The Philippine Blu Girls scored back to back wins against New Zealand and Italy to finish with a 2-3 record in Group C and earn a playoff spot for third place on Wednesday in the Women’s Softball World Cup at the Campo Comunale da Softball in Castions di Strada, Italy.
The Philippines lost its first three games in Group C against Canada (0-5), Japan (0-13) and Venezuela (1-5) but bounced back strong with a 5-3 win over New Zealand and a 6-5 victory over host Italy.
Japan and Canada ended up tied for first place with identical 4-1 records and will clash for the group C crown early Thursday.
Before the title match, Italy, which has a 3-2 card, and the Philippines will clash in a battle for third place.
The winner of the Philippines-Italy match will then face the loser of the Japan-Canada duel in the repechage.
"A sensational victory against world's number 8 Italy in the Women's Softball World Cup 2023 Group Stage," said Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president Jean Henri Lhuillier.
“I’m confident the Blu Girls can do it again in the battle for third place.”
This is the seventh time that the Blu Girls are competing in the World Cup since 1970 when they recorded their best finish at third place.
The team is composed of Glory Alonzo, Francesca Altomonte, Mary Ann Antolihao, Danica Aquino, Khrisha Genuary Cantor, Elise Dela Torre, Skylynne Ellazar, Ma. Angelu Gabriel, Nicole Adra Hammoude, Mary Joy Maguad, Ma. Celyn Ojare, Royevel Palma, Cristy Joy Roa, Ma. Charlotte Narces Sales, Alaiza Talisik, and Reyae Mae Villamin. Ana Santiago is the head coach, while her assistants are Venerando Dizer, Anthony Santos, and Raymundo Pagkaliwagan.