Blu Girls shoot for Asian Games medal in Nagoya

TEARS to cheers.

That was what the Philippine Blu Girls are hoping for as they shoot for a breakthrough Asian Games (Asiad) medal when women’s softball action unfurls on Sept. 26 at the Anjo Sports Park in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

“This Asian Games, we’re promising our tears in the past editions would turn into happy tears this time,” vowed national team captain Charlotte Sales after their solid performance in the World Cup in Lima, Peru two months ago.

Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines President Jean Henri Lhuillier has high hopes for the squad.

“The Blu Girls have consistently shown they have the talent, discipline, and heart to compete with the best in the world,” said Mr. Lhuillier. “We have seen how much this team has grown through every international competition, and I am confident that they will carry that same fighting spirit in Aichi-Nagoya.”

“We are behind them all the way as they pursue a historic medal for the Philippines,” he added.

The Philippines launches its bid versus World No. 1 Japan on Sept. 26, four-time Asiad silver winner Chinese Taipei on Sept. 27, South Korea Sept. 28, Thailand Sept. 29, Singapore Sept. 30 and Hong Kong Oct. 2.

The top two nations after the single round-robin elimination will surge through the gold medal round while the third and fourth battle it out for the bronze.

The Blu Girls came close to earning a historic podium finish in the quadrennial event in the last three editions when they made it to the battle for bronze but faltered and settled for fourth place each time.

There is a big chance that their time will come in Aichi-Nagoya. — Joey Villar