The Philippines could not hurdle the tall task of taking down Australia in the 2019 WBSC Softball Asia/Oceania Qualifier, falling in a six-inning shutout, 0-7, Friday evening in Shanghai, China.
The loss dropped the RP Blu Girls to 0-2 in the Super Round of the OQT, with their first loss, 3-8, to China last Wednesday. Unfortunately, the Blu Girls can no longer qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Tired legs led to the Philippines’ demise.
Coming off a 1-0 eighth inning win against New Zealand yesterday, Ann Antolihao could not sustain her fine form in this game.
After three hitless innings, the three-time UAAP Best Pitcher succumbed in the fourth inning. She gave up back-to-back hits versus Carmelle Sorensen and Chelsea Forkin that led to two runs.
Lyca Basa, Logan Caymol, and Sierra Lange could not stop the onslaught, giving up three runs in the fifth and two more in the sixth that called for the mercy rule.
Kaia Parnaby was untouchable on the mound for the 2-0 Australia, only giving up two hits — one from MJ Maguad in the first inning, then another from Arianne Vallestero in the following inning.
The Philippines look to end their campaign strong as it takes on arch-rival Chinese-Taipei on Saturday.
