The Sports Leigh-Out February 21-27, 2026

Hafa Adai and Tirow sports fans, this is Leigh Gases with this week’s Sports Leigh-Out brought to you by Joeten Motors!

Let’s take a closer look at what our athletes have been up to in off-island competitions and on their home turf—whether it’s on the pitch, mat, courts, fields, track, pools, or the beautiful ocean.

Lifters showcase strength in 2026 Marianas Weightlifting Open

Lifters from the CNMI and Guam came together on the platform to lift heavy weights during the 2026 Marianas Weightlifting Open on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

In the women’s session, Moriah Jean Lujan (YTH W44) placed 1st with a 28kg snatch and 40kg clean and jerk for a total of 68kg. Jannie Jade “JJ” Manglona (YTH W63) placed 1st with a 46kg snatch and 60kg clean and jerk for a total of 106kg. Kaya Rain Rasa (SR W63) placed 1st with a 65kg snatch and 78kg clean and jerk for a total of 143kg. Devine Mendiola Pua (SR W63) placed 2nd with a 63kg snatch and 75kg clean and jerk for a total of 138kg. Nissi Abishai Lujan (JR W77) placed 1st with a 72kg snatch and 92kg clean and jerk for a total of 164kg. Maria Maelaine Quitugua (SR W77) placed 1st with a 40kg snatch and 55kg clean and jerk for a total of 95kg. Merriam “Merfa” Fathaangin (JR W86+) placed 1st with a 41kg snatch and 55kg clean and jerk for a total of 96kg.

As for the men’s session, the results are as follows: Dave Bryan Odictta (JR M60) placed 1st with a 50kg snatch and 65kg clean and jerk for a total of 115kg. Raymond “Rayray” Santos (SR M60) placed 1st with a 103kg snatch and 120kg clean and jerk for a total of 223kg. Leowell Cristobal (SR M71) placed 1st with a 110kg snatch and 147kg clean and jerk for a total of 257kg. Jaden Andrew (JR M88) placed 1st with a 100kg snatch and 130kg clean and jerk for a total of 230kg. Minul Hoque (JR M88) placed 2nd with a 50kg snatch and 70kg clean and jerk for a total of 120kg. Kaizeah Remoket (YTH M88) placed 1st with a 75kg snatch and 95kg clean and jerk for a total of 170kg. Charley Fuerte Carlson (JR M110) placed 1st with a 60kg snatch and 75kg clean and jerk for a total of 135kg. Lucio Manglona Eugenio (JR M110+) placed 1st with a 100kg snatch and 123kg clean and jerk for a total of 223kg. Joey Mendiola Colisao (SR M110+) placed 1st with a 150kg snatch and 175kg clean and jerk for a total of 325kg.

Carol Lee is doubles champ in France

CNMI’s Carol Lee and doubles partner Anna Siskova are doubles champions of the Open Arena Les Sables d'Olonne in France on Sunday, Feb. 22.

After reaching the quarterfinals of her singles run and making it to the finals of the doubles division, Lee, along with Siskova, claimed the doubles title after defeating Aliona Bolsova and Irene Burillo, 6-3, 6-3.

Currently, Lee is competing in the W75 Trnava which runs from Feb. 23 to Mar. 1.

Kohtaro trains with two U.S. pro clubs, chases pro dream

A boy from a small island has big dreams of playing professional soccer in the U.S. and he is now one step closer as Saipan’s Kohtaro Goto, captain of the 2025 U23 NMI National Team, recently had the opportunity to train with not one, but two professional soccer clubs in California.

Currently a 21-year-old senior at Soka University of America in California, where he has studied since graduating high school in 2022, Goto has dreamed of playing professional soccer since he was a child.

“Being able to play at the collegiate level coming from NMI was big and a huge step for me to grow not just athletically but academically as well,” the Marianas High School alumni said.

After honing his skills at home in Saipan—playing for local clubs and national teams—Goto built years of experience competing in AFC and EAFF matches. With graduation this May, he has stepped up his pursuit of a professional contract.

In January, he participated in trials with Orange County SC, which competes in the USL Championship. Just last week, he was invited to train and try out for Ventura County FC—formerly LA Galaxy II—at the MLS Next Pro level for a full week.

His head coach at Soka University, Shawn Beyer, who works with Orange County, helped connect him with the club for his first trial. “For my first trial experience, I was very nervous because you just see a whole bunch of players warming up—different ages, different levels—so it was nerve-wracking,” he said. “But once I got to really play my first game and get into it, it was just more fun.”

For the one-week trial with Ventura County FC, his assistant coach Alex Zotinca helped him secure the opportunity. That environment, he said, was completely different from anything he had experienced before. “The coaches were high level. They were always trying to get us to be sharp and really just be the best we can be,” he said. “I enjoyed it a lot.”

Training with both teams, he said, was a great experience. “Especially coming from Saipan, there’s no one that really talks about going to play professionally in the U.S.,” he said. “So for myself, that was already an accomplishment—just to go on trial with these clubs. For them to have me was a great opportunity to showcase what Saipan is made of and the athletes from there. To be able to represent Saipan in front of LA Galaxy was a great experience.”

As for his plans after graduation, he hopes to land a professional contract and said he is open to playing professionally anywhere. He has been emailing clubs in the U.S. and working with NMI head coach Atsushi Hanita to market himself to teams in countries such as Japan and the Philippines. The next few months, he said, will focus on securing a contract—potentially training in Japan this summer.

