Brabu tops Thanksgiving youth softball tournament

Brabu lived up to its name making a mighty showing in the 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Youth Slowpitch Softball Tournament after outshining the North All-Stars Sunday at the Miguel “Tan Ge” Basa Pangelinan Ballfield.

Brabu, which means strong in Chamorro, recorded a 9-5 win over the North All-Stars in the finals to gain the 16 to 18 age group crown in the annual youth tournament.

Shortstop Nokki Saralu went 3-for-3 at the plate and blasted a two-run homer at the bottom of the second to lift Brabu to a title win.

Juan Iguel was also perfect at-bat, going 3-for-3. He scored three runs, one double, one triple and two RBIs.

Joining Iguel and Saralu on the champion team were Ryan Lisua, Mike Iguel, Ben Taisacan, Lia and Rachel Rangamar, J.P. Lizama, Chris Ayuyu, Lem Ogumoro, Tony Rogolifoi, and Lamarc Iguel. Elias Saralu coached Brabu.

Nokki’s two-run homer sparked Brabu’s four-run bottom of the second and allowed the eventual champion to take a 7-3 lead.

Runs were hard to come by for both teams in the next two innings with the North All-Stars scoring only one in the third, and Brabu making two in the fourth.

With Brabu leading at 9-4, shortstop Ike Aldan brightened up the North All-Stars’ chances for the title when he led off at the top of the fifth and connected on a solo homer.

But Brabu’s defense tightened up in the remaining part of the fifth inning and in the last two giving up only a run. Second baseman Ben Cabrera scored the North All-Stars’ fifth run on a Keone Pua’s single at the top of the sixth.

Brabu sealed the victory at the top of the seventh inning, throwing out the North All-Stars’ first three batters.

Aldan led off for the North All-Stars and flied out to right field, while extra hitter B.J. Philip was beaten to first base on a 5-3 putout play. The North All-Stars were called for the third out when centerfielder Juan Tenorio flied out to left.

Brabu joined the Patriots and Dandan Elementary School in champions’ circle of the 2008 Thanksgiving softball tournament.

The Pats topped the 13 to 15 age group division beating Kagman, 5-2, while the Dandan Tottots ruled the 9 to 12 age group downing Team Familia, 8-0.

Five teams competed for the 9 to 16 age group with the Twins placing third. Kagman and the Little Falcons were the two other teams that joined the event.

Six teams participated in the 13 to 15 age group with Hilitai, third placer Hopwood, Da Lancherus, and the Eagles included on the list.

The oldest age group had five teams with third placer Kagman, Banzai, and the Titans joining Brabu and the North All-Stars.

The Top 3 teams received trophies from tournament main organizer Division of Youth Services.