Philippines chases Finals berth in Women’s Baseball World Cup

The Philippine women’s baseball team in training ahead of the Women’s Baseball World Cup. –PABA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine women’s baseball team opens its campaign in the Women’s Baseball World Cup on Sunday in Tainan, Taiwan where it will seek a spot in the Finals as one of the top three finishers.

A tough opening assignment awaits the Filipina batters as they take on defending champion Japan in Group B at Aspac Secondary Stadium with the first pitch set at 2:30 p.m.

Also in the group are host Chinese-Taipei, Venezuela, Cuba and Great Britain.

Veteran coach Saki Bacarisas is calling the shots for the 20-player Team Philippines, which qualified for the World Cup as a wildcard entry.

The top three teams after the group stage will advance to the Finals next year in Rockford, Illinois, along with the United States, Australia and Canada.

The Americans, the Australians and the Canadians secured their spots after Group A was played last month in Rockford. Also in the group were South Korea, Mexico and Hong Kong.

Players who will don the national colors are Maria Christine Bautista, Angel Kaye Bedano, Helea Campos, Ivymhel Capistrano, Shyla Mae Celis, Delyrose Covarrubias, Mharnie dela Cruz, Madelene Domaug and Erika Fernandez.

Also on the team are Martine Dominique Francisco, Cassandra Inot, Chastene Jover, Mae Langga, Jojielyn Lim, Mary Joy Maguad, Mary Nichole Padasas, Mery Ann Ramos, Jam’mn Joyce Rasco, Richelle Toledo and Veronica Velasco.

Their other games are against Cuba on Monday, Chinese-Taipei on Tuesday, Great Britain on Wednesday and Venezuela on Thursday.