SOFTBALL SQUAD READIES FOR STIFF COMPETITION

A preview of Team Guam heading to Palau for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games June 29 – July 9 amongst 24 island nations

By Patrick Lujan

It’s been a minute that Guam has sent a women’s fastpitch softball team to international competition.

Under the leadership of team manager and Guam baseball legend Keith Hattig, Guam’s squad has been gearing up for this opportunity for quite some time.

“We have a great mix of vets and young players,” Hattig said. “If pitching stays together, I know we can hit and play defense. Our pitching will set the tone of the game for us. We don’t know who we are playing against as every team prepares for the big stage.”

Women’s softball wasn’t played at the last Mini Games in Saipan nor the last Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands. It was, however, played in last year’s Micronesian Games in Majuro, where the host team won the gold. Guam did not participate.

Guam will be one of seven islands vying for softball gold to include RMI, American Samoa, FSM, Papua New Guinea, CNMI and Palau. RMI and American Samoa are expected to be top contenders.

Hattig will be leaning on veterans Meagan Maratita, Colleen Quinata, Sirena Cepeda and Tamisha Fejeran to lead the mix of players. Maratita will be tabbed to be the top pitcher.

“I think it’s going to be a great Mini Games for all,” Hattig said. “When we started, we had a goal to get to the medal rounds. The bonus is the gold. Like all team sports, if we do the right things and play hard in all the games, I’m confident we’ll meet our goals.”

Some of the younger players still in high school will be getting valuable international and adult experience. They include Mylie Butters, Zae Tajalle, Hazelle Derbai and Sadie Guerrero.

Softball begins on Monday, June 30th and runs through July 8th.

BEYOND THESE GAMES

Hattig adds that now that Major League Baseball is building a pro women’s league stateside, he hopes that these young players would someday make that level.

“It’s something our girls can dream of playing pro. Like men’s baseball, it’s always a challenge and only few make it, nut everywhere in the world a kid is putting in the work and dedicating the time of wanting to be the best player.

TEAM GUAM ROSTER

Kaydence Chaco – UTL

Colleen Quinata – INF/OF

Sam Quinata – C/INF

Meagan Maratita – INF/P

Tamisha Fejeran – INF

Janise Quintanilla – P

Saddie Guerrero – INF/P

Nicole Cruz – P/1B

Meilani Quintanilla – INF

Hazelle Derbai – UTL

Julie Nelson – UTL

Zeah Tajalle – UTL

Mylie Butters – UTL

Sirena Cepeda – INF

Giana Sablan – UTL

Hailee Derbai – UTL

Head coach: Keith Hattig

Coaches: Russell Maratita, Glenn Nelson

Trainer: Ann Marie Flores