October 19 ------ Team Philippines eyes a strong performance when it competes in the U15 Women’s Softball World Cup slated on Oct. 21 to 29 in Tokyo, Japan. The PH softbelles are riding the crest of their third-place finish at the U15 Women’s Softball Asia Cup, where they bested squads from India, South Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL) President Jean Henri Lhuillier is optimistic of the team’s chances. “Team Philippines is ready to take on the world at the U15 Women's World Cup. Their dedication and hard work are remarkable and I am confident they will make our nation proud,” Lhuillier said.
The PH crew is bracketed in Group B where it will first clash with the Czech Republic at the Komazawa Olympic Park Sports Complex Baseball Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 21, followed by Uganda and the United States on Oct. 22, Puerto Rico on Oct. 23, and Brazil on Oct. 24. The Top 3 teams from each group will advance to the Super Round. Group A, meanwhile, comprises Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Chinese Taipei and host Japan.
The PH team is composed of Erica Arnaiz, Xyesha Margaret Atchioco, Leian Baylen, Grazie Bayot, Cristine Angel Calaguas, Jax Katiana Efrain Fontillas, Ericka Mae Gonzales, Tifnanie Jane Lorenzo, Zarene Mapa, Pilar Isabel Oblea, Sheena Joy Panteria, Ana Marie Piza, France Gene Ragas, Francine Jane Ragas, Daphne Maxinne Ramos and Jannel Santos.
Francis Carlos Diaz heads the delegation along with team manager Michelle Ann Oblea and head coach Nina Serafico. Also accompanying the squad are pitching coach Rizza Bernardino, assistant coaches Maricel Cabalda and Annalyn Ebreo, and assistant team manager Giovannie Mapa. For this world-class event, the country's flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, has joined as one of Team Philippines' valued sponsors.
Source: spin.ph