The Philippines ended its campaign winless in the XVI World Baseball & Softball Confederation Men’s Softball World Championship 2019 in Prague, Czech Republic.
The Blu Boys, ranked 17th in the world, bowed to Mexico Thursday night, 2-12, and finished at the bottom in Group A.
Although Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president Jean Henri Lhuillier was not expecting the Blu Boys to advance in the quarterfinal round of this prestigious tournament that gathered 16 of the world’s top softball nations, the long-time softball patron is hoping this experience would be a big part of the team’s learning curve.
“The results may be disappointing to sports fans like me but that is exactly what we need to emphasize the need to address the further development of softball in the country,” Lhuillier said.
“We now know that the Blu Boys need to focus on the skills level for us to be able to match up with the world’s premier teams. At the same time, we plan to work on developing our coaches’ skills,” he added.
Advancing to the quarterfinal round are Asian champion Japan (7-0), Argentina (6-1); defending champion New Zealand (4-3) and host Czech Republic (3-4) from Group A and Canada (7-0); Australia (6-1); USA (5-2) and Venezuela (4-3) from Group B.
“We go home with unbowed heads and the determination to do better. We remain steadfast in our belief that Philippine softball can and will get better in the future but only if all of the stakeholders get together and do their respective roles. ASAPHIL is committed to do just that,” added Lhuillier, who was in Prague to personally support and cheer for the Blu Boys.
Early this week, Lhuillier met with Andrea D’Auria, a member of the WBSC Coaching Commission, and described the meeting as “helpful for the further development and growth of both the Blu Boys and the Blu Girls.”