Taipei: The Taipei Municipal Beitou Junior High School girls’ softball team claimed victory at the Babe Ruth Softball 16U World Series in the United States, completing an undefeated tournament run in their debut appearance.

According to Focus Taiwan, the “Taiwan 16U” team, representing Taiwan, defeated Puerto Rico with a decisive 12-1 score in the final held at the Florence Sportsplex in Alabama. The team maintained a perfect 7-0 record, overcoming opponents from the U.S. and Australia from August 3 to 8, leading up to their championship win on Saturday.

In a show of national pride, President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, and Taiwan’s representative to the United States, Alexander Yui, extended their congratulations to the victorious team. Manager Chen Mei-fen commended her players for their strategic execution, which included pressuring opponents and seizing scoring opportunities. She emphasized the significant contributions from two pitchers with previous international experience, alongside a strong batting lineup and skilled fielders.

Chen expressed her hopes that this experience would enhance the young athletes’ confidence on the international stage and present an opportunity to showcase Asian softball to Western audiences, as Taiwan was the only Asian team participating in the tournament.

Sophiyah Liu, Chair of the Taiwan Sport Forward Association, who accompanied the team, expressed her aspirations for the players to expand their horizons through this international exposure.