The Sports Leigh-Out July 4-10, 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.

Azzy: Whatcom bound, NCAA focused

From the CNMI to Washington state, multi-sport athlete Azriel “Azzy” Fatialofa is looking forward to college basketball, elevating her game, and eventually returning home to represent the islands again.

She and her family are relocating to the mainland tomorrow, Saturday, July 11, with the Saipan Southern High School Class of 2026 graduate committed to Washington state’s Whatcom Community College, where she plans to study either psychology or physical therapy.

The 18-year-old said her coach at Whatcom runs a development program, which Fatialofa hopes to improve her game there and eventually get scouted to an NCAA Division III or even Division I basketball program.

With the big move ahead, Fatialofa said she has been feeling a mix of emotions. As the only one among her sisters who was born and raised on Saipan, she admitted she has some nerves about leaving home.

“I would say with the nerves, I’m also really excited for new opportunities and just to help improve my basketball skills,” she said. “I’m also not that sad because, of course, I can always come back the following summer. I still plan to represent our islands in upcoming competitions and come back for the friends and family that I have here.”

Sports have been part of Azzy’s life since she was young. Because of her height, she was encouraged to play sports, but basketball became her passion after joining the CNMI women’s national basketball team at just 12 or 13 years old.

Since then, she has represented the NMI in both basketball and volleyball, competing in Guam, then the Marshall Islands during the 2024 Micro Games for basketball, and in Palau during the 2025 Pacific Mini Games for volleyball. She said those opportunities helped her grow both on and off the court. “I’m grateful just to be able to make these teams and to travel to all these places that I’ve never been to before, and to be able to represent the island as well,” she said.

Fatialofa was also named the Female Athlete Award recipient for her graduating class after helping lead Saipan Southern High School’s basketball team to a three-peat championship. She was also part of the school’s volleyball, track and field, va’a, and soccer teams.

Read the full story on our website.

Int’l badminton tourneys to push through after two super typhoons

Despite the CNMI being hit by two super typhoons in the span of just about three months, Saipan is pushing through on hosting three international badminton tourneys for the fourth straight year this summer—the YONEX Northern Marianas Open, CROWNE PLAZA Saipan International, and the inaugural Oceania Masters in Paradise at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Northern Marianas Badminton Association president Merlie Tolentino told Marianas Press that they are grateful the tournaments are still moving forward after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi.

While Bavi spared Saipan from a direct hit earlier this month, Tolentino acknowledged the devastation in Rota and said, “We are saddened that our neighboring island of Rota was badly affected. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Rota, and we continue to pray for their fast recovery.”

Tolentino, on pushing through with the tourneys, said NMBA was encouraged by the commitment shown by participating countries, many of which chose to continue with their travel plans despite the storms. "We have confirmed close to 250 players, coaches, and badminton officials from more than 20 countries who will participate in these three events. Most of them will be staying in the Northern Mariana Islands for about two weeks. We are truly thankful that our participating countries remained committed and did not cancel their flights to Saipan."

Beyond the competition, she said the tournaments will help bring the community together as the islands continue to recover from the storms. "Although our island is still recovering, we are happy that the Northern Marianas Badminton Association is able to host an international sporting event that brings a sense of normalcy, hope, and excitement to our community." She also said that the events can benefit hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, and other local businesses.

She added, "We believe sports have the power to bring people together, especially during difficult times. We remain hopeful that, together, we will recover, rebuild, and come back stronger and better."

She then thanked the Northern Marianas Sports Association for its continued support and helping them honor their commitment to their international badminton partners, along with sponsors, volunteers, and everyone working behind the scenes to make the events possible.

The YONEX Northern Marianas Open is scheduled for July 14-19, followed by the CROWNE PLAZA Saipan International from July 21-25. The inaugural CROWNE PLAZA Oceania Masters in Paradise is the last tourney from July 29 to Aug. 4.

The tournaments mark the fourth straight year Saipan has hosted international badminton events. The YONEX Northern Marianas Open and CROWNE PLAZA Saipan International are Grade 3 events on the international circuit and offer Badminton World Federation world ranking points.

National record for Tania in the half-marathon at Oceania Champs

CNMI’s Tania Tan raced off with a bang on July 4, setting a new CNMI national record in the half marathon with a time of 1:20.13 during the Oceania Half Marathon Championships and Gold Coast Marathon in Queensland, Australia.

While the Marianas were preparing for and hunkering down ahead of Super Typhoon Bavi over the weekend, Tan was racing to another national record, shaving about eight minutes off her previous mark of 1:28.40, which she set in the 2025 Palau Pacific Mini Games.

With a flatter course than Palau's hilly terrain, Tan ran faster and, for the first time, competed in a half marathon on fresh legs.

"I was really excited to race!" she said. "I had never raced a half marathon on fresh legs. I've only ever raced it at the Games after running a 5K and 10K back-to-back, lol, so I was excited to see what I could run."

The weather also worked in her favor, as she said it was a calm and cool morning.

As for whether she achieved her goal in the race, Tan said, "I actually didn't achieve my 'A' goal. Deep down, I wanted to break 1:20 and just fell a few seconds short. But that's what's motivating me for next time, and I'm already looking forward to the next opportunity to race a half marathon. Overall, though, I'm still very happy with my time because I never imagined running a 1:20, let alone almost breaking 1:20!"

For now, Tan said she has no other races planned and is focusing on rest and recovery.

Her message to the CNMI as residents braved yet another super typhoon in about three months was heartfelt. "I hope everyone back home is doing okay. I've been keeping track of the news, and it just hurts my heart to see everyone back home suffering again… Many people who don't live in the Pacific Islands say that climate change isn't real, but it most definitely is."

BASA season continuation pushed back again

Due to Super Typhoon Bavi, the Budweiser Belau Amateur Softball Association league was postponed for a second time, after it was also delayed by Super Typhoon Sinlaku. New dates for the continuation of the tournament have yet to be announced.

4Starz grass v-ball tourney postponed

4Starz Marianas was supposed to host a grass volleyball tournament on July 25-26, but have postponed it due to Super Typhoon Bavi. New tournament dates have yet to be determined.