THE Philippine women’s softball team rebounded from its opening game setback to powerhouse US as it stunned world No. 4 Australia, 7-5, in the World Cup of Softball XII at the Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame Complex Field 4 in Oklahoma City Wednesday.
The Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Blu Girls took charge right in the first inning with Arianne Vallestero’s coming through with three RBIs and Fil-Am Dani Gilmore scoring on a solo home run.
Kailey Cuico then stepped up in the second frame, doubling off to drive in three runs and anchor the Blu Girls’ surprise victory following a 0-4 loss to the Americans in the first session.
“The Blu Girls are off to an impressive start with all the training and preparations showing this early. I believe we have what it takes to come up with our best ever finish in the World Cup with an eye on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics,” said Asaphil president Jean Henri Lhuillier.
But the 17th-ranked Blu Girls will have to dish out their very best as they slug it out with world’s No. 1 Japan Friday. They will next face world’s No. 3 Canada then mix it up with the seventh-ranked Puerto Rico in the annual competition sanctioned by the World Baseball Softball Confederation.
They set out Saturday and Sunday against the US Junior Women’s national team and No. 10 Mexico.
The Blu Girls are composed of Gabrielle Maurice, Dani Gilmore, Chelsea Suitos, Sierra Lange, Garie Blando, Hailey Decker, Skylynne Ellazar, Kailey Cuico Riflayca Basa, Angeli Ursabia, Mary Luisse Garde, Cristy Roa, Dione Macasu, Francesca Altomonte, Arianne Vallestero, Ma. Celestine Palma, Lorna Adorable, Shaira Damasing, Mia Macapagal, Reese Guevarra, Riezel Calumbres, Lovely Arago and Lyca Basa.