By James Sablan
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
LOCAL ballplayers are set to collide this weekend as the 3rd Annual CNMI Softball Tournament transforms the diamond into a beacon of hope, alongside a Clothing and Canned Food Drive running from Friday through the weekend at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios and Miguel “Tan Ge” Pangelinan ball fields.
The highly anticipated three-day tournament will double as a large-scale relief effort, collecting clothing and non-perishable canned food items to assist families still recovering from the devastating impact of Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
While championship trophies are on the line, organizers say the true victory will be measured in community support. Players, families, and spectators are strongly encouraged to bring donations of gently used clothing and canned goods to the fields. All collected items will be distributed directly to affected households and local shelters through coordinated deliveries and door-to-door distribution efforts.
A total of 18 teams — 11 men’s and 7 women’s squads — will compete over the weekend. The tournament features a multi-tiered format beginning with seeding games on Friday at 7 a.m., followed by a three-game guarantee, double-elimination bracket that runs through Sunday.
The women’s division opens Friday morning with three key seeding matchups to determine bracket placement before teams advance into the main draw, where Lady Akkari awaits the winner of the opening round.
Friday seeding schedule:
7 a.m.: Lady Sufa vs. 670 Babes
8:15 a.m.: Quit Pitchin vs. Tipsies
9:30 a.m.: Lady Mixers vs. Lady Blue Jays
The 11-team men’s bracket is expected to produce heavy offensive action from the opening pitch. The tournament begins Friday at 7 a.m. with Da Aliens facing Ma’toka, while the Blue Jays loom as a potential second-round opponent for the winner.
Other notable Friday matchups include Riddim vs. Parre Pack at 10:45 a.m., and Fakamean vs. Skoba at 8:15 a.m.
Championship Sunday is scheduled to begin early, with women’s final rounds at 9:30 a.m., and both divisions expected to crown champions by Sunday afternoon.
Whether cheering for a favorite team or supporting relief efforts, the Tan Ko and Tan Ge fields will serve as the center of action this weekend. Fans are encouraged to bring gloves, energy, and most importantly, donations, as the community comes together to help Saipan recover and rebuild.
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.
