Habagat squad face tough field in Seoul tournament

Relishing the underdog role, the Philippine Habagat baseball team will be out to create an impact when it sees action in the boys’ 11-12 division of the Pony Baseball League Asia Pacific Championship starting Monday in Seoul.

Formed five months ago, the team of coach Mike Ochosa is confident of making its presence felt in the tough and prestigious tournament which serves as a qualifier for the World Series in Monterey, California in August.

The Habagat will vie for the crown against powerhouse squads from Japan, Korea, Chinese Taipei as well as teams in Southeast Asia and Ochosa said that the odds will be stacked against his squad.

“We feel that we have a relatively decent chance of pulling off an upset in the tournament,” Ochosa said.

“The boys have worked hard to prepare for the tournament. They exude passion for the sport and an overwhelming drive to win.”

The Habagat, named after the Southwest monsoon because of its quick and skillful players, toughened up for the Pony tournament by ruling the Greenfield baseball event, where it bested some of the best teams in the country.

Making up the Habagat which trained extensively at Ayala Land’s the Fields in Nuvali are Nico Batungbacal, Chris Clark, Geoffrey Magsadia, Jaz Monzones, Miguel Ochosa, Paya Ofilada, Anton Rosas, Yoji Ueda, Basti Valmores, Manu Guzman, Ivan Hernandez and Gabby Angeles.

The Habagat will face South Korea B on Monday, before playing a double-head against Chinese-Taipei and Russia on Tuesday. The Filipinos will also clash against Hong Kong on Wednesday.

Also part of the contingent is field manager Ronnie Lugay and offensive coach Kelly Culubong, a former Blu Boy.

Backing the team are Ayala Land’s The Fields at Nuvali, Cebu Pacific, Summit Mineral Water, 100 Plus Isotonic Drink, Everlast, Pagcor, Liwayway Marketing and Holcim Cement.