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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Blu Girls out to end Asiad medal drought

Blu Girls out to end Asiad medal drought

Published Aug 26, 2026 01:40 pm

At A Glance

  • The Filipina softbelles came close to the podium in the last three editions of the quadrennial regional meet, finishing fourth including a painful 2-3 loss to Chinese Taipei in the battle for third place in the 2022 Hangzhou edition.
Philippine Blu Girls. (File Photo/ WBSC)
Philippine Blu Girls. (File Photo/ WBSC)
The Philippine Blu Girls aim to end a string of near-misses as they chase a historic medal finish at next month’s Asian Games in Japan.
The Filipina softbelles came close to the podium in the last three editions of the quadrennial regional meet, finishing fourth including a painful 2-3 loss to Chinese Taipei in the battle for third place in the 2022 Hangzhou edition.
They finished sixth in the country’s inaugural appearance in the 1998 Bangkok edition and maintained that placing in 2002 Busan before finishing fifth in the 2010 Guangzhou.
Leaving no stone unturned, the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL) is sending its best players that came from a solid showing in the World Cup Group Stage in Lima, Peru to end the medal drought.
That is why the team is sending in its best players that came from a solid showing in the World Cup Group Stage in Lima, Peru.
Team captain Charlotte Sales banners the squad that has April Mae Minanga, Royvel Palma, Mylia Perez, Mea Tubongbanua, Reyae Villamin, Sydney Vitangcol, Glory Alonzo, Mary Joy Alpitche, Francesca Altomonte, Roma Jane Cruz, Alyssa Daniell, Skylynne Ellazar, Ma. Angelu Gabriel, Nicole Hammoude, Mary Jane Libaton, Ma. Victoria Magbanua.
The team was the same crew that finished fifth in the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Group Stage last month, where it highlighted its performance with a stunning 5-4 upset victory over world No. 3 Puerto Rico. They also beat host Peru twice.
Still, it was easier said than done, with powerhouse Japan lording it over the region over the last six editions, and China and Chinese Taipei battling for second and third positions.

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