“Girls with Game” fastpitch softball clinic draws over 70 girls

Fastpitch softball is making a comeback as the Saipan Little League “Girls with Game” Fastpitch Softball League hosted a two-day clinic to NMI’s future softball players ahead of its 2026 season at the Miguel “Tan Ge” Pangelinan Field in Susupe.

The two-day clinic for 9-12 year old girls on Saturday, Nov. 15 and Saturday, Nov. 22 was led by league commissioner and fastpitch national team player Moriah Sablan, along with national team player volunteers. The first day of the clinic drew over 50 girls, while on the last day, the number grew to over 70.

Ahead of the season which is slated to begin on Jan. 10, Sablan said they wanted to give the girls—no matter the skill level, an avenue to experience the game and not be too nervous before jumping into the league. On the first day, the girls were taught skills and drills, while on the last day, they had a chance to experience some gameplay.

Karina Camacho, an 11-year-old at Tanapag Middle School said she joined the clinic because she wanted to get better in the game, and if she joins a league, she wants to make it to the All-Star team. She said she not only likes playing softball, but baseball too and has played since she was three under the guidance of her dad, Froilan Camacho, a coach of multiple teams in multiple leagues.

Connie Cosmes, a 10-year-old student from Garapan Elementary School, said she enjoyed batting, learning the rules of the sport, and making new friends during the clinic.

For Rose Racine, a 12-year-old at Saipan International School, who’s played baseball since she was five in Maine, wanted to get back into the bat and ball sport. On what she thought of the clinic, she said, “I think it’s really fun. I think it’s teaching us how to learn how to play the game and also how to catch and throw, which I think is very important in softball.” What she likes about the sport is, “you’re in a team, you have friends, also I really like the feeling of hitting the ball and being happy once you get to the base. I just love doing that.” When the league starts, she said she would definitely join it.

To the kids that might want to join the league, she said, “Don’t be afraid, it’s not that scary. Everyone’s new here. Some people know how to hit, some people don’t; some people know how to throw, some people don’t. It’s really just a mix and you’ll learn.”

To the community, Sablan said, “Come out here and support. Bring your girls, bring your family—just come out here and have fun. I also wanted to say a huge thank you to our sponsors Robert Torres Law Office, Best Deals, and IT&E. I want to say a huge thank you to the parents that came out here and brought their kids, and I also want to say a huge thank you to my husband because he lets me do all this stuff without any questions and I do a lot, so thank you.”

The new league for girls aged 9-12 is slated for January 10 with about four to six teams. More details are forthcoming.