Goal is gold for 1st fastpitch team in years in Micro Games

The first ever NMI National Women’s Fast Pitch Softball Team since 2006 is grinding day in and day out to reach their goal of bringing home the gold medal in the 2024 Micronesian Games in Majuro, Marshall Islands from June 15 to 24.

The first day of softball games is set for June 17, as the first NMI fast pitch team in almost 20 years takes on teams from host Marshall Islands, Palau, and Pohnpei. So far, the full schedule of games is not available yet.

The NMI team practices are held at the Miguel “Tan Ge” Pangelinan Softball Field in Susupe on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

During one of their practices last Thursday, team manager Derron Flores and some players were interviewed on the state of the team so far and said that their goal is to go for the gold.

He also said that the Micro Games exposure for their first fast pitch team in years is a good stepping stone for the Pacific Mini Games in Palau next year.

Flores said the team was hand-picked from school/adult softball leagues and put together earlier this year. They started their practices in January after getting the green light and confirming that fast pitch softball is one of the sports offered in the Micro Games.

The NMI team ranges from the youngest player in high school at 14 years old, to athletes with regional/international competition experience in other sports.

Flores then shared what he told the team. “I told the girls you’re going in as ambassadors. You’re carrying that flag and there’s a lot of weight on your shoulders,” he said. “We also don’t know if these girls will be here on the island and have the opportunity to play next year, so that’s why they’re happy to be selected. They’re treating it as something big for them because it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Flores added.

With a month away before competition they will not take any teams lightly. “We’ll go there one game at a time and play NMI baseball. Their chemistry is right there.”

He added, “I would like to thank the community. Everybody’s supporting and rooting for the whole Team Marianas delegation and we’re gonna do our best and bring back medals. We were hoping there were going to be six teams, but with only four there’s more chances for us to medal… we’re here for a mission.”

Flores also called for the community’s continued support for not only the fast pitch team, but also the NMI delegation as a whole.

“We know that NMI is struggling with our economy and all that, but please, if they can come out, come and visit our athletes or any kind of support would help Team Marianas in general. We want to go and rep our flag”, he said.

For team captain Kianu Aldan, she said with about a month out until competition, “We feel nervous because it’s a big event, but we feel confident in the team.” With that, she said they are looking forward to bagging the gold medal. “That’s what we want. That’s what we’re going there for.”

She added, “I believe in our team from the get-go. We’ve been working here and kicking it. It’s a month left and we’re excited to go already.” On representing NMI as the first fast pitch team in a while, she said, “it feels good because we’re the first in God knows how long… I’m so grateful for the coaching staff because they’re really helping us prepare.”

Maiyah Duenas, for her part, said that so far, they’re still getting to know each other, “but everyone has each other’s backs. We’re not leaving anyone out. We’re working as one and still practicing to work as one,” said Duenas.

As for Kiara Borja who moved back to Saipan last November, she said that being part of the team is a “blessing.”

She said, “I came here with the intention of getting closer to my community, meeting people, and building relationships through a sport that I’ve loved and enjoyed playing all my life. The fact that I get to do this and go represent the CNMI in the Micro Games is such an honor and I’m very grateful to be doing it with this team, with these coaches, and in this sport.”

With Aldan, Duenas, and Borja are Alannah Sablan, Angel Deleon Guerrero, Ashlie Aguon, Christy Aldan, Destiny Pangelinan, Jaylina Borja, Jhaneeka Atalig, Keolani Rios, Kiana Camacho, Rayna Deleon Guerrero, Rosie Saralu, Jenisha Dubrall, and Britney Gopez.

With manager Flores in the coaching staff are Manny Sablan, Mario Aguon, and Mark Flores.