Sagay City in Negros Occidental won the championship in the Girls 14 Under Division of the 2026 PONY International Softball World Series held in McAllen, Texas in the United States on Monday (Philippine time).
The Negrense softbelles swept Mexico’s RXII Kino Team in the finals to clinch the title after finishing only fourth in last year’s tournament.
“Rising above more than 30 teams, our young athletes battled through 11 games from the elimination round to the championship,” Sagay City OIC-Schools Division Superintendent Dannie Clark Uguil said in a Facebook post.
Uguil said the Negrense student-athletes’ “remarkable achievement reflects the power of teamwork, discipline, resilience, and unwavering determination” as he congratulated the players, coaches, parents and supporters for the historic achievement.
In a statement, Department of Education-Negros Island Region Director Ramir Uytico commended the performance of the team from Sagay City National High School.
“This achievement is a testament to the strength of sports development across the region,” he added.
Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva lauded the players, coaches, parents and supporters of Team Sagay softbelles for carrying the Sagaynon spirit with pride in the international tournament.
“Our athletes continue to prove that heart, preparation, and unity can compete with anyone in the world. Win or lose, you have already inspired every Sagaynon by showing what dedication and teamwork can achieve,” he added.
In 2024, the Philippines, represented by the softball team of Negros Occidental, also took home the title in the Girls 16 Under PONY International World Series held in McAllen, Texas. The champion Filipino squad was composed mostly of players also from Sagay City.
Last year, Team Philippines from Sagay City finished third in the Girls 16 Under Division.*PNA
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