The PH Blu Girls’ quest to represent the Philippines for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is now in full swing as the Philippine National Women’s Softball team sees action at the Women’s Softball Asia Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The girls are set to go head-to-head against the best of Asia, including reigning champion Japan, Taiwan and China during the action-packed four day competition, which began yesterday.
The top six teams will then head to the Asia-Oceania Olympic Qualifier set in September, while the Top 3 teams will advance to the qualifiers for the World Softball Championships in 2021.
ASAPHIL President and Softball Asia Vice President Jean Henri Lhuillier reaffirms his belief that the Pinay softballers have what it takes to make it to the Olympics.
“The Blu Girls have shown in the past that they have what it takes to beat the top teams in the world through their unique mix of talent, determination and grit in the field. We were able to defeat top 4 teams in the world, Australia and Canada, Mexico and Asian powerhouses China and Chines Taipei. I strongly believe that they are due for a podium finish here. The Blu Girls are our best chances for the Olympics and I am committing my 100% support to them to make this happen,” said Lhuillier.
Leading the team is coach Randy Dizer, who has been at the helm of many game-winning plays since the girls’ resurgence in the international stage.
Supporting Dizer is assistant coach Ana Santiago, as well as team captain Cheska Altomonte. Completing the team line-up are Angelie Ursabia, Arriane Vallestero, Mary Ann Antolihao, Lyca Basa, Ezra Jalandoni, Royevel Palma, Shaira Damasing, Cristy Joy Toa, Reizel Calumbres and fil-am recruits Garie Blando, Chelsea Suitos, Sky Ellazar, Hailey Decker, Amber Freeman and Gabriella Elvina.
The team began their bid against Singapore on Wednesday, before closing Day 1 with a match against Hong Kong.
On May 3, the Blu Girls will meet erstwhile rivals Chinese Taipei at 3 p.m.
The resurgence of the competitive softball in the country is due to the efforts of the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines, through the leadership of Lhuillier.
In the last few years, Lhuillier has embarked on an extensive grassroots program with the intention of discovering raw talent that can shine on the global stage.