By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The Philippine Blu Girls showed resiliency and edged Ireland, 5-2, to clinch its first victory in the WBSC Under-18 Women’s Softball World Cup Group C stage at the Village Dallas on Saturday, Aug. 31.
Althea Palzario pitched a complete game for the Nationals, striking out 10 in seven innings while giving up eight hits and one earned run for their first win after dropping their first two games.
A pivotal moment came in the bottom of the third when Jiyah Caban turned a sharp line drive into an inning-ending double play, thwarting a potential big inning for Ireland.
The Nationals took control in the fifth inning by scoring three more runs and held on to that lead to prevail.
Prior to the triumph, the Blu Girls suffered a 6-4 loss to Mexico early in the day and were coming off a 7-4 defeat to Australia the day before.
But that did not dampen the spirits of the Nationals in facing the Irish.
Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL) President Jean Henri Lhuillier lauded the team’s efforts, saying, “I know these girls have the potential to go toe to toe against the best of the best, and they proved it again with their performance today.”
Up next for the Blu Girls are powerhouse United States, who remains unbeaten following a 10-0 blanking of Australia.
