The Philippine women’s softball team got smashed by defending champion and top seed Japan, 0-4, as it absorbed its second straight loss in the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup in Lima, Peru on Thursday.

The Japanese made their presence felt in the first two innings of the match while denying the Blu Girls any opportunity to mount a comeback.

Okawa Mayu and Ishikawa Kyoko scored the first two runs in the opening inning thanks to a two-run batted in double by Yamauchi Saori.

Japan added two more runs in the second inning courtesy of Tsukamoto Hotaru and Nakagawa Ayane.

The Philippines previously lost to Venezuela, 5-8, last Tuesday.

Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president Jean Henri Lhuillier remains optimistic that the Blu Girls will bounce back.

“We always knew our path in this tournament would be challenging, especially against a team of Japan’s caliber. What encourages me is the heart and composure our Blu Girls continue to show, particularly the way they settled down defensively after the early innings,” Lhuillier said.

“Our focus now shifts to Puerto Rico, and I know our players will be ready to compete with everything they have.”

The Blu Girls are battling Puerto Rico and Great Britain as of press time as they seek their first win.

The top four teams in each group will advance to the playoffs, while the top two teams from each group will punch their tickets to the 2027 World Cup Finals in Redcliffe, Australia.