The Philippines’ first-ever Women’s National Baseball Team walloped Hong Kong to open its campaign in the 2019 BFA Women’s Baseball Asian Cup, 12-3, Saturday evening at the Panda Stadium in China.

Clariz Palma, a former softball player for Adamson, bucked a slow start in pitching a complete game.

After allowing four hits and two earned runs during the first three innings, she zoned in, shutting out the Hong Kong batters in the final innings to seal the win. Palma had five strikeouts as well.

With Palma untouchable in the last four innings, the offense followed suit for the team mentored by Egay delos Reyes.

Down 0-3, the Philippines picked up the lead in the fifth inning, punching in four runs and never looking back. The Filipinas continued to batter their opponents in the last two innings for the impressive debut in Pool B of the eight-nation meet.

Three Filipinas had four hits in Esmeralda Tayag, Whell Gene Camral, and Charlotte Sales.

Tayag, a former RP Blu Girl, had three runs and two RBIs. Meanwhile, Sales, a UST Lady Batter, had two runs and four RBIs.

The Philippines is looking to book a slot in the Women’s Baseball World Cup next year.

Up next for the Filipina batters is South Korea on Sunday at 10:00 am. The top two teams in each group will advance to the Super Round.