Japan, Venezuela and Puerto Rico Start Women’s Softball World Cup Group Lima with Victories
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
LIMA, Peru: Japan, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico made winning starts to the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Group Lima, earning important victories on the opening day of competition at the Villa María del Triunfo Softball Complex.
The six-team tournament will determine the top two teams that qualify for the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals 2027 in Redcliffe, Australia. The finals will decide the next world champion and award a place in the LA28 Olympic Games softball competition.
Venezuela Defeats Philippines in Tournament Opener
Venezuela opened its campaign with an exciting 8-5 victory over the Philippines in the first game of the tournament.
The turning point came in the sixth inning when Diana Arcay hit a three-run home run after entering the game as a pinch hitter, helping Venezuela pull away for the win.
Although both teams recorded 10 hits, Venezuela capitalized on two productive four-run innings to secure the result.
Veteran pitcher Michelle Floyd earned the victory after throwing 3.1 innings, allowing two runs on four hits while recording one strikeout. She entered the game in a key moment during the fourth inning and prevented the Philippines from tying the score.
Offensively, Veronica Antequera finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs, while Yulexys Barrios added two RBIs. Royevel Palma was charged with the loss for the Philippines.
Puerto Rico Shuts Out Host Nation Peru
Puerto Rico also enjoyed a strong start by defeating tournament hosts Peru 4-0.
The team combined solid pitching with timely hitting to keep Peru scoreless and secure its first victory of the competition.
Defending Champions Japan Impress
World No. 1 and defending champions Japan capped off the opening day with a dominant 9-1 victory over Great Britain in six innings.
Japan delivered another balanced performance on both offense and defense, reinforcing its status as one of the tournament favorites.
Race for World Cup Finals Begins
The tournament officially opened with a ceremony at the Villa María del Triunfo Softball Complex, marking the beginning of five days of international competition.
After the opening day, Japan, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico share the top of the standings with one win each.
The competition will continue as all six teams battle for the two available spots in the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals 2027 in Australia, where both the world title and qualification for the LA28 Olympic Games will be at stake.
