The Sports Leigh-Out: March 21-27

Hafa Adai yan Tirow sports fans, this is Leigh Gases bringing you Marianas Press’ weekly wrap up—the Sports Leigh-Out for the week of March 21-27.

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.

SSHS forces do-or-die final game against MHS

It was a Friday night to remember for the southside as Saipan Southern High School Manta Rays trounced defending champions Marianas High School Dolphins, 50-44, in the double-elimination finals at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The whole gym trembled with the intensity of the cheers from all sides as supporters from both schools filled the place with their screams, banners, and chants. It mirrored the intensity on the court, with MHS vying for the title that night and SSHS playing for a chance at a second and final game today.

The Manta Rays had the early advantage as they led the Dolphins, 14-7, in the first half, but execution from within the paint allowed MHS to bounce back and reclaim the lead later in the game. At the end of the first half, the Dolphins sat on just a two-point margin, 26-24.

MHS then maintained a 10-point advantage in the second half, thanks to back-to-back 3s by Kenny Laquian and contributions from Carl Sanchez that had SSHS reeling and barely holding on. However, MHS lost their groove, attempting too many 3-pointers that went nowhere, while the Manta Rays took advantage, chipping away at the lead with sure plays.

If it wasn’t a mad scramble before, it became one with less than five minutes left as MHS tried to regain control of the game and widen their lead. However, it was too little, too late. SSHS' momentum, drive, and determination for another shot at the trophy were fueled by their screaming supporters, who were all on their feet.

Time seemed to slow as the game clock wound down, but the action on the court never let up. Heman Addy turned the tables to retake the lead, and their defense didn’t allow another shot from MHS. Kian Helgen then took matters into his own hands, securing the final points with consecutive free throws to win by six.

Triple J donates $10K to support Team Marianas at the Pacific Mini Games

Triple J Saipan donated $10,000 to the Northern Marianas Sports Association to help cover the transportation and lodging expenses for Team Marianas as they prepare to compete in the Pacific Mini Games 2025, set to take place in Palau from June 29 to July 9.

Triple J chair Robert “Bob” Jones, Pilar Jones, and Triple J managers presented the $10,000 check to NMSA chair Jerry Tan, NMSA board members, and Team Marianas athletes at the Saipan Surfrider Resort Hotel in Chalan Kanoa last Monday.

In a press release, Bob Jones said, "Sporting events like the Mini Games foster regional friendships and promote goodwill. We are incredibly proud to support our athletes as they showcase their talent and dedication on an international stage. We also extend our gratitude to NMSA and its many volunteers, led by chairmanJerry Tan, for their tireless efforts in promoting sports across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota."

Triple J vice president Mike Sablan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the company’s longstanding support for the local sports community. "As a proud member of the Northern Marianas community, Triple J is honored to invest in the future of our athletes," he said. "This donation reflects our continued commitment to health, wellness, and sporting excellence in our islands."

Tan expressed his deep appreciation for Triple J’s ongoing support. "Bob Jones, the Jones family, and Triple J have been strong partners in advancing sports in the CNMI for many years," Tan stated. "We are truly grateful for their generosity, which will help ensure our athletes have the resources they need to succeed. Together, we are strengthening camaraderie, fostering sportsmanship, and building goodwill across the Pacific."

The Pacific Mini Games is a highly anticipated event that brings together athletes from across the region to compete at the highest levels. With the support of community partners like Triple J, Team Marianas is poised to make a strong showing in Palau and continue the tradition of excellence in CNMI sports.

Carol Lee wins 1st pro tennis tourney

The NMI’s Carol Lee recently turned pro and wasted no time finding success as she won her first women’s professional singles event—the W15 ITF tournament in Monastir, Tunisia last March 23.

The Georgia Institute of Technology Yellow Jacket alumnae had a great run in the finals against the Netherlands’ Isis Louise Van den Broek, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2. In the semis, Lee faced off against No. 1-ranked Sapfo Sakellaridi of Greece and pulled off an upset, 6-4, 6-3.

In February, Lee reached the semis in the W15 Sharm El Sheikh after she won all three qualifying matches. She now has a career-high Women's Tennis Association ranking of 1,231.

FMS redeems self with v-ball title

Francisco M. Sablan Middle School Napu Riders redeemed themselves after clinching the PSS-NMIVA Interscholastic Boys Middle School Volleyball League 2024-2025 title over Tanapag Middle School Tatagas last March 22 at the Marianas High School Gymnasium after falling short last season.

The Napu Riders were runners-up to Agape Christian School last season, but secured it all this season after an undefeated run in the playoffs. They were granted a one-set advantage in the best-of-five championship series over the Tatagas and swept the next two sets to claim the title.

The Tatagas put up a good fight in the first set against the dominant FMS lineup made up of Jairus Pangilinan, Dezmon Camacho, Robert Villagomez, Jean Paul Reyes, Vince Eusebio, Timothy Espiritu, Peter Santos, Germaya Sellem, Aiden Gimed, Dean Aldan, Anthony Aldan, Petler Fred, Tommy Moses, and Roque Pangilinan, but they were unable to lock it down and lost, 14-21.

