By Patrick Lujan

After years of trying and eventually capturing the Masters Softball World Series AAA Division in 2017, the best Guam has to offer is moving up in competition.

GISA’s (Guam Islander Softball Association) gold means a promotion to the 40+ Major Division – meaning even stiffer competition amongst 65 teams in the Las Vegas Senior Softball/United States Senior Softball World Masters Championship at the Big League Dreams Softball Complex, Las Vegas starting this Friday.

“Overall, we’re pretty excited about the team,” said player/coach Benjie Pangelinan.  “Our approach is putting everything together with the hitting and strong defense. The speed will be a great addition with veterans that we have. We will be ready.”

The core returnees along with Pangelinan are Keith Hattig, Tony Yatar, John McDonald, Jimmy Reyes, Mike Cepeda and Patrick Alvarez.

The ‘new kids on the block’ are former GML stand outs Dale Alvarez and Gerson Hoebing.

“With the new additions of Dale and Gerson, they bring a lot of balance to the team with speed and flexibility to our defense,” Pangelinan added.

Moving up to the 50+ division are the likes of Peter Aguon, Jarvis Quenga and Tim Aguon.

“We all know what we have to do. We have played with the best and in the Majors Division we will just continue to play with island pride and see where the ball bounces. We know we can compete at that level.”

GISA gets things underway with two games on Friday, Vegas time.

GISA 40+ Major Division

Dale Alvarez

Patrick Alvarez

Luis Camacho

Mike Cepeda

John Flores

Chris Guzman

Herbie Hattig

Keith Hattig

Gerson Hoebing

Laurence Idelbong

John McDonald

Bob Meno

Glenn Nelson

Benjie Pangelinan

Jose Perez

Jimmy Reyes

Joe Rivera

Tony Yatar

Our Guam ladies are also in Las Vegas to compete:

Figo 40+

Jek Concepcion

Judy Artui

Berny Reyes

Jennifer Leon Guerrero

Mayleen Yobei

Yvette Ueki

Annie Cruz

Michelle Salas-Reyes

Tina Leon Guerrero

Christine San Nicolas

Gigi Blas

Nadine Concepcion- Reyes

Faithe Escalona

Mighty 50’s

Sue Miner

Annie Bordallo

Rose Palomo

Maui Cambonga

Arlene Borja

Arlene Sahagon

Tish Sahagon

Rita Aguon

Lisa DiBene

Loretta Duenas

Monica Fernandez

Del Balajadia

Norma Salas

Sandra Perez

Robyn Masnayon

Flo Santos

Maria Cruz

Noreen Leon Guerrero