EARLY BIRDS, PHILIPPINES HOPES TO CASH IN

The Philippines team have been in Jakarta a week ahead of the 11^th edition of championship which begin on Wednesday at the Gelora Bung Karno's Softball Stadium in Jakarta.

Philippines, who were the surprise finalist at the last championship, only to lose to Japan two years ago in Taichung, Chinese Taipei, are out to prove their performance then, was no flash in the pan.

That year, they had upset Chinese Taipei and China in the page playoff to reach the final.

Philippines, champions in 1972 and last year’s losing finalist, have been drawn into Group B together with four times runners-up Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong China, host Indonesia and Singapore for this year’s championship.

Head coach Vererando Dizer said: “Indeed our performance at the last championship has boosted our moral and confidence of the team. We are here to prove that our performance two years ago was not a one off performance.

“We have been working very hard since and our initial target here is to finish among the top three to participate in the World Cup Women Softball 2021,” said Dizer.

 “This will also see us qualify for the Asia-Oceania Olympic 2020 qualifier to be held in Shanghai in September 2019 as among the top six Asia teams.”

 Dizer said Softball Philippines president Jean Henri, has been very supportive of the team over the years and is the reason for the team’s progress.

 “A lot of support has been given to the team by him and if we want continuous support for the Asia-Oceanic Olympic 2020 qualifier, we must at least finish among the top three here to justify our request for continuous support.”

Dizer said that the team decided to come a week earlier to Jakarta was not only to familiarise with the venue, but because they could not acquire a training pitch at home.

“The one week here has indeed helped the team and I am very happy with the progress of the team. We are ready for the challenge ahead although we will be without four of our key players.”

The four are pitcher Sierra Lange, Dani Gilmore, Jaylee Cuico and Lauren Young – all who are based in the USA.

“Kaylee and Lauren could not get leave, while Sierra and Dani are engaged in the League in the States.”

However, Dizer said that he was still confident of his team doing well here despite the absence of the four.

“But I am glad I have Morgan Stuart, who played for us in the Icheon Asian Games in 2014, who based in the States, has come aboard to assist me to coach the team.”

Dizer said the presence of Morgan has greatly assisted in the preparation of the team as her experience as a player and being involved in team preparations with her company based in the States.

Dizer also revealed that there is a strong chance that Morgan will return to don Philippines colours again for Asia-Oceanic Olympic 2020 qualifier.

“I have asked Morgan to gauge the strength of the present team and how together with the four from the States who will return for the qualifiers, how see can fit into the team again to add further strength,” said Dizer.

 “Morgan is very happy and positive with the present team and is seriously considering making a return for the qualifiers.

“That is another reason why the team has to do well here in Jakarta.”

Dizer said he realises that the competition here is going to be tough, but they are prepared for the challenge and want to achieve their goal.

“There is no shortcut to success and I believe we have worked hard enough to be rewarded.”