The Sports Leigh-Out Sept. 20-26

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.

Bomba, Lady Starz, Angry Penne are 4 Starz Fall Fest champs

The volleyball scene was buzzing on championship day of the 2nd Annual 4 Starz Fall Fest Volleyball Tournament at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Saturday, and it didn’t disappoint as every final went down to the wire. Athletes, dripping with sweat and fueled by passion for the sport, pushed through late into the night as every bump, set, spike, and block carried the three championship games to their very last sets—each one close enough to go either way.

The men’s division champions were Bomba, who closed out the tourney late into the night with a five-set thriller over Hammahz, 25-22, 26-28, 20-25, 25-21, 15-11. Despite the late start and even later finish, the energy and intensity hit a boiling point—with loyal fans staying until midnight to catch every second of the action, their cheers becoming the soundtrack to the final showdown.

The reason the men’s final wrapped up so late was because the two prior finals were also nail-biters that stretched to the very last set. The women’s division championship was decided by a soft tip over the net, sealing the fifth set and the trophy for Lady Starz with a 23-25, 25-22, 27-25, 23-25, 15-13 victory over rival Kiss My Ace.

And in the brand-new co-ed division, Angry Penne served up the title in three sets over 4Starz, 18-25, 25-19, 15-13.

Rota’s Joaquin "Tun Kindo" M. Ogo Baseball Field renovated

In a social media post by the Rota Public Information Office, the Office of the Mayor of Rota, under the leadership of Mayor Aubry M. Hocog announced the completion of renovations at the Joaquin "Tun Kindo" M. Ogo (TKO) Baseball Field.

The project was finalized on Sept. 18 just in time to host the CNMI PSS Athletics Program's Boys High School Softball Tournament on Rota.

Hocog allocated lapse funding from her office budget to carry out the much-needed renovations and repairs. The TKO Baseball Field serves as the primary facility for softball and baseball games on the island, making these improvements an important investment in Rota's athletic and community life. Renovation efforts included: replacement of old fencing with new fencing, repairs and upgrades to electrical fixtures, installation of solar lighting, full water blasting, and repainting of the facility.

They gave special thanks to Arvin Ogo from Homeland Enterprise and Renee Batallones from United Equipment Rental for expediting the renovation of the baseball field. Special appreciation to Mayors cabinet members for their support. They also gave a big shout out to the DFEMS and MVA for helping with the water blasting and DCCA Sports Division in helping prepare the field to support the PSS Softball Games.

MCS golf tourney returns with high drama

The 2025 Mount Carmel School Golf Tournament teed off on Saturday, Sept. 20, at LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort’s East Course after a long hiatus, returning with high drama in the gross division as three teams finished tied at 9-under-par 63, forcing a sudden playoff on the 18th hole to decide the champions. Held to raise funds for the renovation of MCS facilities, the event drew strong community support with 104 golfers, and the competition did not disappoint.

After the dramatics, Joe Camacho and Harry Nakamura came out on top, while Ziekang Ma (Henry) and Qinao Liang (Henry) took second place, and Joseph Sasamoto and Marco Peter finished third.

In the Double Peoria system, the pair of Freddy Salavaria and Joseph Muna rose to the top with

a net score of 68.20, edging out father-and-son duo Joey and Kazu Dela Cruz, who placed second at 68.60, and Zhiyun Li and Franco Santos, who took third with 69.20.

The tournament also featured several optional contests, adding extra excitement across the course. Luther Taylor claimed closest to the pin on Hole #4, Peter Tenorio on Hole #6, Joseph Muna on Hole #11, and Harry Nakamura on Hole #15. Brian Camacho showed his power with the longest drive on Hole #18, while Qinao Liang (Henry) earned the aggressive drive award on Hole #8.

In total, the tournament awarded $5,050 in prizes, underscoring not only the competitive spirit of the event but also its festive return to Saipan’s golf scene.

Rain clears for International Day of University Sports

The 5th Annual International Day of University Sports (IDUS) at the Oleai Sports Complex on Saturday began with a light drizzle, but the showers soon passed, leaving an overcast sky as the backdrop for a lively morning of movement and connection.

Dozens of residents came out to take part, filling the track and field with activity. The morning had it all—spikeball, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, soccer, athletics, and basketball. The variety gave everyone, from casual players to competitive ones, a chance to jump in.

Off the field, the Northern Marianas College Nursing Club offered free health checks, reminding participants that wellness goes hand in hand with physical activity. Tables with giveaways—from water bottles and snorkel gear to paddleboarding certificates—added to the festive feel, with kids and adults alike walking away with prizes.

Internationally, IDUS is recognized by UNESCO and led by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) to highlight the role of sports and healthy living in higher education. In the CNMI, the day has grown into more of a community celebration—less about medals or trophies, and more about movement, connection, and getting outside together.

Hotshots win SMO/Hannam 3x3 Youth Basketball Tourney

Team Hotshots were the champions of the Hannam Supermarket/Saipan Mayor’s Office Sports after the 3x3 Youth Basketball Tournament at the Koblerville Basketball Court on Saturday.

Team Gremlins came in second place and Team Koolaid Jammers took third place.

There were 16 teams with kids between the ages of 14 to 18

Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho addressed the youth athletes before the start of the games, praising and thanking them for coming out and showing their support for youth sports as well as healthy and active lifestyles. He encouraged them to bond with their counterparts from different backgrounds and create friendships.