Dave Again, 17-5; Sweet Rolls, 16-6; and Sofa Kings, 13-7, to earn the first finals berth.

Sofa Kings’ road to the finals featured a 12-9 victory over Hellafefaded; a 24-16 decision against the C.K. Bears; and a 15-5 triumph over Soul-Lit before dropping their first match to Akkari to be relegated to the loser’s bracket.

Lamarc Iguel, Nokki Saralu, Jesus Iguel, Angel Falig Jr., Juan Iguel, Jun Palacios, Mike Iguel, Eric Palacios, John Tudela, Vince Torres, Jia Kapileo Nish Mario, Tyrone Omar, Jeremy Atalig, and Benjamin Jones Jr. joined Luis Iguel Jr. on the Sofa Kings’ lineup that was sponsored by Melina and Manny Salas.

The Homeland Security Emergency Management organized the tournament with Joey Dela Cruz as coordinator. He thanked all the partners, volunteers, teams, and the fans that came out to watch the games and enjoy the other activities on that day.

Imperial Pacific International-Corporate Social Responsibility team, TanHoldings, Saipan Apparel, Ayuda Network, Bud Light-MARPAC, Northern Marianas College, KKMP, Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services were the tournament’s partners.

“Aside from the tournament, it was also a Family Fun Day where we gave away cotton candies, popcorns, and snow cones not only to the kids but to all who joined us today [Saturday],” said Dela Cruz.

“An art café was set up for the kids where they made paintings and brought home their works. We also held games for the kids and adults and we gave away preparedness items like hydro flasks, gas gallons, water, beach chairs, tumblers, and flashlights.”

Dela Cruz added that they look forward to making the tournament a bigger event in September 2018.

Team Angel, Team Jeff Diaz, Team Jada, Mamaaw, and Team EOC were the other participating squads.