Blu Girls crush Singapore, stay in Asiad medal contention

October 1 ------ The Philippines overpowered a listless Singapore, 10-0, to stay in the hunt for a historic women’s softball medal in the 20th Asian Games at the Anjo City Comprehensive Sports Park in Aichi, Japan.

Glory Alonzo and Mary Joy Alpitche pitched two innings each and took turns in holding the Singaporeans to just one hit and shutting them down as the Cebuana Lhuillier and Philippine Sports Commission-backed Blu Girls kept their stronghold of No. 4 with a 3-2 record. They earlier whipped South Korea (7-3) and Thailand (7-0) after early losses to powerhouse teams Japan (0-10) and Chinese Taipei (1-10). “Three straight wins show the character and determination of this team. What is encouraging is that we are seeing contributions from across the lineup, backed by strong pitching and defense," said Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (Asaphil) President Jean Henri Lhuillier. "The Blu Girls understand what is at stake, and we are proud to see them continue fighting for every opportunity to bring honor to the Philippines. We remain behind them all the way as they pursue our goal of a historic Asian Games medal,” he added.

The Filipinas seized the early edge by uncorking a six-run binge that was laced by a two-run homer by Mylia Isabel Perez to deep center field atop the opening inning that set the tone for the four-set run-ahead triumph. It was one of the two home runs belted by the Nationals with the other one coming atop the third inning -- a two-run homer by Nicole Hammoude also to deep left field. The Blu Girls could seal a shot at a breakthrough bronze if they hurdle either one or both the Chinese Thursday, Oct. 1, and the Hong Kong batters on Friday, Oct. 2.

China and Japan currently lead the way, each with pristine 5-0 cards while Chinese Taipei dropped to third with a 4-1 record. The top two after the single-round robin elimination would battle for the gold while the third and fourth clash for the bronze. The Philippines’ had three chances in the past to snare a medal but failed in three straight tries in 2014 in Incheon, South Korea, 2018 in Jakarta-Palembang, Indonesia and 2022 in Hangzhou, China. The long wait for a medal could end soon.

Source: mb.com.ph