Baseball is Back in Belize!

Good evening, Belizeans near and far, at home and abroad. Welcome to another scintillating session of Belizean sporting excellence we call Sports Monday.

 

We begin in Sandhill where, for the first time in more than four decades, the crack of the bat echoed across a Belizean baseball field marking the long-awaited return of adult baseball to the country. The historic series featured international visitors The Irish of Mexico, regional rivals Guatemala, and Belizean representatives SJC Vipers and Young Legends, in a four-game showdown that blended nostalgia with high-level competition.

 

 

 

In the opening game, The Irish made an immediate statement, shutting out Young Legends in a dominant six-nil victory. Pitcher Fernando Zarate controlled the mound from start to finish, earning the win, while Young Legends’ Nava Jr. Harold took the loss. Game two delivered drama and intensity, as Belize’s Black Vipers edged out Guatemala in a thrilling four-three contest in extra innings. Kobe Castellanos picked up the win for the Vipers, while Guatemala’s Abel Juarez was charged with the loss. Guatemala tried to bounce back in game three, with Young Legends responding in style, defeating Guatemala five-two behind a strong outing from Joshua Choc, who earned the win. Guatemala’s Jeremy Siles took the loss as Young Legends showed resilience and growth.

 

 

Then came the championship game and it belonged to The Irish. In a stunning finale, the Mexican side overwhelmed SJC’s Black Vipers with an emphatic eighteen-nil victory, sealing the championship in dominant fashion. Alejandro Gomez was lights-out on the mound for The Irish, while Castellanos took the loss in the title game. Congratulations to the organizers of the event. After a weekend like this, many are hoping it’s here to stay.

 

 

 

 

Moving on to the pitch, it was a day of goals, grit, and girl power as the Belize District Under-fifteen Girls Football Championship rolled into the semifinals and two teams made loud statements that they are ready for the big dance. The semifinals of the Belize District U-15 Girls Football Championship delivered fireworks on Saturday as Elite FC and Royal Fusion FC booked their spots in the finals with commanding victories. At the Berger Field, Elite FC put on a clinical performance, dismantling Leaders of Tomorrow by a six-nil margin. From the opening whistle, Elite FC controlled possession and capitalized on every opportunity in front of goal. Riyanah Brown opened the scoring early in the fifth minute, setting the tone for what would be a long afternoon for Leaders of Tomorrow. Aisha Reyes followed up with a brace, while Camryn Henry added her name to the scoresheet for a hat trick as Elite FC showed depth, discipline, and deadly finishing. The defense stood tall, the midfield dictated the pace, and Elite FC never took their foot off the gas for a complete team performance from start to finish.

 

Meanwhile, in the second semifinal, it was an absolute goal fest. Royal Fusion FC dominated KP Strikers, cruising to a ten-nil victory in a one-sided encounter that showcased attacking brilliance. The star of the show was Amina Burgess, who delivered a sensational performance, netting six goals in a relentless display of speed, skill, and composure. She was well supported by teammates Maleah Bladen, Jocelyn Zuniga, and Shaquila Reynolds, as Royal Fusion FC overwhelmed their opponents with wave after wave of attacks. With quick passing, sharp movement, and ruthless finishing, Royal Fusion left no doubt about their championship intentions.

 

 

With those emphatic wins, Elite FC and Royal Fusion FC now advance to the Belize District U-15 Girls Final, setting up a mouth-watering clash between two of the most dominant teams in the competition. One thing is certain if the semifinals are anything to go by, football fans are in for a thrilling finale this weekend.

 

Well, that’s all we have for you this week. Until next time, remember that friendly competition unites and balling is life, so KEEP BALLING BELIZE!