This was the bold prediction made by Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president Harry Angping after announcing the final roster of the men’s and women’s teams competing in the biennial meet slated Nov. 27-Dec. 5.
"Based on our past performances in international events, we have a strong chance of winning the gold medal in both the men’s and women’s softball in the SEA Games," said Angping.
Making up the Blu Girls are members of the team that finished fifth in the 2004 Asian Softball Championship in Manila, headed by veteran Corazon Soberre and collegiate standouts Dione Macasu, Esmeralda Tayag, Heidilyn Arca and Syrel Ramos.
Other members of the squad are Nimpa Baral, Gina Salvador, Nelia Lara, Hayde Bongas, Janet Vallite, Reylam Ardio, Elaine Caladiao, Joy Lanting, Joan Locsin, and newcomers Lyn Batiling, Claire Laurilla and Kimster Liwas.
The men’s side, on the other hand, is made up mostly of the same team that qualified in the 2004 ISF World Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand. It includes Romeo Bumagat, Mark Rae Ramirez, Isidro Abello, Apolonio Rosales, Manuel Bacarisas, Manolito Binarao, Fidel Moncera, Rogelio Rojas, Orlando Binarao, Jasper Cabrera and Melvin Villegas.
Luis dela Cruz, Victor Mariquina, Roswald Palacol, Florante Acuna and Anthony Santos complete the SEAG-bound line-up.
The Blu Boys will be handled by Asaphil secretary-general Eufracio dela Cruz and assistants Nilo Barajan and Ely dela Cerna with Rolly Malaguit calling the shots for the Blu Girls with Roberto Ituralde and Isaac Bacarisas as assistants.
Asaphil is planning to hold tune-up games in Chinese Taipei in October for the women’s squad and in Japan the same month for the men’s side, and a SEAG level competition in Jakarta, Indonesia in November. — Joey Villar