The Bago City Junior League Softball Team athletes, who recently won the 2023 Junior League Softball World Series championship in the United States, were given a hero’s welcome on their return to Negros Occidental on Friday, August 18.
Upon arriving at the Bacolod-Silay International Airport in Silay City, they joined a motorcade to the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City to pay a courtesy call to Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson.
The team represented the Asia-Pacific Region and defeated the USA team, 3-0, in the final’s match of the 12 to 14 age category in Kirkland, Washington on August 5.
This is the second time the Philippines brought home the title after twenty years.
Lacson congratulated the team saying that they are proof that Filipinos can compete at the international level.
He also advised the team to focus on their studies as classes will soon be opening, adding that the team also plans to resume their training after two weeks.
The governor also thanked the people behind the success of the team.
After their courtesy call with the governor, the team’s motorcade proceeded to the Bago City Community Center.
Team’s star player Erica Arnaiz thanked everyone who welcomed them home, especially the Bagonhons who prepared for their homecoming.*