The Sports Leigh-Out June 20-June 26, 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.

Four-peat for Braves as they rally to Majors title

The Braves have continued to solidify their reign in the Majors Division of Saipan Little League Baseball with their fourth consecutive championship following the abbreviated 2026 season.

With a rainy start to championship round day on Saturday, June 20, the finals were played before the third-place game, with the Braves taking on the Dodgers. It was an epic comeback for the Braves, as down 0-4, they rose from the ashes to eventually clinch the title, 7-4, at the Miguel “Tan Ge” Pangelinan Softball Field.

The Braves put their rally caps on in the third inning, as Roque Camacho got things rolling with a walk before scoring their first run. The floodgates then opened as a rush of red uniforms bombarded home plate, taking advantage of Dodgers’ defensive mishaps. Dylan Barcinas, Nathan Nekai, D. Sablan, and Chance Reyes all scored as the Braves surged to a 5-4 lead.

The Dodgers managed to stop the bleeding, but their bats came up empty in the final innings. The Braves, on the other hand, added another run in the fourth inning through leadoff hitter Lennox Sablan to make it 6-4. Their final run came as Reyes scored again, giving the Braves extra insurance runs and led, 7-4.

In the Dodgers’ final at bat, the Braves made light work and got two easy outs. However, a shot to center field had Dodgers in scoring position at third base. But, facing the last batter, the Braves pitcher got the final out with a popup to short—handing the Braves the title.

The Braves lineup include Chance Reyes, Damian Sablan, Derrick Sablan, Dylan Barcinas, Jayden Basiou, Jesus Cabrera II, Lennox Sablan, Nathan Nekai, Nathaniel Neth, Roque Camacho, Sasuke Castro, and Sean Pierce Herman.

The Dodgers were Benz Santos, Carlos Rivera Jr., Desmond Babauta, Elijah Pelisamen, Jo’ell Herman, John Cabrera, Joshua McDonald, Logan Palacios, Lyle Muna, Quinton Muna, Rockson Cabrera, Vincent Castro, and Zachary Scaliem.

Third place went to the Cubs as they beat the Cobras, 11-3.

Read the full story on our website.

Isaiah transfers to NC State NCAA D1 swim program

NMI son and standout swimmer Isaiah Aleksenko, after two years competing at the NAIA level at Florida’s Keiser University, is transferring to North Carolina State University—an NCAA Division I program—this fall, after resetting and soaking up the summer sun back home.

After collecting many accolades such as NAIA Swimmer of the Year two years in a row and helping Keiser University to its sixth and seventh national championships, while breaking national, meet, and personal records—as well as gaining experience at the collegiate level—he is now ready to take the leap into a higher and different level of competition.

When he initially got accepted earlier this year, he said it felt amazing, as all the hard work paid off, and that he is very grateful for the opportunity. As a top-notch swimmer at the NAIA level, he had offers from multiple NCAA Division I colleges, but NC State was his first choice.

He had offers from Arizona State University, Florida State University, the University of Southern California, Auburn University, and others, but he said NC State and being part of the Wolfpack felt like the right fit. “I was more comfortable with the swimmers, the coaches—like everybody. I was really comfortable with them, and they’re really funny.”

NC State’s head swim coach Braden Holloway was the head coach for both the U.S. Men’s and Women’s teams at the 2025 World Championships and an assistant coach under head coach Todd DeSorbo for the U.S. Olympic team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. With that, Aleksenko said the program aligns with his goals of one day going to the Olympics.

On transferring to Division I, he said, “In D1, there’s a lot more competition, so I want to learn how to lose and learn from the people that beat me. It’s going to be a good experience for sure.”

His goals at NC State, he said, are experiencing new things, improving, and making new friends.

Read the full story on our website.

Saipan G-Rollers win first game in Mall Ball 3x3: Summer Circuit on Guam

Saipan G-Rollers won their first game in the Mall Ball 3x3: Summer Circuit on Guam last weekend hosted by the Micronesia Mall and Clutch Guam.

Listen to the full interview by MP contributor Eliseo Silverio III on our website, Youtube channel, and social media pages.

CNMI Majors and Junior League All-Stars in Korea for As-Pac/Middle East Regional Tourney

A 28-member strong team of Majors and Junior League All-Stars flew to South Korea on Friday, June 26 to participate in the Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Tournament from June 27 to July 3.

The Majors Division team is managed by Bobby Coldeen, with Brandon Lieto and Chuck McDonald serving as assistant coaches. The roster is composed of Jesse Reyes, Gavin Deleon Guerrero, Skyler Leon Guerrero, Madden Deleon Guerrero, Joshua McDonald, Legend Coldeen, Khoen Torres, Carlos Rivera Jr., Elijah Pelisamen, Quinton Muna, Landon Lieto, Wilson Aguilar, Scott Muna, and Jo'ell Herman.

Meanwhile, the Juniors Division team is led by manager Eric Palacios, with Kyle Hocog and Jesse Reyes as assistant coaches. Representing the team are Kaleb Reyes, Liam Sablan, Preston Santos, Aiden Lizama, John Damien Sablan, Trevor Manglona, Byron Cruz, Dayton Marchadesch, Lashawn Ada, Draw Nepaial, Eric Palacios Jr., Kai'po Camacho, Tiwsor Taisakan, and Tim Galvan.

