Blu Girls finish strong second in Asian juniors

Team Philippines failed to sustain a good start as it finished a strong second behind powerhouse Japan in the recently concluded third Asian Juniors Softball Championship held in Incheon, Korea.

After going unbeaten in their first five outings including a 1-0 upset win over Japan in the elimination round, the Blu Girls wavered in the finals as they drop a heartbreaking 1-4 defeat to the Japanese.

The Blu girls had a chance to rally in the final inning with all the bases loaded. University of the Philippines standout Dione Macasu then connected for an RBI but the Japanese rode out the threat with their steady pitching to preserve the win.

Prior to the championship round, RP edged Korea, 5-4, in its first game, bashed Southeast Asian neighbor Thailand, 12-0, stunned defending champion Chinese Taipei, 1-0, before completing a four-game sweep in the elims with a 1-0 triumph over Japan.

In the Japan victory, La Salle mainstay Elaine Caladio sent Adamson’s Yocel Aguilar on top of the final inning for the deciding run before hurler Cloiene Muyco held her ground to finish off their foes.

The Blu Girls then repeated over the Koreans in the semifinals, 3-1, to set up a rematch with the Japanese.

Led by Caladio, Aguilar, Sherylin Valenzuela, Joy Lanting and Loverly Parohinog, the other members are Mary Ann Cardano, Rachelle Yasas, Ma. Liza Gaylon, Jasmin Cabral, Alexis Causapin, Analyn de Guzman, Aleney Figueroa and Emily Tayag.

Coach Baby Manzanares, his assistant Isaac Bacarisas and the rest of the RP coaching staff are expected to arrive today.