Strong start for Blu Girls in World Cup bid     

The Philippine Blu Girls started their Women’s Softball World Cup bid on the right track on Sunday after posting twin victories in the Women Softball Asia Cup at Songdo LNG Baseball Stadium in Incheon, South Korea.

After posting a pair of contrasting shutout wins over Hong Kong (7-0 in five innings) and host South Korea (2-0), the Blu Girls gained a share of the early lead with China and Chinese Taipei while giving themselves the belief that the elusive World Cup spot can be attained.

Three World Cup slots are being contested in the competition that will be given to the two finalists and the winner of the bronze medal game.

The World Cup will open this June with the group stage being held in Italy, Ireland and Spain.

Next doubleheader

But for the Blu Girls to gain their initial step in their mission, they’ll have to secure a top four finish in the preliminary round of the nine-team continental field.

Another doubleheader awaits the Blu Girls on Monday, with a morning game against Thailand before returning to the field for an afternoon tussle with Chinese Taipei.

The Blu Girls scored five runs in the third to blow the game wide open against Hong Kong even as pitcher Glory Alonzo, fresh from leading Adamson to a 10th straight UAAP softball crown, threw a three-hit shutout. INQ