The second set saw FMS with multiple aces from Pangilinan and hard-hitting, untouchable kills from Dezmon Camacho. The game went on late into the afternoon, but FMS finally put a stop to it, routing the Tatagas with a 21-9 set to claim the title.

Two 18-year-olds top 20th Golf tourney

Two 18-year-old golfers shut down veteran players in their respective divisions in the Northern Marianas College Foundation’s 20th Golf Open last weekend at the LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort.

In the competitive Championship Flight, Guam’s Stussy Shiroma drove his way to first place with the lowest total score from the two-day tournament of 147. On Day 1, he tallied an even par 36 in the front nine, while he picked up a one-over 37 in the back nine for a one-over 73. As for Day 2, he completed the front nine and back nine with a pair of 37s for a two-over 74.

Second to Shiroma was another junior golfer, the CNMI’s Zhi Li with a total of 148, while third was two-time defending champion Dominique Kieffer at 154.

Shiroma, who won the A Flight when he competed in the same tournament in 2022, said he wanted to compete again this year. With his first-place win again, he said the course this year was “good. It was pretty tough conditions but I managed to fight and win it.” His best hole, he said, was No. 5 where he shot an eagle in a par 5.

In the Ladies Flight, first place went to the CNMI’s Zhi Min Jin—who also won the event last year. She recorded a final total of 156 from a Day 1 total of 75 and a Day 2 score of 81. The Marianas High School senior accumulated 39 in the front nine and 36 in the back nine on Day 1, while she hit a 39 in the front nine and 42 in the back nine on Day 2.

Second to Jin was Guam’s Hyranie McAuslen with a final score of 156, and third went to Teresita Blair who also totaled 165.

In other results, first place in the A Flight was Stephen Gatewood at a total of 154; second was Kiwan “Michael” Nam at 163; and Peng Cheng Wu at 164.

As for the B Flight, Keith Kintol was first with 166, while second and third place Gerald Guerrero and Arvin Ogo both scored a 167.

In the C Flight, first place went to Jung Ho Lee at 163; second and third at 168 each was Chang Fan Cao and Kyle Hofschneider.

Joseph Sasamoto topped the Senior Flight at 149; second was his cousin Joe “Kamikaze” Camacho at 151; and third went to Mike Castro at 154.

And in the Super Seniors Flight, first place was Joseph Sablan at 161; second was Tony Satur at 169; and third was Richard Sablan with 170.

First place winners in the Championship, A, B, C, Senior, and Ladies Flights received $800, second place finishers received $500, and third place finishers pocketed $300.

Weights fly in NMI Local Weightlifting comp

The Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium was rocking from the heavy weights lifted and thrown down by 11 gravity-defiers during the NMI Local Weightlifting Competition 2025 last Saturday.

The differently weighted barbells lifted by each athlete represented their dedication, effort, and time spent in their respective sport, with the goal of showcasing their strength, mental and physical fortitude, and testing and pushing the limits of their bodies.

In the women’s division, 2024 Micronesian Games flagbearer and veteran weightlifter Antonette Labausa topped the two-person 77-kg category. She lifted a total weight of 169 kg from a best snatch of 75 kg and a best clean & jerk of 95 kg.

Meanwhile, fellow weightlifting team pool athlete Riella Ichiuo was right behind her with a total weight lifted of 163 kg. Her best snatch recorded was 73 kg, while her best clean & jerk was 90 kg.

In the 63-kg division, Pipit “Pip” Ball reigned supreme with a total weight lifted of 130 kg. She had a best snatch of 55 kg, while her best clean & jerk was 75 kg. Second place was Devine Pua at a total of 118 kg. She lifted a best snatch of 53 kg and a best clean & jerk of 65 kg.

Santos, Taflinger top Mangrove 5K

A couple of Saipan International School student-athletes were the fastest in the new Run Saipan Mangrove 5K course on the beautiful and winding Route 36 road.

Victor Nash Santos was the fastest overall with a time of 18:33, Landen Taflinger was second at 20:16, and Chad Taglinger was third at 24:17.

Addalee Taflinger topped the women’s division at 27:17, while Catherine Pan was second at 27:19, and third was Yuxi Zhang at 28:23.

In the male student division, Victor Neil Santos was first at 24:19, Ernest Licop placed second at 43:39, and Roonie Gil/Jihun Park came in together at 49:21. In the female student division, Jian Chun was first at 28:54, Kaylen Taflinger was second at 29:35, and third was Tae Hee Kim at 40:15.

Sweet Rolls defends Saipan Mayor’s Youth Softball Cup title

Sweet Rolls tasted the sweet taste of victory once again as they defended their title in the Saipan Mayor’s Youth Softball Cup at the Capitol Hill Softball Field last March 16.

They defeated Buck’em, in a huge blowout, 32-3 final. Third place went to Team By You.

Keahie Manglona was named the Male Championship MVP while Jayda Norita received the Female Championship MVP Award.

Joining the spotlight were Overall Female MVP Ry'ahnaQuitano, Overall Male MVP Marino Santos, and Homerun Derby Champion Marino Santos.

A total of nine teams participated in the event.

Credits: Edward Dela Cruz Jr. for the Run Saipan video and the Saipan Mayor's Office for the softball photos