Bacolod: The Softbelles from Bacolod City and neighboring Bago City in Negros Occidental are representing the Philippines as contenders for Asia-Pacific in the 2025 Junior League and Senior League Softball World Series in the United States starting this weekend. The Bacolod City National High School team will compete in the Junior League Softball World Series in Kirkland, Washington from July 26 to August 3.

According to Philippines News Agency, ace pitcher Criszhiel Barlita from Barangay Mandalagan will lead the Bacolod team, which recently won a bronze medal at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, as they begin their campaign against teams from the West and Southwest regions at Elms Street Park in Seattle, Washington on July 27. Head coach Lizviminda Jalandoni expressed hope that her team can reclaim the World Series crown for Bacolod, which last won the title in 2003.

Meanwhile, the Bagonhon Softbelles are set to compete for the Senior League Softball World Series crown in Delaware from July 28 to August 3. The team consists mainly of students from Ramon Torres National High School and is led by pitching standout Erica Arnaiz. Many of her teammates were part of the championship-winning team at the 2023 Junior League Softball World Series in Kirkland, Washington.

The Bagonhon Softbelles earned their spot in the World Series by going undefeated in all six games at the Senior League Softball Asia-Pacific and Middle East Regional Tournament in Indonesia. Arnaiz, who achieved a record 85 strikeouts in 2023, earned a place in the Hall of Fame of the Little League international headquarters in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania.