CHOLOS Familia continues their rise to the top in the Masters Division of the 2025 Budweiser Belau Amateur Softball Association League after slipping past Peliliu, 14-13, earning their ninth win of the season Sunday at the Dandan ballfield.
Both teams came out swinging, filling the opening inning with a handful of runs.
In the top half, Peliliu aimed for the fences — and succeeded — as they brought in five runs, highlighted by Jude Dickenson’s 3-run homer, to snatch the early lead.
In the bottom half, Cholos fought back with a series of singles turned into four runs, led by Lee Monkeya, Kelvin Fitial, and Leo Bobai, each earning an RBI to trail closely, 5-4.
Peliliu carried their momentum into the second inning, excelling on both ends of the field. Offensively, they continued to showcase power with Ben Hocog connecting on a three-run homer, followed by a two-run blast by Dickenson, adding six more runs. Defensively, they silenced the Cholos bats, allowing only one hit before collecting the three outs needed to maintain an 11-4 lead.
But over the next three innings, Peliliu suddenly fell into an offensive drought, managing just one run in the top of the fourth. Cholos gradually found their second wind, scoring seven runs — four of them off bases on balls — to close the gap, 12-11.
Peliliu tried to rebuild their lead with a solo run in the top of the sixth, but Cholos answered with a solo run of their own in the bottom half to stay within striking distance, 13-12.
In the seventh and final inning, Cholos held Peliliu scoreless, stranding a runner at second base after collecting three quick outs. In the bottom half, Cholos thrived at the batter’s box, with Dan Joab and Fitial turning singles into RBIs to bring in the two runs needed for a walk-off victory, 14-13.
Winners, too
Also joining the winners’ circle were Asahi with a 25-5 win over SUFA; Eagle Rays outscoring Hagu Lamun, 15-5; and Tokahao triumphing over Whass Up, 20-6.
Cholos Familia’s Pete Lizama hits a single during a game in the Masters Division of the 2025 Budweiser Belau Amateur Softball Association League at the Dandan ballfield.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Cholo Familia’s Dan Joab stretches to catch a flyout during a game in the Masters Division of the 2025 Budweiser Belau Amateur Softball Association League at the Dandan ballfield.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
