The Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Blu Girls faced another stern challenge at the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Group Stage in Lima, Peru, falling 4-0 to defending world champion and world No. 1 Japan. Despite the loss, the national team remains determined to bounce back as it prepares for a crucial matchup against world No. 3 Puerto Rico.
Japan struck early, scoring all four of its runs in the opening two innings against starting pitcher April Mae Bartolo Minanga. Saori Yamauchi broke the game open with a two-run double in the first inning, while RBI singles from Ayane Nakagawa and Kyoko Ishikawa in the second extended the lead to 4-0. Sakura Miwa and Mio Sakamoto combined for a one-hit shutout, with Miwa allowing just one hit over the first three innings before Sakamoto retired all 12 batters she faced to seal Japan’s second victory of the tournament.
While the offense struggled to solve Japan’s pitching, the Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Blu Girls found a bright spot in reliever Mary Joy Lumugdang Alpitche, who kept the reigning world champions off the scoreboard over the final 4.2 innings. Alpitche allowed only three hits and three walks while striking out one, giving the Philippines an opportunity to stay within striking distance against one of the world’s premier softball programs.
“We always knew our path in this tournament would be challenging, especially against a team of Japan’s caliber,” said ASAPHIL President Jean Henri Lhuillier. “What encourages me is the heart and composure our Blu Girls continue to show, particularly the way they settled down defensively after the early innings. This team has never backed down in the face of adversity, and I believe they will use these experiences to come back stronger. Our focus now shifts to Puerto Rico, and I know our players will be ready to compete with everything they have.”
The Blu Girls now turn their attention to Puerto Rico in another pivotal group-stage matchup as they continue their campaign for one of two coveted spots in the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals 2027. With two games remaining after Puerto Rico, the Philippines remains determined to keep its qualification hopes alive and continue its journey toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.