By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The Philippines succumbed to powerhouse China, 6-1, in the battle for the bronze medal in the Under-18 Women’s Softball Asia Cup at the Pingtan Softball Stadium in Fujian, China recently.
The PH softbelles, represented by top Bacolod players, fought hard by stretching the match into seven innings for almost two hours, but couldn’t outplay their fierce rivals.
With the defeat, the Filipinas lost their chance of claiming one of the three slots in the U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup Championship slated next year.
Still, PH team coach Sheirylou Valenzuela lauded her players’ efforts against their more experienced rivals.
“Despite being a school team from one school, we had a good run in the competition here. It was an invaluable experience for us, which will certainly make us a better team for the future,” she added.
Even Softball Asia President Datuk Low Beng Choo was impressed by the Filipinas’ resilience, adding that they have a good chance of playing in the World Cup as a “wildcard” entry.
“I am not promising anything, but if there is an opportunity for a wild card, I will fight for the place. The wild card place availability will only be known when the host country is determined,” said Low.
Meanwhile, Japan downed Chinese Taipei, 1-0, to capture the title.
