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Seniors Maine-bound, Big Leaguers not quite
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Posted on Jul 15 2004
The CNMI took two out of three Asia-Pacific Regional Tournament championships from host and archrival Guam Wednesday at the Paseo Stadium in Agana.
Hours after the CNMI Junior League All-Stars celebrated their championship, their big brothers in the Senior League joined them in celebration by romping away with the title in the 15-16-year-old division nipping Guam 2-1.
The win avenged the Commonwealth’s 7-8 loss to the same squad last Sunday but more importantly allowed the CNMI to advance to the Senior League World Series that will start on August 16 in Bangor, Maine.
The Senior All-Stars finished the elimination round with a 1-1 record and booked a ticket to the finals after whipping the Philippines 14-0 last Tuesday.
The CNMI Senior League All-Stars is made up of Derrick Babauta, Oliver Secharmidal, Antione Allen, Tony Palacios, Franco Flores, Ben Tasikan, Tyrone Omar, Dan Concepcion, Jeff Saures, Zachary Concepcion, Derrick Babauta, Jesse Garcia, Thomas Guerrero, Manny Ada, and Peter Tenorio
The team is managed by former Oleai Elementary School principal and local golf great Jess Wabol. Head coach of the Seniors is Roy Celis.
The CNMI Big League All-Stars were not as fortunate though and dropped a heartbreaking 3-4 decision against Guam.
The islands’ southern neighbors thus earned the right to represent Asia-Pacific in the Big League World Series set to start this July 20 in Easley, South Carolina.
It was still a worthwhile effort for Team CNMI though. The Big Leaguers made a sparkling debut after they beat up on the Philippines 7-3 on Sunday. They would fall to Guam the next day, however, but advanced to the finals after the Philippines lost to Guam Tuesday.
Members of the CNMI Big League All-Stars are Sam Babauta, Ben Salas, BJ Ser Nicolas, JP Sablan, John Tudela, Jonathan Villagomez, Luis Iguel, Ben Jones, Ricky Jones, Sylvestre Tomokane, Leroy Kani, Jack Lizama, and Jesse Agulto
Faustino Camacho is serving as the team’s manager, while acting as coaches are Greg Camacho and Robert Bansil.
