Filipina softbelles known as the RP Blu Girls flashed their unyielding tenacity and unwavering spirit and left spectators and rivals in awe as they clinched electrifying back-to-back victories at the 2023 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Women’s Softball World Cup group stage. Their commendable performance uplifted Filipino pride across the globe and propelled the team towards the high-stakes rematch group playoffs to bid for a spot in the World Cup finals.
The RP Blu Girls ranked World No. 26, transcended their Wild Card status to mark a new chapter in their sporting journey at the vibrant Campo Comunale da Softball in Castions di Strada in Italy. Following a challenging start that saw the team lose their first three Group C pool games and a bottom rank with a 0-3 win-loss card, the Philippine Women’s National Softball Team pulled off a thrilling victory against the No. 29 ranked New Zealand team, 5-3, on July 25.
Filipina softbelles RP Blu Girls deliver back-to-back wins at World Cup with a routing of New Zealand @ASAPHILsoftball @WBSC https://t.co/76O11NWvqf
— GoodNewsPilipinas.com (@GoodNewsPinas_) July 29, 2023
An hour later, an epic match against World No. 8 Italy— a game suspended the previous day due to poor weather—commenced. With the score knotted at 1-1 and their hopes of progressing hanging in the balance, the Blu Girls regrouped and returned to the field, their focus sharper than ever. What followed was a masterclass in resolve and skill, as the Philippine team sent shockwaves through the stadium by outplaying the host Italians in a breathtaking walk-off victory, 6-5.
WATCH our Filipinas beat top-ranked Italy at the 2023 Softball World Cup! From the bottom of the standings, RP Blu Girls climb ranks after first win in the group stage @ASAPHILsoftball @WBSC https://t.co/J5P6Df48hV
— GoodNewsPilipinas.com (@GoodNewsPinas_) July 29, 2023
The climactic moment arrived at the bottom of the seventh inning. With Italy holding a precarious 5-4 lead, MJ Maguad and Nicole Hammoude took their places on the bases following a hit and a walk. Enter Alaiza Talisik, who shot a swift single, followed by a crucial error from Italy’s second baseman, Andrea Filler. This unexpected turn of events allowed Maguad to score from second base, bringing the score to a heart-stopping 5-5 tie.
With only one out and two runners eagerly awaiting at scoring positions, Italy’s head coach, Federico Pizzolini, made a strategic decision to intentionally walk Blu Girls’ first baseman, Elsie Dela Torre. As Angelu Gabriel stepped up to bat, a hush fell over the stadium. In a move that sealed their fate, Gabriel struck a ball straight to pitcher Christina Toniolo, who could not make the throw in time to catcher Marta Gasparotto as Hammoude slid in for the triumphant win.
After their awe-inspiring victory over Italy, the Philippines finished fourth with a 2-3 win-loss record. Their remarkable journey didn’t end there as they readied themselves for the third-place playoff against the host nation, Italy.
Highlights from the Blu Girls’ stellar performances included Hammoude’s powerful over-the-fence home run against New Zealand—the first for the Philippines in the tournament—and Angelu Gabriel’s three runs-batted-in. Furthermore, Kikay Palma’s formidable control of the final four frames against New Zealand ensured the Philippine lead.
In the match against Italy, Hammoude was perfection personified, hitting a flawless 3-of-3 at-bat, including two RBIs. Palma’s performance was equally impressive as she achieved her second consecutive win, restricting Italy to just one run in the final three innings.
Despite their fiery run, the Blu Girls couldn’t repeat their magic in the playoff match against Italy, and narrowly missed their chance for a finals slot in the World Cup with a reversal of the previous score, 6-5 in favor of the host team. While the outcome was not as expected, their audacious spirit remained unbroken.
Reports by WBSC recount the Filipina’s dramatic walk-off win over Italy as an unforgettable highlight of the tournament. Nicole Hammoude and Angelu Gabriel’s performance in their victory over New Zealand was similarly applauded.
ASAPHIL President and Cebuana Lhuillier CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier extolled the Blu Girls, “While this may not be the outcome we were hoping for, I am still immensely proud of the Blu Girls. They faced adversity with courage, going up against higher-ranking teams like Japan, Canada, Italy, and Venezuela. I am confident that our girls will come back stronger at the next World Cup, and I, along with the support of the Filipino people, will stand by them in their future battles.”
The back-to-back thrillers of the RP Blu Girls mark the Filipina team’s third consecutive World Cup following appearances in the 2016 and 2018 editions, their longest streak in the history of the competition. The Filipina softbelles’ first and only medal in the Women’s Softball World Cup was a bronze won in Osaka, Japan, in 1970.
The thrilling campaign of the RP Blu Girls at the World Cup 2023 will be fondly remembered for their dogged determination, their awe-inspiring performance, and the spirit of Filipino pride they ignited around the globe. Their journey, punctuated by a 2-4 win-loss card, has given the world a preview of the passion and potential that Filipino athletes hold, making us eagerly await their next step on the world stage.
WATCH the Game Highlights between the Philippines and Italy here and SEND CONGRATULATIONS to the Filipina softbelles of RP Blu Girls!
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