SBC wins inaugural Budweiser Monday Night League

Saipan Bowling Center received the championship trophy of the inaugural Budweiser Monday Night League in a simple awarding ceremony held last April 17 at the San Jose bowling venue.

The team, which is made up of the husband-and-wife tandem of Ross and Gigi Zapanta, Simon Manacop, John Santos, Alex Cacdac, and Willy Egipto, topped the 12-team field with a 51-21 record.

Super Fafa finished a far second with a 47.5-24.5 win-loss record followed by Budweiser (45-27), Pacific Islands Club 2 (44-28), Star Team (39-33), PIC 1 (39-33), Team Familia (30.5-41.5), J’s Restaurant (29-43), Splitless (28.5-43.5), Kitz’s Youth Team (28-44), Philippine Consulate General (23.5-48.5), and CIC-Aon (23-49).

The Top 5 teams received monetary prizes for the high-level of team bowling they showed during the first season. SBC took home $500, Super Fafa $350, Budweiser $250, PIC 2 $150, and Star Team $100.

Ross Zapanta, who serves as SBC team captain, said it always feels special to win the very first season of any competition.

“It’s special because it’s always nice to be the first champion team of any league,” he said.

The longtime Saipan resident attributed SBC’s successful season to three key factors—coordination, cohesiveness, and team chemistry.

“First is coordination, we always made sure that we have a complete team every league night. It’s hard to win in a four-person team even if you are only missing one bowler. The captain must always make sure that four bowlers are available to bowl and one member should always be on stand-by in case of a no-show. Second, our members really liked to win and we plan for our games. We look at the opponent and then decide on the best combination based on our ability and handicap. Third, we have good team chemistry and we accommodate each other. Anyone is willing to sit out a game if he/she is on a slump or if he/she feels another team member will likely bowl better,” he said.

In behalf of the Philippine Bowling Association, Zapanta thanked MARPAC and Budweiser for sponsoring the league. He said the Gualo Rai-headquartered company shelled out $500 for the champion team’s prize and the trophies for the top three teams.

“Our primary goal is the continuity of the Monday Night League. We hope that MARPAC and Budweiser will continue their sponsorship as long as we have the league. Having those sponsors keeps the cost of the league fee lower, thus bowlers are more likely to participate,” he said.

Zapanta also said that the PBA would also like to thank SBC, which partly sponsors the cost of two teams in the league, Urban Outlet, Saipan Grand Hotel, and Pacific Islands Club for donating a few giveaways and special prizes for SBA member bowlers throughout the season.