1st Ongiall Fast-pitch League starts

According to Ongiall president, Dwight Ngiraibai, the league is in its development stages and support from donors, sponsors, and teams have been crucial in the implementation of this year’s league, which began last Tuesday, August 5.Ngiraibai said that six teams have registered into the league.  Further, other interested teams have made inquiries but failed to meet the deadline of registration.  A schedule of games has been given to all registered teams. The six teams that have registered to play in the league are: NCQ (Ngaremlengui), Ngardmau, Salty Boys (Melekeok), Ngerchemai (Koror), Ngerbeched (Koror), and AQUA.According to the schedule, a single game is played at 7:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at Meyuns Softball Field.  Games that are postponed due to the weather or other circumstances will be played on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.“We are hoping to promote the game and in the process, elevate the level of our players,” Ngiraibai said. “We will keep and maintain a record for each of the players in the league and hopefully, the record will speak for each of them during the 2010 Micronesian Games.”Last night, the NCQ played its first fast-pitch game and despite losing to the Salty Boys, the Ngaremlengui team faired well.The Salty Boys, on the other hand, is said to be the team that all the other teams are gunning for.  During last night’s game, it easily defeated NCQ (5 – 3).Ngiraibai said that the games are fast paced, but are extremely exciting to watch.  He further added that everyone is invited to take part in the games and to cheer for his or her state’s team.“This is the beginning of a good thing, which we plan to continue developing until it becomes a regular part of Palau’s athletic sport pursuits,” he said, “and we need and appreciate all the support for its development.”