WOMEN’S BASEBALL TO MAKE GUAM HISTORY

By Patrick Lujan

History will be made when Guam’s first ever women’s national baseball team will compete at the 30th Phoenix Cup Tournament in Hong Kong March 24-27.

Leading the way in this historic endeavor is baseball legend Keith Hattig, who will be the head coach for the inaugural team along with manager Pat Fejeran.

A callout for tryouts were done a few months ago and the bravest stepped up to represent our island, practicing for the last two months.

“For most of the women, it’s a little different, knowing that they are playing for a national team,” Hattig said. “Prepping for the national team is a little more strenuous and exciting. It’s tough because we deal with what we have as far as practices and facilities. Some of them are nervous because this is history in the making. This is a step forward for women’s baseball.

Guam will be taking on four other teams in the tournament, but their games against the Hong Kong national team is the only one that will count in the world ranking. The other three teams will be club teams. Originally, China and Taiwan national teams were slated to play but pulled out for unannounced reasons.

CAPTAINS

Heading the squad are captains Tamisha Fejeran and Sherika Cabrera.

Fejeran will be the ace on the mound for Team Guam. Hattig’s description: “Her arm is live and she’s one of the girls who wants the ball all the time. She’s one of those tournament players that you want. She has very good control and good knowledge of the game.”

Cabrera is the heart beat of the team and holds the team together at her second base position. Hattig’s description: “She is a very good leader and is the spark plug of the team. She can put the bunt down, she can hit for average.”

INFIELDERS

Lana Diaz – C

Sam Quinata – C

Larissa Dirige – 1B

Sherika Cabrera (c) – 2B

Sirena Cepeda – SS/3B

Coco Quinata – SS/P

Julie Nelson – 1B

Hazelle Derbai – P

Merced Flores – P

Tamisha Fejeran (c) – P/3B

Paully Quintanilla – P

Nikki Leon Guerrero – P/2B

OUTFIELDERS

Roxy Sugiyama – LF/P

Lang Philip – CF/U

Kadence Chaco – LF

Christine Bansal – RF

Nikki Paulino – CF/DH

COACHING STAFF

Pat Fejeran, manager

Keith Hattig, head coach

Glen Nelson, asst. coach

Pat Alvarez, asst. coach

Paul Pangelinan, pitching coach

Duck Aguon, trainer