Local Sports

THE NMI Women’s National Soccer Team concluded its run in the Women’s EAFF E-1 Football Championship Preliminary Competition 2026 on Sunday afternoon, suffering a 13–0 defeat to regional powerhouse Chinese Taipei at the GFA National Training Center.

Chosen to compete for Team CNMI are Mikayla Lopez, Chelsea Henzon, Joan Henzon, Ernie Henzon, Sean Ficke, and Richard Asuncion.

THE Madflex Invitational Basketball League 2026 resumed on Saturday, with New Summit riding a blazing first-half performance to secure a commanding 93–48 victory over Hybrid at the Agape Christian School gym.

THE NMI Women’s National Soccer Team officially opened its campaign in the Women’s EAFF E-1 Football Championship Preliminary Competition 2026 on Friday, taking on Chinese Taipei on Guam. Despite a 5–0 loss, the NMI side displayed resilience and determination throughout the contest.

THE 2026 SBA Budweiser Open 8-Ball League delivered another thrilling night of local cue action on Thursday, with Plumeria Division matches seeing Tom Yum Fighters and Last Shot Hobbies Chokie emerge victorious over their respective opponents at various venues.

The Madflex Invitational Basketball League resumed on Saturday, June 6, with games between New Summit and Hybrid, followed by MP Raiders and RedEye Rebel x Islander Rent-A-Car at the Agape Christian School gym. More details to follow.

Following joint confirmations from Badminton Oceania and the Northern Marianas Badminton Association, a lineup of consecutive tournaments will proceed as scheduled, marking a milestone for regional sports and the island’s ongoing recovery efforts.

IN a major milestone for the island’s post-typhoon recovery, LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort will officially reopen its fairways on Saturday, June 6, becoming the first golf course on Saipan to welcome players back since Super Typhoon Sinlaku swept through the CNMI.

  The NMI Women’s National Soccer Team left for Guam on Wednesday morning to take part in the EAFF E-1 Football Championship Preliminary Competition, where they will face Chinese Taipei twice — on June 5 at 7:15 p.m. and again on June 7 at 2:30 p.m. Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.

IN the world of sports, headlines are usually dominated by athletes who cross the finish line first, lift the heaviest weights, or score the winning points. But behind every champion stands a foundation built on decades of quiet, tireless dedication.