Its mission on the field accomplished, Bacolod Central Little League faces another challenge off the field: sourcing the money for its World Series campaign.

For now, however, the Bacolod softbelles just want to savor their triumph that once again underlined the Philippines' superiority in the sport in Asia-Pacific region. "We want to celebrate first and think about it (financial requirements for the World Series) in the next few days," Bacolod coach Lagrimas Ciokon told the DAILY STAR yesterday when the Bacoleñas shut out Guam, 13-0, in six innings to complete a sweep of their best of three series at the Rosario Sports Complex in Pasig City.

The Bacolod squad bombarded Guam with 12 hits, including two homeruns to follow up its 8-1 win in Game 1 Thursday.

Pitcher Analie Benjamin did the damage on the mound and on the plate, setting the tone for yesterday's rout with a three-run homer in the opening inning.

Cherry Ann Basco struck a two-run homer to highlight a four-run burst in the fifth frame that prevented the match from going the full route.

Ciokon said she is waiting for an appointment with Little League Philippines president Serge Bernal to discuss the sourcing of funds for the World Series set in August in Kirkland, Washington.

"It's a little problem that hopefully we could settle as soon as possible so that the team can focus on training," Ciokon added.

She hinted that World Series organizers in Williamsport, Pennsylvania may extend a financial aid of $10,000 for the Bacolod team. But we have yet to confirm their commitment, she said.

The Bacolod contingent needs an estimated P1.2 million for its US trip, Ciokon said.

Considering the quality of the opposition in the World Series, the Bacoleñas have stood their ground, taking second place last year in their Junior League debut, after back-to-back third place finishes in the Little League competition in Portland, Oregon.

This year, the Bacolod team --- composed of players from Education Training and Center School, Domingo Lacson National High School, St. Joseph's School-La Salle and Bacolod City NHS ---hopes it will finally emulate the feat of another Bacolod squad, Paglaum Village NHS, which brought home the World Series crown in 2003.

"The players are really committed and really want to go all the way this year" she added. *CPT

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Bacolod gains World Series