If a playing contract doesn’t come right away, he said he would like to get into coaching. He already has experience coaching the NMI Junior National Academy and the U17 National Team.

Community mourns baseball and softball legend Melvin W. C. Sakisat, 58

The CNMI baseball and softball community lost one of its most respected figures yesterday as Melvin Sakisat, a longtime athlete, coach, and umpire, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. He was 58.

Over the years, Sakisat built a respected resume in CNMI baseball and softball, competing in the Saipan Baseball League Open and Masters divisions, as well as in fast-pitch softball. Known as a consistent power hitter at the plate and a strong, reliable arm on the mound, he also stood out defensively in the field.

Following his return from military service, he remained active in the sport not only as a player but also as an umpire and occasional coach. In 2014, he served as assistant coach for the CNMI team at the Micronesian Games in Pohnpei and earned numerous awards throughout his playing career.

Tony Rogolifoi, another prominent figure in Saipan sports and a close friend of Sakisat who’s witnessed his outstanding performances throughout the years, described him as an all-around athlete and fierce competitor. Rogolifoi coached alongside Sakisat at the 2014 Micronesian Games.

“It’s a sad moment, and as a friend, we are extending our deepest condolences to Melvin's wife and kids. May he rest in peace,” Rogolifoi said.

Melvin’s first cousin, Bert Camacho, who’s also a prominent figure in softball, reflected on their early years playing together. “Growing up side by side, especially as first cousins who shared the same dirt fields and long summer days, creates a bond that’s hard to put into words,” she said. “We learned the game together, pushed each other, and built a foundation of discipline, joy and competitiveness that shaped who we became.”

She added, “Mel challenged you to be better, whether through friendly rivalry or encouragement. He made the game fun, even on the tough days. He showed what dedication looked like, not by talking about it but by living it.” Camacho added that Sakisat’s legacy was about more than just statistics with how he inspired and influenced people and the sport. “He represented the game with heart and integrity,” she said. “A legacy in sports isn’t about stats—it’s about the people you lift up,”

To his family, she said, “I’m grateful for every moment we shared, and I carry his spirit with me. I hope you can find comfort in knowing how many lives he touched.”

Camacho shared that during their game yesterday for the Belau Amateur Softball Association League, they held a moment of silence in his honor.

Froilan Camacho, president of the NMI Softball Association and also Sakisat’s cousin, called him a true sportsman who loved baseball and softball until his final days. “The community lost one of Saipan’s greatest players. We will miss him,” he said.

Before his passing, a softball tournament in his honor was scheduled for Feb. 23-27 at the Capitol Hill Softball Field but has since been postponed to a later date.

MCS girls undefeated in fastpitch

Dominant pitching by the Mount Carmel School Lady Knights powered them to their third straight win of the season with a 13-1 victory over Hopwood Middle School in the lone game of the PSS-NMISA Girls Middle School Fastpitch Softball League on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the Dandan Softball Field.

Edward “Shoomy” Arriola III signs to William Penn U

Edward “Shoomy” Arriola III officially signed his letter of intent on Friday, Feb. 20, to attend and play men’s soccer at William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa, marking a historic milestone for both himself and the CNMI soccer community.

Shoomy becomes the first goalkeeper from the CNMI to be recruited directly out of Marianas High School to play collegiate soccer in the United States.

Shoomy’s signing represents years of hard work and dedication to the sport, as well as the collective support of his coaches, teammates, school administrators, and the wider community. His journey highlights the growing opportunities for CNMI student-athletes seeking to compete at the collegiate level.

William Penn University, a private institution founded in 1873, competes at the NAIA level in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. The Statesmen men’s soccer program has earned national Top-10 rankings in recent years and has advanced to the NAIA National Tournament, making it a significant opportunity for a student-athlete from the islands to compete on a national stage.

560 and counting for Saipan Marathon 2026

Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands (NMI) — It’s over 560 registrants and counting for the 18th Annual SKECHERS Saipan Marathon, set to take place on March 7, 2026, in the Marianas. Registration rates will increase after Feb. 25 for the annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA), co-organized with Northern Marianas Athletics (NMA) as a certified measured course by World Athletics in cooperation with the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).

Runners are anticipated to gather on this small Pacific island representing countries and territories around the world, including China, Guam, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, the Marianas, New Caledonia, Serbia, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone from across the Marianas and our visiting athletes for Saipan Marathon, showcasing the best of our islands,” said MVA Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron. “We are deeply grateful to our title sponsor, SKECHERS, whose partnership is elevating the entire experience this year for our runners and community. Their support adds so much more to the event—from enhanced athlete amenities to an atmosphere that truly celebrates health, resilience, and the spirit of the Marianas. Whether you’re running, cheering for runners, or stopping by the business expo, let’s celebrate Saipan Marathon together on March 7!”

The first-ever Saipan Marathon Business Expo will be held on March 6 for the public at Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a partnership with the CNMI Dept. of Commerce featuring local businesses offering products, services, and experiences aligned with sports and health. With a new start and finish line at Paseo de Marianas in Garapan, this year’s marathon will return to its iconic Beach Road course, known for its gentle elevation changes and uninterrupted views of Saipan’s lagoon. 

Additional sponsors are Platinum Sponsor Coca-Cola/Powerade and Gold Sponsors United Airlines, Enterprise Rent-a-car, and Gold’s Gym Saipan.

Registration (Now–Feb. 25, 2026; registration deadline on March 4) (PR)