The RP Blu Girls secured a solid comeback to earn a spot in the playoffs of the Women’s Softball World Cup.
The women of the Philippines are certainly riding a World Cup high.
Just after the Filipinas won their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup match in history, the Philippine Women’s National Softball Team (AKA the RP Blu Girls) went on a two-game comeback to secure a playoff spot in the Women’s Softball World Cup in Italy.
The RP Blu Girls did not begin their World Cup campaign looking like the strongest team in Group C. Ranked 26th in the World Baseball Softball Confederation rankings, the Philippine team lost their opening games in the group stage, falling in defeat to Canada, Japan, and Venezuela. Given this, a playoff berth seemed unlikely.
However, the Blu Girls made a crucial comeback in their next two games. Against World No. 29 New Zealand, the Philippines won, 5-3, bringing life back to their World Cup campaign.
In their final group stage game, facing World No. 8 and host nation Italy, the Philippines took a slim 6-5 victory to secure the final slot in the World Cup playoffs.
With this victory, the Philippines will move on to the next round and play Italy once again to compete for third place in their group. Meanwhile, at the top of the table, Japan and Canada will be facing off to determine who takes the top spot of Group C.
If the Philippines manages to defeat Italy a second time, the RP Blu Girls will move on to play against the loser of the Japan-Canada clash — a match that will determine which team will gain a spot among the final eight of the tournament.
Will the Blu Girls be able to ride the momentum of their comeback to take the Philippines far into the Softball World Cup?
Banner image from WBSC on Facebook.
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