By James Sablan
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE Summer Strong Fastpitch Softball Tournament — a collaboration between the Public School System Athletic Programs and the Northern Mariana Islands Softball Association — has postponed its opening games due to weather.
Originally scheduled from Wednesday through Friday at the Capital Hill Ballfield, the three-day double round-robin tournament was set to feature top talent from the girls high school division. However, safety concerns over an approaching tropical system have taken priority.
Organizers had initially monitored Tropical Depression 08W, with expectations that the system would clear the area in time for the opening games and allow the visiting team from Tinian to fly safely into Saipan.
However, conditions worsened by Tuesday afternoon when Governor David M. Apatang declared Tropical Storm Condition 1 for both Saipan and Tinian.
Following the declaration, an official PSS memorandum canceled all summer school programs and activities for June 24.
With travel from Tinian prohibited under Condition 1, Athletic Program Director Nick Gross confirmed the postponement of the tournament rather than a cancelation.
Before the storm disrupted the schedule, teams were preparing for a competitive field featuring Marianas High School, Saipan Southern High School, Kagman High School and Tinian Jr./Sr. High School.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
