Blu Girls fade, bow to Taiwanese

The Philippines suffered a 0-3 loss to Chinese Taipei, putting it in danger of missing the podium of the Women’s Softball Asia Cup on Friday in Xi’an, China.

After absorbing a 1-2 loss to the Chinese, the Blu Girls struggled as they failed to match the intensity of the Taiwanese for their second straight setback in this prestigious event.

Li Szu Shih scored a run in the second inning off a run-batten-in double by Su Yi Hsuan to help the Taiwanese gain momentum early on.

The Blue Girls, behind the great defensive effort of pitcher April Mae Minanga, were able to hold the Taiwanese scoreless in the next three innings. But Lin Feng Chen and Chen Chia Yi delivered in the sixth inning, giving Chinese Taipei a 3-0 advantage.

Although Blu Girls had one more chance to score in the seventh inning, the Taiwanese pulled off a double play on Nicole Hammoude and Angelu Gabriel and struck out Alaiza Talisik to seal the victory.

With one more game left in the elimination round and a 5-3 win-loss record, the Philippines needs to beat Hong Kong on Saturday at 11 a.m. to secure its spot in the bronze medal match.

The Filipinas may no longer have a chance to see action in the 2026 Women’s Softball World Cup, but they have already qualified in the 20th Asian Games in Japan for finishing inside the Top 8 of this continental meet.