Guam’s Senior Little League Baseball team is heading to Easley, South Carolina, to compete in the World Series for the 15-16 age division early next week. The Guam sluggers secured their spot by winning the regional championship last month, finishing undefeated in Pool play to represent the Asia Pacific region.
The team, along with their coaches and families, recently held a press conference at the Atkins Kroll main showroom to provide an update on their training and receive a sponsorship check from AK.
“We are grateful to AK for their generous donation and for providing us with a van, which will be incredibly helpful for our team’s transportation,” said coach Kevin Acosta.
TEAM GUAM ALL STARS
anager: Isaac Cruz Coaches: Kevin Acosta and Johnthan Jones
Players: Acosta, Evan Robert Lizama Alcantara, Gavin Elias Ayuyu, Cameron James Shimizu Balajadia, Reef Anthony Guerrero Castro, Pierce Ryder Flores Cruz, Nathan Scott Gogue Dirige, Haigen Maximus Roberto Doyle, Colby Anthony Gumataotao, Ashtyn Nolan Gogue Jamanila Jones, Theano Mau Leon Guerrero, Ty James San Agustin Pangelinan, Coen Nate Presnell, JuanCarlo William Taijeron, Trace John Taimanglo, Javier Cepeda Villanueva, Co’en Emmanuel
Coach Acosta emphasized the team’s readiness: “Our job is now to prepare our boys to be physically and mentally ready for this upcoming World Series. They went undefeated in the regional tournament and deserve to represent our region.”
Team Manager Isaac Cruz expressed gratitude, stating, “We thank all the parents and everyone who has contributed to our success. The team is scheduled to travel to South Carolina via Hawaii on Guam’s Liberation Day, July 21st.”
Coach Acosta also acknowledged the support from another team: “Our team has also worked with the Guam Junior National team since September of last year. We wanted to thank them for allowing us to join them during their practice and helping out by mentoring and supporting us.”
Looking ahead to their first game, Coach Acosta noted, “We will play Puerto Rico in our first game, and they will be representing the Caribbean. It will be a tough challenge because most of their players already have offers to play collegiate ball.”
“It will be a tough game but I believe in our team and we will be ready. This team is a new breed and many of them will be upcoming National Team players,” said Cruz.
According to Cruz, all games will be aired live via ESPN+. Stay tuned for exact dates and times for all games.
Atkins Kroll are major sponsors for our Senior Little Leaguers heading to the LLWS in South Carolina.