Manila softbelles bat for title

A more confident Team Manila looks to reclaim the crown in the 2015 Big League World Series starting this weekend at Sussex County, Delaware.

Boosted by some members of the gold-winning Philippine team in the Southeast Asian Games, the Filipino softbelles like their chances of repeating their 2012 championship romp.

“Having some members of the SEA Games team is an advantage,” said national team coach Ana Santiago in the PSA Forum Tuesday at Shakey’s Malate.

“I think we have a good chance of reaching the finals this year because we had good preparation.”

The squad also boasts the core of five-time UAAP champion Adamson and other standouts from University of the East, National University and University of Santo Tomas.

“In 2012 we had one of the best pitchers, but we had a hard time developing pitchers the past years,” Santiago said of her squad, which settled for fourth last year. “But now we’re more prepared and we have good pitchers.”

National team members Celestine Palma, Cristy Joy Roa, Florabele Pabiania and Shaira Damasing  banner the team along with pitchers Laica Basa and Mary Ann Antolihao.

Team Manila last ruled the tournament in 2012 when it routed Westchester, California, 14-2, in the title round.

Santiago picked Puerto Rico, Michigan and California as the  favorites in the 10-team field.

“We’re positive,” said Santiago. “With the kind of training and sacrifices we had, I believe the team deserves to be in the semis, and of course, the finals.”