Cebuana Lhuillier-Backed Blu Girls Finish Fourth After Valiant Asian Games Campaign

The Cebuana Lhuillier-backed RP Blu Girls capped a hard-fought campaign at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, finishing fourth overall after falling to Chinese Taipei, 12-2, in the battle for  bronze on October 3 at the Anjo Softball Ground. While the Filipinas narrowly missed a place on the podium, their run saw them battle through early setbacks, string together crucial victories and fight their way into medal contention.

Chinese Taipei established control early, scoring four runs in the opening inning before adding eight in the second. The Blu Girls refused to go quietly, responding with two runs in the third inning. Nicole Adra Hammoude delivered both RBIs, recording a hit and scoring once, while Mylia Isabel Perez also crossed home plate. Ma. Angelu Gabriel and Reyae Mae Villamin added a hit apiece as the Philippines finished with four hits against Chinese Taipei's 13.

Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL) President and Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier commended the national team for the fight and determination it showed throughout the Games. “Of course, we wanted to see the Blu Girls come home with a medal, but this campaign gave us many reasons to be proud. They faced some of the strongest teams in Asia, fought their way back after a difficult start, and never stopped competing for the flag. That resilience is what defines this team. We will continue to support them, build on everything we learned here, and keep working toward the day Philippine softball finally reaches that Asian Games podium,” Lhuillier said.

The bronze medal game brought an end to a campaign marked by resilience from the Filipinas. After opening with difficult losses to Japan and Chinese Taipei, the Blu Girls responded with three straight victories, beating Korea, 7-3, blanking Thailand, 7-0, and dominating Singapore, 10-0. A 7-0 setback against eventual finalist China followed, but the Philippines stayed in the medal hunt and defeated Hong Kong, China, 9-3, to earn its shot at bronze.

Japan ultimately claimed the women’s softball gold medal after defeating the People’s Republic of China, 7-0, in the championship game later on October 3 at the Anjo Softball Ground. The result gave Japan the top spot on the podium, while China settled for the silver medal and Chinese Taipei secured bronze following its victory over the Philippines.

With another high-level international campaign behind them, the Blu Girls leave the Games with valuable experience to build on as they continue their pursuit of a breakthrough medal for Philippine softball.