By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The Philippine Blu Girls left for Indonesia for their final phase of preparations for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
The Blu Girls are competing at the Makassar Open International Women’s Softball Tournament organized by the South Sulawesi Baseball Softball Federation, which serves as a springboard to their Asian Games campaign scheduled on Sept. 26 at the Shaoxing Baseball & Softball Sports Centre.
“These athletes have shown incredible passion and commitment, and we are beyond proud to be part of their journey,” said Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL) President Jean Henri Lhuillier.
“We believe that with the right training and exposure, the girls can achieve greatness in the upcoming Asian Games,” he added.
The PH Blu Girls seek a podium finish in the Asian Games after falling short the last time in the 2018 edition in Indonesia where they placed fourth.
The PH team also finished fourth in the 2014 edition held in Doha, Qatar.
Japan, which is also competing in the Makassar Open, remains the heavy favorite to win the Asian Games gold medal, with Chinese Taipei and China also out to challenge them after capturing silver and bronze the last time.
The Blu Girls are composed of Glory Alonzo, Francesca Altomonte, Mary Ann Antolihao, Danica Aquino, Elsie Dela Torre, Skylynne Ellazar, Ma. Angelu Gabriel, Nicole Hammoude, Mae Langga, Mary Joy Maguad, Ma. Celyn Ojare, Royevel Palma, Aliza Pichon, Cristy Joy Roa, Ma. Charlotte Sales, Alaiza Talisik and Reyae Villamin.
