Cebuana batters upbeat on World Cup campaign

CEBU, Philippines —  Barring any hitches and if travel conditions allow, Cebuana batters Wenchie Bacarisas and Alaiza Montejo Talisik and Wenchie’s cousin-in-law Edlaine Bacarisas look forward with excitement to representing the Philippines in the IX World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Women’s Baseball World Cup slated on November 12-21 in Tijuana, Mexico.

One of the only three Asian teams in the two-week tilt together with Chinese-Taipei and Japan, the Pinay lady sluggers booked a historic trip to the World Cup after winning bronze medal during the Asian Cup in November 2019 at the Panda Stadium in Guangdong, China.

It was the best ever finish by an Phl baseball team in 48 years.

Their feat also towed Phl to No.15 out of 20 countries in the world rankings ahead of China, Pakistan, France, Nicaragua, and Czech Republic.

“This is by far the best (ranking) in the history of Philippine women’s baseball,” said Wenchie, a De La Salle University standout. “In addition, the team is the first and only women’s baseball team in the country that made history with only six months of preparations from softball to baseball by placing third in Asia.”

Aside from Wenchie and Edlaine Bacarisas, who is a part time coach of the University of the East (UE), and Talisik, the other members of the Phl women’s baseball squad are Whell Camral, Clariz Palma, Diana Balderama, Christine Bautista, Ivy Capistrano, Mhamie de la Cruz, Nicole Estante, Lealyn Guevara, Jojielyn Lim, Erika Olfato, Mery Ann Ramos, Edna Severino, Esmeralda Tayag, Jennifer Singh, Sheirylou Valenzuela, Veronica Velasco and Charlotte Sales.

They are coached by Egay de los Reyes of the National University (NU) with Tata Empasis, also of NU, and Jeffrey Santiago of the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) as deputies.

The Pampanga-native Edlaine said even if there’s no word yet on whether or not the World Cup will proceed as scheduled, they’ve been religious with their training via online given the current situation.

“We’re not sure kung tuloy po ang Word Cup although may schedule na po for the tournament,” said Edlaine. “But were preparing kahit nasa bahay kami. We make sure that our schedule of trainings and activities ay nagagawa namin sa tulong ng mga coaches. We make sure that we’re always in touch. We do some meetings and discuss issues na pwedi naming gawin at kung paano kami pwede makatulong sa team to make it more progressive.”

Wenchie echoed Edlaine’s sentiments saying that they have to make the most out of their virtual training in their drive to become better players.

“Even though our training is only digital and virtual for now, we make sure to attend all our training sessions aimed at improving and developing our performance as a team,” shared Wenchie. 

Both Wenchie and Edlaine pledged to give their best shot fighting for the flag and country in the prestigious World Cup.

“We both feel privileged and honored to be a part of the team who played in the Asia Cup and will now play in the World Cup representing our country. We’re eager to  improve our skills to contribute more to the team,” said Wenchie. “We’re both excited and nervous at the same time in the upcoming World Cup this November knowing that the level of competition in this tournament is definitely higher and tougher.’