TOUCHDOWN Korea. The RP Blu Girls arrived in Incheon South Korea for the 2023 Women’s Softball Asia Cup that will start on Sunday, April 2. Philippine will play Hong Kong on its first assignment. (Contributed Photo)
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Women’s Softball Team, the RP Blu Girls, is set to start its campaign against Hongkong in match Number 2 of the Day 1 of the 2023 Women’s Softball Asia Cup on Sunday, April 2 at 8 AM (Philippine Time) in Incheon, Korea.
The Cebuana Lhuillier-sponsored RP Blu Girls arrived early in Korea to get acclimatized and is expected to stream roll against Hong Kong. However, a rough sailing is expected when the Philippine squad faces the host country, South Korea in the afternoon match of Day 1.
“The girls are in high spirits, and I am confident they will perform well in this competition. They’ve been preparing non-stop 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.
The Blu Girls members include 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.
“We are ready! 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,” added Blu Girls Coach Randy Dizer.
The Blu Girls, which is ranked no. 13 in the world joined eight other team that include 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.
Aside from the continental title the teams are also looking to tab the three available tickets to the XVII WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup which will take place in July in Europe.
The RP Blu Girls is expected to perform higher than their current world ranking, being ranked as high as number 11 in the world before the COVID-19 pandemic.
They take on Thailand and Chinese Taipei on Day 2, Singapore and China on Day 3, and India on Day 4 before rounding up the eliminations against powerhouse Japan on Day 5. If they advance to the semi-finals, they play on April 7 and hopefully for the gold medal match on April 8. – Marlon Bernardino
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