The Philippines made a gallant stand in the WBSC U-18 Women's Softball World Cup 2024 in Dallas, Texas but failed to advance in the final round.
The Cebuana Lhuillier-backed team, however, ended its group stage campaign at fifth place after scoring a 4-0 victory over Ireland on Monday.
Starter Callie Christian shone brightest in the game as she pitched a complete game shutout and allowed just one hit and one walk while striking out six batters.
Christian, who finished the tournament with an impressive earned run average of 2.63, also delivered at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two runs batted in.
Mylia Perez, meanwhile, scored two runs from two hits in three at-bats for the Blu Girls.
Ireland's lone hit came from shortstop Cameron Kelly, who ended her tournament with a .235 batting average.
The Philippines also defeated the same Ireland team, 5-2, in the preliminary round.
Winless Ireland placed 6th in Group C.
Reflecting on the team's performance, Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president and Cebuana Lhuillier CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier expressed his pride for the team.
"I am incredibly proud of our girls for their determination and hard work throughout the tournament. They played with heart and displayed the exceptional talent that Philippine softball has to offer," Lhuillier said.
"We will be with the girls every step of the way as they prepare for the next World Cup. This experience will only make them stronger and make them grow, as they'll definitely be back hungry for more."
USA topped Group C while Canada placed second.
They will advance to the final round of the World Cup next year in Dallas, Texas along with Japan, Puerto Rico, Chinese Taipei, Mexico, Czechia, and China.