While the collegiate softball season ended a few months ago, the international grind of the RP Blu Girls is set to begin. The Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines has named the magic 18 that will represent the country in two international tournaments this July.
Former Ateneo Lady Eagle Cheska Altomonte will captain the RP Blu Girls in its rigorous campaign through the World Cup of Softball XI from July 5-10 in Oklahoma City, USA and the prestigious World Baseball Softball Confederation World Softball Championships in Surrey, Canada from July 15-24.
UAAP Season 78 Softball Finals MVPs Annalie Benjamen and Queeny Sabobo
Leading the team’s pitching staff is multi-crowned lefty and current Ateneo Lady Eagle head coach Dione Macasu. Former UAAP Most Valuable Players Rizza Bernardino and Annalie Benjamen, both from the multi-time UAAP champions Adamson Lady Falcons, are also part of the staff. Also making the cut are UST standouts Ann Antolihao and Mallows Garde; both have been instrumental in the Tiger Softbelles’ runner-up finish in the UAAP. Adamson’s Riflayca Basa closes out the team’s pitching lineup.
UE Lady Warrior Roxzell Niloban
Celestine Palma, who had a spectacular season in the UAAP, will be the voice of the team on defense while UE catcher Roxzell Niloban was also named to the team. Filipino-American Dani Gilmore will reinforce the team at the outfield position.
Adamson’s Lorna Adorable
There will be no shortage of power on the offensive end for the team as reigning UAAP MVP Queeny Sabobo leads the murderer’s row of hitters the team has. Three of her teammates from the Lady Falcons, all great two-way players, have also been named to the team while former UAAP Best Slugger CJ Roa and SEA Games veteran Garie Blando adds much-needed firepower to the team.
Three Filipino-Americans have also been named to the team: Gabrielle Maurice, Chelsea Suitos, and 17 year old pitcher Sierra Lange. The World Cup will serve as the tryout for the new additions to the team.
RP Blu Girls head coach Randy Dizer
The team is set to be coached by Ateneo’s baseball/softball program director Randy Dizer while Adamson head coach Ana Santiago and Anthony Santos will serve as his assistant coaches. Ronelon Pagkaliwagan will mentor the team’s pitchers.
This year will mark the return of Blu Girls to the World Championship. The country last competed in the event in 1998. Moreover, the Blu Girls copped bronze in the tournament back in 1970.
The RP Blu Girls will be situated in Pool F for the World Championships together with the Netherlands, Czech Republic, and Pakistan.
It's #WorldSoftballDay and the Philippine national team is taking part in the celebration! pic.twitter.com/ihInwoXkb5
— ASAPHIL (@ASAPHILsoftball) June 13, 2016
Complete Line-up:
| NAME | AGE | POSITION | SCHOOL |
| Cheska Altomonte | 23 | Catcher/Infield | Ateneo |
| Queeny Sabobo | 21 | Infield/Outfield | Adamson |
| Arianne Vallestero | 20 | Infield | National U |
| Celestine Palma | 18 | Catcher | UST |
| Roxzell Niloban | 19 | Catcher | UE |
| Lorna Adorable | 21 | Outfield | Adamson |
| CJÂ Roa | 19 | Outfield | UST |
| Dione Macasu | 31 | Pitcher | UP |
| Shaira Damasing | 20 | Infield/Outfield | National U |
| Rizza Bernardino | 22 | Pitcher | Adamson |
| Kriska Piad | 21 | Catcher/Infield | Rizal Tech |
| Ann Antolihao | 19 | Pitcher | UST |
| Annalie Benjamen | 23 | Pitcher | Adamson |
| Angelie Ursabia | 20 | Infield/Outfield | Adamson |
| Florabelle Pabiana | 18 | Infield | Adamson |
| Luisse Garde | 20 | Pitcher | UST |
| Gabrielle Maurice | 20 | Infield/Outfield | UCLA |
| Chelsea Suitos | 24 | Infield/Outfield | University of Arizona |
| Garie Blando | 22 | Infield | UNLV |
| Riflayca Basa | 19 | Pitcher | Adamson |
| Dani Gilmore | 22 | Outfield | Oregon State |
| Sierra Lange | 17 | Pitcher | Plano West HS |
