Blu Girls kick off WC bid versus US

The Philippine Blu Girls hope to defy the odds as they set out against the United States today, confident of their chances in the World Cup softball championship in Oklahoma City.

“I am very confident that our girls will give other teams a run for their money in this tournament. I have been challenging them not just to be competitive but to win games here,” said newly re-elected Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (AsaPhil) president Jean Henri Lhuillier.

Citing the Filipinas’ talent, determination and big fighting heart, softball is one team sport where the Philippines can be at par with the world’s best.

The Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Blu Girls underwent rigorous training back in the last few months in a bid to make a good showing in this tournament, which also serves as part of their buildup for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

The Blu Girls will slug it out against two US teams, world No. 1 Japan, China, Mexico, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico and Venezuela in the weeklong tournament ending on July 10.

“This is just the first step towards our goal of making the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Our girls need as much international exposure as they can get to use to the high standards of competition. Our goal is not just to make the 2020 Olympics but to contend for a medal when that time comes,” said Lhuillier.

The team will next see action in the World Women’s Softball Championships set July 15-24 and will be pitted against powerhouse teams such as the US, Canada, France, Italy, Puerto Rico, Czech Republic, India, Chinese Taipei and Mexico.