GREAT BAY--The St. Maarten U12 Girls Softball Team delivered a strong performance at an international tournament in Guánica, Puerto Rico, reaching the semifinals and demonstrating the continued growth of youth softball on the island.
The team entered the tournament determined to improve on its 2025 performance and compete for the championship. Although the title remained out of reach, the girls exceeded expectations with a semifinal finish after four days of competition marked by resilience, teamwork and sportsmanship.
St. Maarten opened the tournament with a commanding 6-1 victory over host team Guánica. Rachelly Salome-Guillen delivered an outstanding pitching performance, recording an impressive number of strikeouts, while the team produced a confident offensive display to make an immediate impact.
On the second day, St. Maarten faced Mexico in a crucial crossover matchup. The team applied pressure from the opening inning and built an early lead, while Kayleigh Heinze held Mexico scoreless through the first three innings. Mexico mounted a late comeback, but St. Maarten remained composed and secured the victory to qualify for the semifinals.
The team then faced Brazil on the third day of competition. After falling behind early, St. Maarten battled back to level the score. T'iana Beauperthuy-Richardson pitched a solid game, but several defensive errors allowed Brazil to secure the win.
In the semifinal, St. Maarten met Guayama, Puerto Rico. The girls entered the game with determination and energy, while Salome-Guillen again worked hard in the pitching circle. Guayama, however, capitalized on its opportunities and advanced to the championship game.
Several St. Maarten players also received individual recognition for their performances. Jasmine Brito Halley earned a Best Outfielder Award for left field, while Radhika Gurbaxani Pinedo, T'iana Beauperthuy-Richardson and Brito Halley were recognized as St. Maarten’s best batters.
Special recognition was also extended to Salome-Guillen for her dominant pitching in the opening victory over Guánica and to Heinze for her performance against Mexico, which played a major role in securing the team’s semifinal place.
The St. Maarten Sports Federation congratulated the athletes on their successful tournament campaign and praised the St. Maarten Little League Association, the St. Maarten United Softball Association, and the St. Maarten Baseball and Softball Federation for their continued commitment to developing young athletes and creating opportunities for international competition.
The federation also recognized the coaches, volunteers, parents and supporters whose time, encouragement and dedication helped make the tournament experience possible.
The team’s semifinal finish represents an important milestone for youth softball in St. Maarten and another step forward in the development of a program that continues to prepare young athletes to compete on the international stage.
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