THE Philippine women’s baseball team finally steps onto the world stage, making their WBSC Women’s World Cup debut at the Asia-Pacific Secondary Field in Tainan, Taiwan, on Sunday.
It will be a baptism of fire for the Filipina batters, who open their group stage campaign against world No. 1 and seven-time reigning champion Japan at 2:30 p.m.
World No. 24 Philippines is not backing down from the challenge, though.
Team captain and second baseman Veronica Velasco believes the Filipinas have what it takes to challenge the defending champs.
“Our team is more than ready to compete this Sunday against World No. 1 Japan,” said Velasco in an interview with The Manila Times.
“We know we can go toe to toe with them, and we believe we are one of the teams to beat in the World Cup group stage. We have done all the preparation we needed, so now it’s time for us to give it everything on the field.”
After Japan, the Philippines will face world No. 12 Cuba, No. 2 Taiwan, No. 20 Great Britain and No. 5 Venezuela from Aug. 24 to 27 in that order.
The Filipinas need to finish in the top three of “Group Tainan” to advance to the final stage set for July 19 to 25 next year in Rockford, Illinois, United States.
Velasco, a former De La Salle standout, added that the Filipina batters are out to play loose, but at the same time, prove they belong on the world stage.
“We won’t think about anything else but playing with confidence, without pressure and enjoying every moment of the game,” said Velasco.
“We know what we are capable of, and we didn’t come here just to play. We came here to show the world how good Filipinas can be in baseball.”
Completing the Philippine lineup are Maria Christine Bautista, Angel Kaye Bedaño, Helga Campos, Ivymhel Capistrano, Shyla Mae Celis, Delyrose Covarrubias, Mharine Dela Cruz, Madaelene Domaug, Erika Fernandez, Martine Dominique Francisco, Cassandra Inot, Chastene Jover, Mae Langga, Jojielyn Lim, Mary Joy Maguad, Mary Nichole Padasas, Mery Ann Ramos, Jamm’n Joyce Rasco and Richelle Toledo.
