Blu Girls face HK in Asia Cup opener

THE Philippine women’s softball team begins its campaign in the Women’s Softball Asia Cup against Hong Kong on Sunday, April 2, in Incheon, South Korea.

The Cebuana Lhuillier-sponsored Blu Girls arrived in Incheon last Tuesday to give the team a chance to acclimatize and undergo light training ahead of the tournament.

“The girls are in high spirits and I am confident they will perform well in this competition. They’ve been preparing nonstop in the past months and we in the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (Asaphil) have ensured that they get the best possible preparations for this Asia Cup,” said Asaphil president Jean Henri Lhuillier.

Nine countries, including the 30th ranked Philippines, are competing in the tournament. The other teams are world No. 2 Japan, No. 3 Chinese Taipei, No. 13 China, No. 35 Korea, No. 38 Hong Kong, No. 42 Singapore, No. 46 Thailand and No. 53 India.

At stake in the tournament is the Asian title and three slots to the XVII WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup which will take place in July in Europe.

“We are ready!” said Blu Girls head coach Randy Dizer.

“It’s time to show the world what we have been practicing for and I’m confident the girls will deliver. The goal is a podium finish and get one for the World Cup slots.”

The team is composed of Glory Alonzo, Mary Ann Antolihao, Danica Aquino, Khrisha Genuary Cantor, Elsie Dela Torre, Maria Angelu Gabriel, Kaith Ezra Jalandoni, Mary Joy Maguad, Maria Celyn Ojare, Royevel Palma, Aliza Pichon, Cristy Joy Roa, Maria Charlotte Sales, Alaiza Talisik and Arianne Vallestero.

The Philippines will next face Thailand on Monday, Singapore on Tuesday and India on Wednesday.

The Blu Girls have reached the World Cup seven times in the past and won their lone bronze medal in 1970.