BACOLOD CITY – The Philippines, representing the Asia-Pacific Region, defeated the USA’s East Region, 3-0, to capture the 2023 Junior League Softball World Series title in Kirkland, Washington Saturday afternoon (Sunday morning in Manila).

The softbelles from Bago City, Negros Occidental gave the country its second championship in the girls’ 12-14 age bracket 20 years since a team from neighboring Bacolod City took home the crown.

“After countless hours of hard work and dedication, we have finally reached the pinnacle of success. It is a long-awaited victory that will be forever cherished by the entire country,” the Little League Philippines said in a statement.

Finishing only third last year, the Negrenses stamped their dominance this time, sweeping the first six matches to earn a ticket to the finals where they faced the team from Milford, Connecticut.

They scored a run in the second inning and pulled off two more in the sixth to clinch the title.

En route to the finals, they subdued District 9 Region (Washington) 19-0; Southeast Region (Florida) 4-1; Canada Region (Canada) 7-4; Central Region (Michigan) 10-0; West Region (Arizona) 4-0; and Southwest Region (Texas) 4-0.

Mayor Nicholas Yulo, who joined the team in Washington, lauded the players and the coaches “for a job well done and for the honor they brought to Bago City and the whole country”.

“Our world champions deserve no less than a hero’s welcome when they arrive. I have already instructed personnel to prepare for their homecoming. I am honored to have been a witness to this historic day. May your triumph inspire young Bagonhons to aim high and dream bigger,” he added.

The Philippine team is composed of Erica Arnaiz, Thereze Francine Fuentes, Ann Dyana Buenafe, Icelle Tanaman, Ashley Ortiz, Froline Manalo, Christine Jane Caracas, Daniela Bejos, Audrie Sarsona, Marie Antoinette Sicapore, Nice Lobrido and Casandra Sumatra, who are all students of Ramon Torres National High School.

They are mentored by coaches Rolando Fuentes, Leo Dayot, Sarah Caracas, Francis Fuentes, team manager Josie Sebunga and player advocate Yolly Sanchez. (PNA)

The Philippine team whoops it up after winning the Junior League Softball World Series on Saturday (Sunday morning Manila time) in Kirkland, Washington. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

In a remarkable victory, the Philippines achieved a 3-0 shutout against Milford, Connecticut, claiming the coveted title at the Junior League Softball World Series held in Kirkland, Washington on Saturday (Sunday morning, Manila time).

This marks the Philippines’ second global triumph in the tournament, with the previous victory occurring in 2003 when a team from Bacolod secured the championship.

Notably, a team from Norzagaray, Bulacan, made it to the finals in 2015 but narrowly missed the crown.

Represented by Bago City this time around, the Filipino contingent displayed their prowess by scoring a run during the second inning and further solidified their dominance by adding two more runs in the sixth, sealing their triumphant win.

Pitcher Erican Arnaiz emerged as a standout performer, striking out an impressive 15 batters and showcasing exceptional athleticism with a diving catch in the fifth inning, effectively thwarting Milford’s attempt to mount a comeback. (ai/mnm)

The Philippine women’s softball team put up a valiant effort but faced a tough defeat against Canada, losing 5-0 in an intense Group C match during the Women’s Softball World Cup on Saturday, July 22 (Manila time) in Italy.

Despite entering the tournament with high motivation and confidence, the 26th-ranked Blu Girls were outmatched by the 5th-ranked Canadian team.

“Our opponents were undoubtedly formidable and proved to be better than us this time. Nevertheless, looking ahead, the team has reevaluated their strategies and learned from their mistakes, which could potentially aid them in bouncing back against the remaining contenders,” stated Jean Henri Lhuillier, president and benefactor of the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (Asaphil).

Although facing this setback, the Blu Girls remain optimistic about their chances to advance in the next round. Their upcoming challenge awaits against No. 2 Japan, the reigning Asia Cup champion, at 11 p.m. on Sunday, July 23 (Manila time).

Group C comprises other formidable teams, including No. 8 Italy, No. 22 Venezuela, and No. 29 New Zealand.

This marks the Philippine Blu Girls’ seventh appearance in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) World Cup. Their best achievement to date was securing third place in 1970.

In Group A, held in Ireland, the defending champions United States dominated Great Britain with a resounding 7-0 victory in the final, while Australia outplayed Great Britain 4-1 in the repechage.

Meanwhile, in Group B action held in Spain, Puerto Rico secured a close 2-1 victory against China in the final, with China later suffering a 2-0 loss to the Netherlands in the repechage game.