The Philippine Blu Girls successfully nabbed a playoff spot in the 2023 WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup after racking up wins against New Zealand and Italy.
The Pinays who fell in their first three games, finally found their footing and beat New Zealand 5-3.
They followed it up with a tight victory over hosts Italy, 6-5.
It was a dramatic bounce back for the Blu Girls, composed of Glory Alonzo, Francesca Altomonte, Mary Ann Antolihao, Danica Aquino, Khrisha Genuary Cantor, Elise Dela Torre, Skylynne Ellazar, and Ma. Angelu Gabriel, Nicole Adra Hammoude, Mary Joy Maguad, and Ma. Celyn Ojare, Royevel Palma, Cristy Joy Roa, and Ma. Charlotte Narces Sales, Alaiza Talisik, and Reyae Mae Villamin.
The Ana Santiago-led squad earlier lost to Canada, 0-5, Japan, 0-13, and Venezuela, 1-5.
“A sensational victory against world’s No. 8 Italy in the Women’s Softball World Cup 2023 group stage. I’m confident the Blu Girls can do it again in the battle for third place,” said Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president Jean Henri Lhuillier.
RP Blu, who posts a 2-3 record, and Italy, who is at 3-2, will be battling in the playoffs once more to determine the third placer in Group C.
Following this is the matchup between Japan and Canada, who both sit at the top of the standings with a 4-1 win-loss record, to determine the group’s champions.
The winners of the Philippines vs. Italy bout and the Japan vs. Canada match will then face each other in the repechage.
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