Philippines misses podium in Women Softball Asia Cup

ThePhilippines bowed to Chinese-Taipei, 10-5, in the battle for third place in the Women Softball Asia Cup 2023 on Saturday at the Songdo LNG Stadium in Incheon, Korea.

The Philippine Blu Girls missed the podium finish in the battle for the bronze medal after squandering a four-run lead in the first inning.

It was still a solid finish for the Blu Girls, who formal- ly got the wildcard spot in the 2024 Women Softball World Cup after placing fourth in the tournament.

Chia Hui Ko blasted a tworun home run for Chinese Taipei in the fifth inning, a huge follow-up to a three-run third that enabled them to grab a 6-5 lead.

The Blu Girls are assured of a top four finish in the Asia Cup after host South Korea lost to Japan, 11-0, on Thursday.

The top three finishers in the Asia Cup will advance to the World Cup to be played in Dublin, Ireland, Buttrio, Italy, and Valencia, Spain. But a wildcard entry has been granted to Asia, with the fourth placer in the tournament getting that seat.

The Philippines lost to Japan, 9-1, on Friday but still ended at fourth place at the conclusion of the preliminaries with a 5-3 win-loss record, one game ahead of Korea.

“I’m so proud of these girls. They really trained hard for this and has fought with all their heart each game,” said Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president Jean Henri Lhuillier.

“This is huge accomplishment given that this is an All-Filipina team, the first in nine years. We at ASAPHIL will ensure that they get the preparations and exposure they need to be battle ready against the world’s best in the World Cup in July,” said Lhuillier.