Philippines play down huge win

It looked like a runaway victory for Philippines, but they are remaining modest over their 10-1 win against Korea in the WBSC Softball Asia/Oceania Qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at the Shanghai Chongming Sports Training Center.

Philippines coach Venerando Dizer said that although the score suggests an easy victory, it was a close call.

“It was close. Only their three errors saw us score five runs in the sixth innings to pull away,” said Dizer.

“We are happy with the win, but are not getting carried away. It is a good morale booster for our match against China tomorrow, but we have to keep our feet firm on the ground.

“However, like I said earlier, we have come here prepared for the challenge as it is the last chance to make the Tokyo Olympics and we are going for it.

“China as host will be the biggest stumbling block, and we hope to raise our game further and are looking for a favourable result.”

Philippines have come here for the qualifier further strengthen from team with two more American based players – pitcher Sierra Lange and infield Lauren Young – that competed in the Asia Cup in May in Jakarta which served as the qualifier for this tournament.

Lange made huge difference when she came in midway in the game to replace Ann Antholihao and she could play a key role tomorrow too.

Phillipines in the top two, saw Chelsea Suitos’ singles through the right side for Young and Graie Blando score the first two runs.

Then in the 4th inning, Reese Guevarra batted to left field which saw Francesca Altomonte score for a 3-0 lead.

But Korea replied through Jung Hye In’s hit when Lee Kyung Min earned their first run in bottom fourth.

Philippines came on the top of fifth to stretch their lead to 5-1 when Angeline Ursabia and Sky Ellazar capitalised on right fielder Kim Ah Young failure to catch clean a fly ball from Altomonte.

The fifth inning saw Philippines take complete control to see Guevarra, Suitos, Ursabia, Ellazar and Arianne Vallestero seal the game for them for the final score after six innings.