Man-Natibu wins Team Pac-Chain softball tourney

Man-Natibu pulled off an upset win against Bwi Bwi’s, 16-11, in the first finals match before taking the tiebreaker finale, 16-11, to rule the 2011 Pac-Chain Fundraiser Softball Tournament held over the weekend at the Capital Hill Ballfield.

Man-Natibu topped a field of 12 competitors and won in-kind prize packages from sponsors Mar-Pac and IT&E along with the other podium place finishers. All participating teams received consolation prizes.

Bwi Bwi’s advanced to the championship match undefeated in the double-elimination venture and held a twice-to-beat advantage over Man-Natibu on Sunday.

Man-Natibu is made up of players from the Top 2 teams of the Chamolinian Softball Association’s 2nd Annual Budweiser Slow-Pitch Softball League. Kulan Zamu, Poksu, and Adit brands sponsored the team.

Players include J.R. Suel, James Fleming, Vinnie Sablan, John Terlaje, Lucio Kalen, Nokki Saralu, Jun Saralu, Carl Hocog, Tony Kapileo, Popo Tudela, Bruce Norita, Kenzie Arriola, Jerry Ayuuyu, Eric Palacios, Roy Celis, and Kent Kalen.

“I’m pleased to share that the tournament was a success. The Pac-Chain tournament organizers and its Boise Pac-Chain associates would like to thank the all the teams for their support. We would also like to thank sponsors Mar-Pac Budweiser and IT&E for helping make this year a success. Special thanks also go out to Mark Palacios, Tony Santos, and Frank Shiro for their assistance in setting up the field and officiating the games,” stated Pac Chain’s Jack Diaz in a press release yesterday.

Proceeds raised from the tourney went to help Team Pac Chain travel and compete in the 7th Annual CNMI Labor Day Softball Tournament, which will be held this September in Portland Oregon.

Team Pac Chain is made up of CNMI residents and student in Boise, Idaho that attend Boise State University and various high schools in the Boise area.

The group finished second place out of 32 teams to the Island Boys out of Seattle, Washington in last year’s competition.

Other participating teams in the fundraiser tourney included third-place finisher Team Fielders along with Get Er Done, Class of 91 and Champions, Tyler Inc., Team Sufa, Team Manelus, Bang Bros., Chumbz, and Team Acho.

According to Diaz, this may be the final fundraiser tourney for Team Pac Chain this year, although participants asked organizers to put on another event.