THE Philippines claimed its first-ever Senior League Softball World Series crown after beating Southwest, 7-0, in the championship game on Sunday in Lower Sussex, Delaware (Monday Manila time).

Royevel Palma struck out 15 and gave up only two hits in a complete game, while Marika Joana Manaig blasted three RBI in the title game as the Filipina softbelles from Tanauan City finished the tournament for 13 to 16 years old players with a 6-1 win-loss record.

It is the first time in the 44-year history of the tournament that a Philippine team captured the Senior League Softball World Series title.

Manaig drilled a flyball to right to score Jeelyn Pajotal and Jamm’n Joyce Rasco to begin scoring for Tanauan in the third inning, before she scored on a double by Mae Langga.

Langga crossed home plate on a single by Palma for a 4-0 Philippine lead.

The Philippines’ campaign began with a 4-1 win over Latin America, and a 6-1 victory over East on Tuesday (Wednesday Manila time). Tanauan also defeated Southwest, 3-1, on Wednesday (Thursday Manila time).

Continue reading below ↓

The Philippines lost to Delaware, 8-4, and won over Southeast, 3-1, on Thursday (Friday Manila time) to go 4-1 in the elimination round.

Continue reading below ↓ Recommended Videos

Tanauan beat East, 8-0, in the semifinal round, and arrange a championship match with Southwest after winning over Delaware, 2-1.