Blu Girls storm back

The Philippine national women's softball team secured back-to-back wins to enter the third-place playoff in the XVII Women's Softball World Cup in Italy last Tuesday (Manila time).

After losing their first three matches in Group C, the Blu Girls delivered a 5-3 win over New Zealand before defeating the Italians, 6-5, to stay alive in the tournament.

Currently, the Philippines is in fourth place with a 2-3 win-loss record but it was enough to vie for a spot in the third-place playoff.

The Blu Girls must win over the Italians, who they are playing as of press time, and beat the loser in the Japan-Canada match to earn a spot in the XVII Women's Softball World Cup Finals in Italy next year.

If the Philippines beat the Italians, it will have to dig deep against Japan or Canada to secure a spot in the finals.

The Canadians dealt the Blu Girls a 5-0 beating last 23 July.

The reigning Asian champion Japanese then whacked the Philippines, 13-0 on 24 July.

Regardless of the result, Italy has secured a spot in the finals as hosts and will be joined by defending champion United States, Puerto Rico, Netherlands and Australia with two more spots for Group C and a wildcard spot up for grabs.

Association of Amateur Softball of the Philippines Jean Henri Lhuillier lauded the national team's victories as he cheered for the squad as it vies for a spot in the finals.

"Congratulations, RP Blu Girls, on the sensational double victory against New Zealand and Italy in the Women's Softball World Cup! Your hard work pays off and we are filled with optimism for what's to come. Keep on shining," Lhuillier said.

The Philippines' highest finish in this tournament was third place in the 1970 edition in Osaka, Japan.