Karla Claudio is one of the athletes participating in the training camp ©Getty Images

A first pre-World Games training camp for Puerto Rico's women's softball team is underway in Guaynabo.

Among those to attend the camp at the Estadio Evelio Rivera are experienced players Karla Claudio, Jena Cozza and Alyssa Rivera.

All three played in the Americas Olympic qualifier in 2019, where Puerto Rico finished third and narrowly missed out on a place at the Games.

Young talents Keira Bucher, Kathyria García, Janelle Martínez, Esperanza Coe and Tatiana Roman are also part of the squad.

Roman helped her country to earn a bronze medal at the Under-18 Women’s Softball World Cup last year.

Aleshia Ocasio and Kamalani Dung are set to lead the pitching staff when they arrive at a later date.

Puerto Rico replaced China in the Birmingham 2022 softball line-up ©Getty Images
Puerto Rico replaced China in the Birmingham 2022 softball line-up ©Getty Images

"The team is a mix of experienced players at the senior level with players who are coming up from the youth team," head coach David Santos said.

"We are in a transition stage, we want to make it orderly to sustain our level of play and so the young players can gain experience."

The camp is due to run until June 18, with the team moving to Tampa Bay in the United States eight days later.

Puerto Rico are due to face Mexico in the opening softball match of Birmingham 2022 on July 9 at Hoover Met Park.

The World Games 2022 women's softball tournament is doubling as a World Championship and Peurto Rico, who did not initially qualify, replaced China following their withdrawal.

The World Games is scheduled to take place between July 7 and 17, with the softball final due on July 13.