By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The Philippines eked out a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Czech Republic in the Under-15 Women’s Softball World Cup at the Komazawa Olympic Park Sports Complex in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday, Oct. 21.
Erica Arnaiz had a rock-solid performance at the mound where she struck 14 Czech batters and did just enough to survive their foes’ furious comeback in the bottom of the seventh and last inning to prevail.
The PH softbelles took a 1-0 lead on a Christine Angel Calaguas RBI (runs batted in) in the first inning, and followed it up with a sacrificial bunt from Jannel Santos that shoved Sheena Joy Capistrano in the second inning.
They took a 3-0 lead in the fifth inning with a home in the second and a run by Grazie Bayot via fielder’s choice in the third.
The Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Nationals hope to carry the momentum of their rousing triumph when they face the mighty Americans and the Ugandans in a tough double-header on Sunday, Oct. 22.
The Nina Serafico-mentored squad will then clash with Puerto Rico Monday, Oct. 23, and Brazil on Tuesday, Oct. 24, to close out is Group B elimination round campaign.
