Team CNMI defeated Guam, 8-4 for the gold medal last Thursday after making a come back versus defending champion Palau and host, New Caledonia.
“We are proud and happy. Our team worked hard for this. Despite being short-handed, we never lost sight of our goal, and never stopped working hard to achieve it,” expressed Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association president Michael White in a statement.
“The baseball gold medal is the first gold medal which the CNMI has ever won in a large team sport in the Pacific Games, and we beat the best in the Pacific. Thanks to all those who believed in us, and who supported team CNMI.”
The team – led by manager Tony Rogolifoi – kicked off to a good start after beating Palau, 1-0 in their opening game. They fell twice against New Caledonia, 2-3 and Guam, 5-6. They recovered on a 9-4 win over American Samoa and entered the playoffs with a close 2-1 victory over Fiji.
“The game against Guam is a big win for the CNMI. The team played extremely well against New Caledonia and Palau and carried on their winning streak,” said Rogolifoi in an email.
“The bats finally woke up during the playoffs, which I had anticipated after a dismal performance against Fiji.”
Rogolifoi lauded pitcher and former Big League player Joshua Jones for his performance after the Games.
“Thanks to our ace pitcher Josh Jones who pitched a gem in the championship and some outstanding defensive plays from the national team’s front nine. I will give credit to these fine players and especially our new ‘Iron Man’ Josh Jones for guiding the team to the gold. A job well done.”
The newly crowned champions included: Vicente Cepeda, Jerome Delos Santos, Franco Flores, Miguel and Jesus Iguel, Thomas Joab, Byron Kaipat, Keoni Lizama, Juan Maratita, Tyrone Omar, Manny Sablan, Craig Sanchez, Elton Santos, and Eric Tenorio.
Meanwhile, CNMI beach volleyball player Tyce Mister was impressed with New Caledonia during his stay.
“I thought New Caledonia did an outstanding job in hosting the games. One of the highlights was traveling to another island, Ouvea, for beach volleyball competition,” he told Variety.
“We had a wonderful welcoming of handwoven hats, serenading guitars, and a speech from the Chief. The venue was immaculate and extremely beautiful with a crystal clear sea beside the court. The people were warm and welcoming.”
Both he and partner Chris Nelson played their final game against the Cook Islands last Friday.
In golf, the CNMI was represented by Jess Wabol, Adam Hardwicke, Jeff Taylor, and Tony Satur.
In athletics, Rachel Abrams competed in the women’s 100-meter and 200m events. Douglas Dillay was entered in the men’s 400m and 800m while Trevor Ogomuro joined the long jump and 100m events.
The 14th Pacific Games ended with a bang after its closing ceremony last Sunday.
As reported by Radio Australia News, the closing ceremony “was not open to the public” because it was a “tribute” to the Games’ volunteers and athletes.
New Caledonia led the medal rally with 120 gold, 107 silver, and 61 bronze medals. Tahiti came next with 60 gold, 42 silver, and 42 bronze medals. Papua New Guinea trailed in third place at 48 gold, 25 silver, and 48 bronze medals.
