The Philippine Blu Girls showed resiliency by edging Ireland, 5-2, to clinch its first victory in the WBSC Under-18 Women’s Softball World Cup Group C stage at the Village Dallas  in Texas on Saturday, Aug. 31.

Althea Palzario pitched a complete game for the Nationals, striking out 10 in seven innings while giving up eight hits and one earned run.

A pivotal moment came in the bottom of the third when Jiyah Caban turned a sharp line drive into an inning-ending double play, thwarting a potential big inning for Ireland.

The Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Nationals took control in the fifth inning by scoring three more runs and held on to that lead en route to the victory, improving their win-loss record to 1-2.

Prior to the triumph, the Blu Girls were nursing a 6-4 loss to Mexico early in the day and were coming off a 7-4 defeat to Australia the day before.

But that did not dampen the spirits of the Nationals in facing the Irish.

Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL) President Jean Henri Lhuillier lauded the team’s efforts.

"Kudos to the U18 Blu Girls for their victory over Ireland! You've made us all proud, and we're grateful for how your've represented our flag on the international stage," Lhuillier said.

Up next for the Blu Girls are powerhouse United States, who remains unbeaten following a 10-0 blanking of Australia.