By Jonathan V. Perez
Variety News Staff

THE defending Majors division champion Patriots will have a new sponsor when the Saipan Little League opens its season on Feb. 11.
Patriots’ manager Thelma Mizer said Joeten Motors, the teams’ sponsor for the past two seasons, begged off this year due to the current economic slump.
Mizer was saddened with Joeten’s pullout but understands the company’s situation in the current economic situation.
She said Joeten Motors would be willing to support them again in the future.
With Joeten pulling out, SaipanCell, through Joe Guerrero, stepped in to sponsor the Patriots this season.
Despite missing five players, including the hard-hitting Anthony Salas who moved up to the Junior League, the Patriots are poised to win their second-straight title with nine players returning to suit up for the squad.
Mizer, in an earlier interview, said though it will be a big task to fill the void left by the five players who moved to the Junior league they will still try their best this season.
She said they are training a lot of potential players so when the season starts they can play at their best.
The Patriots, finished sixth in 2005 and went 21-0 last season completing their amazing run with an 11-7 triumph over the Tanapag Braves.
Tony Salas let his bat do the talking while Brian Camacho pitched a complete game in helping their team to victory.
The Patriots crushed the eighth-ranked As Matuis Twins, 28-3, and Kagman 1-2-3, 16-2, in the playoffs then eliminated the 2005 champion Hustlers, 5-2, in the semifinals.