Courtesy: Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines
The Philippine Blu Girls will take on Venezuela in their opening game tonight in the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Group Stage in Peru, with veteran catcher and infielder Cheska Altomonte making her return to international competition.
Altomonte last played for the national team in the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023. After nearly three years, she now rejoins the team looking to blend experience with a developing core.
“My role in this team is different now, so like they really just need a veteran presence, it doesn’t necessarily mean that I am going to be starting and playing but I’m also there to guide the younger players. It just adds experience to the roster,” Altomonte told Sports Radio.
The Blu Girls are entering the tournament ranked No. 13 in the WBSC world rankings. Aside from Venezuela, the nationals will also face Japan, Puerto Rico, Great Britain, and Peru.
Altomonte believes the team will show a cohesive mindset and build strong relationships on and off the field as they pursue their goals in the tournament.
“I think, right now, you are gonna see a more cohesive team. We’re all bought in, we’re all in the same mindset. I think, we have better relationship with each other on the field. That’s gonna be nice to see and to watch,” she added.
The 2026 WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Group Stage serves as the qualification phase for the 2027 World Cup Finals and is also an important step in the international pathway toward qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
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