WORLD CUP-BOUND. Philippine women's softball team members (L-R) Celine Ojare, Ann Antolihao and CJ Roa grace the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Tuesday (April 11, 2023). Known as the Blu Girls, the team qualified for the World Cup scheduled from July 22 to 26 in Italy. (Contributed photo)
MANILA – RP Blu Girls captain and starting pitcher Ann Antolihao emphasized the importance of international exposure as the team gears for the World Cup scheduled from July 22 to 26 in Italy.
The Blu Girls advanced to the World Cup for the first time since 2018 after finishing fourth in the Women's Softball Asia Cup at the Songdo LNG Stadium in Incheon, South Korea last April 8.
The Filipinas had a 5-3 win-loss record. They beat Hong Kong (7-0), South Korea (2-0), Singapore (8-1), Thailand (10-0) and India (10-0) and bowed to Japan (9-1), China (6-2) and Chinese-Taipei (5-0).
Japan was ranked No. 1 with a clean slate (8-0). China was second (7-1) and Chinese Taipei, third (6-2). South Korea was fifth (4-4) followed by Hong Kong sixth (3-5), Singapore (2-6), Thailand (1-7) and India (0-8).
While they were ranked No. 4 in Asia, the Blu Girls will be facing a tough challenge from Japan, Canada, Venezuela, New Zealand and Italy in the World Cup.
“That’s why we need more foreign exposure. Our coaches know that's what we lack," Antolihao said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Tuesday.
“We’re happy that we were able to return to the World Cup," added Antolihao, who was joined by teammates CJ Roa (pitcher) and Celine Ojare (catcher) in the weekly session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
The top two teams in the World Cup will be seeded in next year's edition.
Roa said a training camp in Japan would be ideal.
“A high-level training in Japan even tune-up games with university schools. If we are given a chance, hopefully in Japan," she said, adding "skills wise, we have that here. But we don't have enough exposure".
The Blu Girls are all homegrown talents with players coming from Bacolod City, Makati City and the provinces of Bukidnon and Batanes.
Meanwhile, Antolihao said the coaches will decide who will be included in the final line-up for the World Cup. The team will resume training on April 24.
The Blu Girls reached the World Cup under the guidance of coaches Ray Pagkaliwagan, Randy Dizer and Anthony Santos and through the support of Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL) President Jean Henri Lhuillier.
"Congratulations RP Blu Girls for making it to the bronze medal game in the 2023 Women's Softball Asia Cup. Your dedication and hard work have paid off, and we couldn't be prouder of your achievement. As the president of ASAPHIL, I am optimistic and excited to see what the future holds for Philippine softball. Keep up the excellent work and continue to inspire others with your passion for the game," Lhuillier said in a statement posted on Facebook.
The Philippines pocketed the bronze medal in the 1970 World Cup in Osaka, Japan. The host won the title, beating the United States, 1-0. (PNA)
