Blu Girls defy odds but fail to win medal in Asian Games

The Philippine Blu Girls failed to make the podium and settles for fourth place in women’s softball at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Philippine team bowed to Chinese Taipei, 12-2, at the Anjo Softball Ground on Saturday in their battle for the bronze medal. While the Blu Girls narrowly missed a place on the podium, their run here saw the team overcoming early setbacks, stringing together crucial victories and making its way into medal contention.  Chinese Taipei established control early, scoring four runs in the opening inning before adding eight in the second.  The Blu Girls, however, refused to go away quietly, responding with two runs in the third inning.  Nicole Adra Hammoude delivered both RBIs, recording a hit and scoring once, while Mylia Isabel Perez also crossed home plate.  Ma. Angelu Gabriel and Reyae Mae Villamin added a hit apiece as the Philippines finished with four hits against Chinese Taipei's 13.  Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (Asa-Phil) president Jean Henri Lhuillier commended the national team for the fight and determination it showed throughout the Asian Games.  “Of course, we wanted to see the Blu Girls come home with a medal, but this campaign gave us many reasons to be proud. They...