NAPAPALABAN ang Team Manila-Philippines sa pinakamahuhusay na 18-under softbelles sa mundo sa pagsagupa sa 2017 Pony International 18-U Girls Softball World Series sa Hulyo 24-30 sa Hemet, California.

Binubuo ang Big City softbelles ng mga players mula sa UAAP champions Adamson University, National University, Ateneo de Manila, Makati at Bulacan.

Makakaharap nila ang mga koponan mula sa US, Europe, Caribbean at Asia.

Pangungunahan ang team Philippines nina pitchers Shirlette Maygay ng Adamson at Mery Ann Ramos ng NU.

Kumpiyansa si head coach Anna Santiago na makakasabay ang Filipina sa bilis at husay ng mga karibal at inaasahan niyang magpapakitang gilas sina short stops Mary Nichole Padasas ng Adamson at Angelu Gabriel ng Fort Bonifacio High School, pitcher Alma Tauli at third baseman Madelene Domaug ng Fortunato Halili National Agricultural School, gayundin si right fielder Krisha Cantor of Adamson.

“Tingin ko mas buo at malakas ang team na ito, pinaghalong beterano at rookies. Malaki ang tsansa natin na makalaro ng championship game,” sambit ni Santiago.

Nasa line-up din sina first baseman Honey Grace Alegarme, catchers Aliza Pichon at Shaina Camacho ng Adamson, pitcher at third baseman Kevyn Anne Lacson ng Ateneo, pitcher at second baseman Marie Therese Macasaet ng St. Pedro Poveda College, pitcher at third baseman Mariana Solitaria ng Beacon Academy, left fielder Jojielyn Lim ng Fortunato Halili National School and center fielder Marie Christine Bautista of Fort Bonifacio High School.

“I think this is quite a strong team and the girls will give a good account of themselves in the World Series,” pahayag ni Team Manila softball president Rafael “Che” Borromeo.

Itinataguyod ang koponan ni Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada, Philippine Airlines, at International Container Terminal Services Inc.