The Philippine Blu Girls launched their Women’s Softball Asia Cup 2025 campaign on a high note, overpowering Southeast Asian rivals Thailand with a commanding 15-1 triumph in Xian, China.
After initially falling behind 1-0 in the first inning, the Blu Girls roared back in spectacular fashion, unloading an 11-run barrage in the bottom of the second. They continued their relentless attack with four additional runs in the third inning, forcing an early end to the game under the tournament’s mercy rule.
Leading the offensive onslaught were UAAP standout Roma Jane Rivera Cruz from Adamson University, Fil-Am slugger Nicole Hammoude, and Mylia Isabel Perez, a member of the Philippine U18 World Cup squad, each crossing home plate three times. Reigning UAAP Finals MVP April Mae Minanga delivered on the mound, earning the win for the Ana Santiago-coached squad.
Expressing his elation, Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL) President and Cebuana Lhuillier CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier said, “I am profoundly proud of our Blu Girls for their incredible performance today. Their determination and teamwork truly reflect the fighting spirit of Filipino athletes. This dominant victory sets a strong tone for the rest of the tournament, and we remain hopeful for even greater success in the coming games.”
Up next, the Blu Girls face a challenging double-header on Tuesday, battling Korea at 9:00 a.m. before taking on perennial powerhouse Japan at 3:00 p.m. The top three finishers in the tournament will earn tickets to the 2026 World Cup, while the best eight teams will qualify for the 20th Asian Games softball competition in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.-Marlon Bernardino-
Photo credit: Softball Asia
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