THE Philippine Blu Girls stayed on course for a spot in the semifinals of the Asia Cup in Incheon, South Korea, posting their second and third consecutive wins after beating host Korea, 2-0, and annihilating an overmatched Thailand squad, 10-0, to follow their, 7-0, opening-day win against Hong Kong.
The Blu Girls leaned on the excellent pitching of Mary Ann Antolihao and a timely 5th inning double RBI and 6th inning back-to-back hits by the team to eke out the tight victory over the hosts.
The team then followed it up with a resounding 10-0 trashing of Thailand, led by the combined pitching prowess of Kaith Ezra Jalandoni and Glory Alonzo.
The Blu Girls also showcased excellent hitting, led by Ma. Charlotte Sales and Arianne Vallestero.
“The girls showed their grit in the Korea game and their supreme confidence in the game against Thailand. I am excited for the remainder of the tournament knowing that the team is fully prepared,” said Blu Girls’ coach Randy Dizer
The twin victories catapulted the Philippines to a share of the lead and is on course to bagging a semis and World Cup slot.
The World Baseball Softball Confederation recently announced that it is giving a wild card for another Asian country to the World Cup, thus making it four world slots at stake in the ongoing Asia Cup.
The Philippines next faces world no. 3 Chinese Taipei in a crucial encounter that may determine if the Blu Girls reach the finals of the Asia Cup.
Nine countries are battling it out for Asian supremacy, led by powehouse world no. 2 Japan, no. 3 Chinese Taipei, no. 13 China, no. 30 Philippines, no. 35 South Korea, no. 38 Hong Kong, no. 42 Singapore, no. 46 Thailand, and no. 53 India.
Blu Girls stay unbeaten, whip Korea, Thailand
