The Philippine women’s softball team opened its campaign in the group stage of the WBSC Women's Softball World Cup Group Stage with an 8-5 setback to Venezuela early Wednesday (Manila time) in Lima, Peru.
Despite the loss, the Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Blu Girls remained focused and determined to bounce back as they vie for a place in the 2027 WBSC Women's Softball World Cup Finals in Redcliffe, Australia.
The Philippines and Venezuela each collected 10 hits but the Venezuelans capitalized on two four-run innings to claim the victory as pinch hitter Diana Arcay delivered the decisive blow with a three-run home run in the top of the sixth inning.
Veronica Antequera drove in three runs and Yulexys Barrios added two RBIs for Venezuela even as veteran reliever Michelle Floyd earned the win after escaping a crucial fourth-inning threat.
Royevel Palma, who pitched for three innings, took the loss for the Blu Girls.
"We knew coming into this tournament that every game would be a challenge because we are competing against some of the best softball nations in the world," said Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (Asa-Phil) president Jean Henri Lhuillier.
"While today's result is disappointing, it does not define this team. The Blu Girls have always shown resilience in the face of adversity, and I believe they will respond with the determination and fighting spirit that have become their trademark. We still have everything to play for, and I have full confidence that they can bounce back stronger in the games ahead."
Angelu Gabriel led the Philippines with two RBIs on three at bats.
The setback puts greater importance on the Philippines' remaining four games in the group stage, beginning with a showdown against defending world champion and world No. 1 Japan on Thursday.
The Philippines will next face Puerto Rico and Great Britain on Friday and will close its group stage assignments against host Peru on Saturday.
The top four teams in each group will advance to the playoffs and the top two teams from each group will advance to the World Cup Finals in Redcliffe, Australia. Qualification carries even greater significance, as teams in the final round will earn a direct spot in the women's softball tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
