Photo By Matthew Manning | Phil W. Eskew, second baseman for the MCB Butler team, keeps his eye on the ball and...... read more read more
Subscribe
CAMP FOSTER, Japan - Marines and sailors stationed in Japan fought for the title in the annual WestPac Regional Softball Tournament held on Camp Foster Aug. 8-12.
The teams taking part in the tournament represented Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, 3rd Marine Division, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, 3rd Marine Logistics Group and United States Naval Hospital Okinawa. With each team representing a different command, the stage was set for a very competitive week of games.
The tournament’s opening ceremony was led by members of Marine Corps Community Services and Sgt. Maj. Brent L. Cook, sergeant major, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.
Before the games began, teams held practices to ensure they were ready.
“I think that we had a good team this year,” said Julio L. Dominguez, right center fielder for the 3rd MLG team. “Before coming to the tournament we held tryouts for the team. There were a lot that showed up to the tryouts, and we took the top 15 players to come to this tournament.”
The first three days of games determined where each team stood for the double-elimination tournament held during the last two days.
During the tournament, it was clear that each person setting foot on the field was determined to ensure their team came out on top.
“It is amazing how much the team expects from you,” said Francisco M. Poo, second baseman for the 3rd MLG team. “It is not just about me or how well I can do. It is about the team and what we can do together.”
Each player was determined to win, leading to several spectacular plays. From line drives and home runs to strikeouts and double plays, each team’s competitiveness reflected their resolve to take the first place trophy.
“We had one player make a diving catch to get us the game-winning out,” said Gary W. Connors, the pitcher for the MCB Butler team. “Even though we have been playing pretty well so far, ultimately this is a team sport. It doesn’t matter how good one person is; teamwork is what will determine the winner of the final game.”
The championship game came down to a final showdown between the teams from 3rd MLG and MCB Butler. The teams played each other twice before the final game, with each team taking one win.
Both teams played hard to make it to the championship game. The teams were ranked third and fourth at the start of the double-elimination tournament.
“We had a good start the first day of the week,” said Dominguez. “The following two days we did not play as well, and we lost three games.
That ranked us fourth in the double elimination. Since then, we have been undefeated.”
At the end of the final game, 3rd MLG beat MCB Butler by two runs. This was the second year in a row they have won the West Pac Regional Tournament.
“This is what we were able to accomplish by how well we worked together,” said Poo after 3rd MLG won the final game.
Though the tournament was long, the players gained energy from each other.
“I was inspired by the team to keep going and keep playing,” said Poo. “We all relied on each other, and we were able to finish first.”
After the tournament was over, players from different teams were seen talking and joking with one another.
“I have been playing in regional tournaments like this for the past six years,” said Connors. “One thing that I love about events like this is the camaraderie that you get with everyone. Between your teammates and even the other teams, everyone is able to come out and have a great time.”
| Date Taken: | 08.08.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 08.18.2011 21:01 |
| Story ID: | 75596 |
| Location: | CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 77 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 3rd MLG claims victory in softball tournament, by Matthew Manning, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
