Japan dethrones Chinese Taipei as Asian junior softball tourney champ

Japan now holds the Asian Junior 19-Under Women’s Softball Championship title after dethroning erstwhile champ Chinese Taipei by a 4-0 shutout in the final at the Clark International Sports Complex. (Pixabay photo)

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna — Japan now holds the Asian Junior 19-Under Women’s Softball Championship title after dethroning erstwhile champ Chinese Taipei by a 4-0 shutout in the final at the Clark International Sports Complex.

Behind Yuki Masuda’s near-flawless performance as pitcher, the Japanese squad won it all behind a perfect 9-0 sweep of the four-day tournament.

Masuda only gave up two hits to Chinese Taipei, but she did well in keeping the shutout as she sent off Chi Hsuan Yen, Chia Hui Ko, and Jia Ling Yu in the final inning to seal the win.

“My players played good and Yuki Masuda excellently manned the mound,” said coach Yosuke Sato, whose squad made 10 hits.

“I would like to congratulate Japan for winning the championship. They have displayed an unremarkable sense of sportsmanship, skills and discipline on the field. I also extend my congratulations to Chinese Taipei and China for putting up a good fight,” added ASAPHIL president Jean Henri Lhuillier, whose NSA hosted the event.