Blu Girls topple Hong Kong, advance to bronze-medal match

The Taiwanese, who finished third with a 5-2 mark, blasted the Blu Girls in their prelims meeting, 10-1.

Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (Asaphil) President Jean Henri Lhuillier praised the Blu Girls for keeping their medal dream alive despite setbacks from powerhouse teams Japan, China and Chinese Taipei, which eventually took the Top 3 spots.

“This is the opportunity we have been working and fighting for. The Blu Girls have shown tremendous resilience throughout this tournament, and now they have the chance to make history for Philippine softball,” said Lhuillier, also CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier that has been supporting the team.

“We know Chinese Taipei will be a tough opponent, but I believe in this team’s heart, preparation, and determination. We are behind them all the way as they give everything they have for that historic medal and for the country,” he added.

Ma. Angelu Gabriel led the Blu Girls with three hits and an RBI, while Roma Jane Cruz delivered two hits and three RBIs. Reyae Mae Villamin drove in two runs, while Nicole Adra Hammoude and Skylynne Kopia Ellazar each had one run.

Royevel Palma anchored the Nationals in the circle with six scoreless innings, limiting Hong Kong to four hits while fanning three and issuing no walks.

Glory Alonzo took over in the seventh and surrendered three runs before Mary Joy Alpitche closed it out with a strikeout, sealing the Blu Girls’ win.

The Blu Girls hope to end a string of near misses at the podium against the same squad that they lost to in the battle for bronze at the 2022 Hangzhou edition. They also finished fourth in the 2014 Incheon and 2018 Jakarta-Palembang editions. — Kristel Satumbaga-Villar