THREE UST Softbelles will reinforce the Philippine squad in its campaign in the 2012 Big League Softball World Series (BLSWS) in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Aug. 2 to 8.
Thomasian pitcher Kristine Joy Lacupa, third baseman Charmaine Joy Oria, and catcher Maria Luna Amparo will play for Team-Manila Philippines, the country’s official delegate in the prestigious World Softball Series and representative of the Asia-Pacific region.
The squad, mentored by Adamson University coach Ana Maria Santiago, emerged as the overall champion in Asia-Pacific Regional Big League Softball tournament after sweeping Indonesia, 23-0, 27-0, 16-0, in their best-of-five championship series last June 25 to 29 in Jakarta. The win booked the Philippines an outright ticket in the BLSWS.
Other teams that will compete for the crown are Canada, Latin America, and Puerto Rico.
“Not all players are given the chance to compete [for Asia-Pacific] and outside the country. I will share my experiences to my team-mates to enhance our plays,” Amparo said.
The national team also includes veterans from the 2011 Southeast Asian Games titlists RP Blu Girls, and seven players from the reigning UAAP champion Adamson such as 2011 UAAP Athlete of the Year and pitcher Rizza Bernardino.
Last year, Team-Manila Philippines finished second after losing in the Finals against Grand Rapids of Michigan, 9-2.
