Top-10 WBSC Softball World Cup Plays of the Year: No. 9 Angelu Gabriel (Philippines)

Welcome back to the WBSC Top-10 Softball Plays of the Year, a review of the best 10 plays in the WBSC Softball World Cups in 2023. At No. 9, we find a spectacular backhanded play from Philippines shortstop Angelu Gabriel, in a playoff game in Group C of the WBSC Women's Softball World Cup group stage.

The Philippines had grabbed an electric comeback win against Italy the night before, in the last game of the Opening Round to advance to the playoffs in Group C of the World Cup. Both teams faced off again on 26 July, in a win-or-go-home playoff game staged in Castions di Strada, Italy.

In the bottom of the fourth, with two outs, first base Andrea Filler engaged in a battle with the Philippines pitcher Royevel Palma. In the ninth pitch of the at bat, on a 2-2 count, Filler hit a hard one-hopper right at the shortstop, but Angelu made a smooth backhanded play and threw across the diamond for a groundout. The play was completed with first base Elsie De la Torre stretching to take the throw just in time to retire the inning.

The Philippines went on to lose the game in a 6-5 thriller, closing their participation in the World Cup.

WBSC Softball World Cup Plays of the Year

• No. 10 Samantha Alekman (USA) - U-15 Women's Softball World Cup