Stay tuned for the results of their games.

Tania reflects on records, racing, and recovery

Before heading off again, track runner Tania Tan caught up with MP’s Leigh Gases at the Oleai Sports Complex during her summer visit home. She shares what she’s been up to—from competing at the Oceania Championships in Darwin, Australia, to recently setting a new CNMI national record in the 10K in Brisbane. She also talks about what it’s like returning home and shares a message for the community as it continues to recover from the typhoon.

Listen to the full interview on our website, Youtube channel, and social media pages.

Kurt sweeps Street Sessions at Capital Hill Skate Park grand opening

The skating community finally came together to celebrate the grand opening of the Capital Hill Skate Park under the Marianas Surf Skate League on Saturday, June 20. With the event already delayed due to Super Typhoon Sinlaku, it pushed through despite heavy morning rain, as skaters of all skill levels took part in the Game of Skate and Best Trick competitions during Street Sessions Vol. 2.

After plenty of shredding and landing difficult tricks, veteran skater Kurt Arboliras swept both events, winning the Game of S-K-A-T-E and the Best Trick competition. He claimed the Best Trick title with a backside 50-50 180 Out on the funbox obstacle. Competitors were given seven minutes to skate and land their best tricks throughout the park. They were allowed to use any obstacle—including the flat rail, circle rail, two funboxes, and quarter pipe—and were judged on the difficulty of both the obstacle and the trick performed.

Before the Best Trick competition, MSSL Skate Director and Acting Chair Tim Deleon Guerrero said it felt good to finally hold the event after the typhoon.

“We did run into some rain, but we’re happy that it cleared up and happy that the skaters showed out for this event,” he said.

As for having another skate park besides the main skate park in the Garapan/China Town area, he said, “We’ve actually been looking for a spot to create a skate park that can serve as a building block or foundation for new and beginning skaters to feel comfortable with the size and obstacles they’re working with. We understood that the Chinatown Skate Park is just too advanced for beginners, so we wanted an area where skaters can develop themselves, while intermediate skaters can also elevate their game with the obstacles here. It’s a mix of both worlds.”

On the turnout, he said they were happy to see new skaters showing up. “It’s really awesome to see and have the community be comfortable with each other, where we can grow and learn from one another,” he said.

He also thanked the MSSL, the Saipan Mayor’s Office, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and Mike Cruz for allowing them to paint the "Marianas Strong" mural in the parking lot.

Deleon Guerrero added that they plan to host more events and combine activities with the basketball, pickleball, and softball communities to “hopefully do one big shebang with everybody and keep this park alive.”

A forecast of running, jumping, and throwing

Running, jumping, and throwing was basically the forecast for the two-day NMA Open Track and Field Meet 2026 last Thursday, June 18, and Friday, June 19 at the Oleai Sports Complex, as over 70 participants braved the actual forecast of rain.

While Day 1 brought passing showers, Day 2 was as hot as can be, with competitors turning up the heat on both the track and in the field events.

National athletics coach Elias Rangamar said Northern Marianas Athletics runs the meet every year, and this one came after a shortened Public School System track and field season after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. And even with the track still showing some of the storm, athletes and volunteers pushed through. He said it was really about the community sticking it out and keeping the sport going.

He added the meet helps with funding applications for equipment and travel, and doubles as a way to spot new talent and keep the masters program active. The 100m races also doubled as a sort of tryout for the Oregon World Athletics U20 Championships in August. He also hopes there’s more events and competition leading up to the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti.

He then invited those who are interested to come and train. “Anybody out there that has kids who are interested in learning about athletics—this is the sport that is kind of like the foundation of every other sport—you run, jump, and throw. So yeah, we welcome everybody, and it’s free.”

On Day 1 in the 60m races, Angel San Nicolas won the Masters Men 30-34 division in 9.06 seconds, followed by Simon Necesito in 9.34. Christina Tudela took the Women 30-34 title in 10.70, while Raymond Santos ran 7.57 in the Men 35-39 division with Orrin Pharmin next in 8.09. Krista Hawley won the Women 55-59 category in 10.27, and Paul Khang topped the Men 75-79 division in 12.31.

The 100m events saw Simon Tang win the Open Men’s race in 11.68 seconds, ahead of Dave Odicta in 11.86 and Mokyang Kim in 12.47. In the Open Women’s division, Kaithlyn Chavez finished first in 13.44, with Iris Rasa second in 13.87 and Bianca Long third in 15.76. In the Masters 100m, Raymond Santos won Men 35-39 in 12.28, James Lee led the Men’s 45-49 in 14.03, followed by Ponce Rasa in 14.25 and Joel Phair in 14.44.

Read the full story on our website.

Saipan teams in Guam for week-long baseball camp

While the CNMI is seeing a downpour of rain and strong wind, the sun is out in Guam—and the Braves teams from Saipan are taking full advantage of a week-long baseball camp featuring coaches from Japan and Guam that began on Monday, June 22, until Friday, June 23.

Listen to the full interview on our website, Youtube channel, or social media pages.