Asian Games 2026: Goh-tani and Lee Deliver Bright Spots as Softball Team Look to Finish Strong in Nagoya

Singapore's women's softball team came up against the Philippines in a rematch of the 2025 SEA Games final. Photo: SpexSG/ Chanainut Thongratanachat

National women’s softball team pitcher Charlize Goh, nicknamed “Shohei Goh-tani” by her teammates after the Japan-born two-way Los Angeles Dodgers star, showcased a glimpse of her prowess from the mound at the Anjo Softball Ground.

Up against world No. 1 Japan on Wednesday afternoon (Sep 30), Goh held the home side scoreless in the first and third innings, retiring three consecutive batters in rapid succession in the third.

Pleasantly shocked by her own exploits, Goh said: “I was amazed at myself. It was quite impressive that I was able to manage to get them out quickly because usually it’s not easy to get the Japanese players out that fast.”

Despite the world No. 22 side’s 10-0 loss to hosts and 2020 Olympic champions Japan in the fourth inning under the run-difference rule, it was an experience to cherish for the 26-year-old at her second Asiad.

With aspirations of becoming a semi-professional softball player overseas, Goh has had three stints over the past three years with Sapphire League club VONDS Ichihara Emerald Green in Chiba, Japan.

Goh put up a commendable display on the mound against favourites Japan. Photo: SpexSG/ Chanainut Thongratanachat

“When I pitch for them, it really challenges me. The playstyle there is also different from Singapore, so I have to learn to adapt,” she said. “I want to experience softball at a higher level and gain more experience. When I watch players who are better than me, I want to follow in their footsteps.

One such figure is Miu Goto, the Olympic champion and 2024 Women’s World Cup winner, whose pitches regularly clock in at more than 100km/h.

Goh hopes to emulate the Japanese ace, who was in the opposing dugout during their afternoon fixture.

“She’s inspirational because we are similar in age, and she’s a key defensive figure for the Japanese national team,” Goh said of the 25-year-old.

Against SEA Games reigning gold medallists, the Philippines, in their second fixture of the day, relief pitcher Jaelene Lee was the standout performer.

The debutant entered the fray in the third inning for just her second appearance in Nagoya, having featured in Singapore’s earlier game against China.

After showing signs of nerves against the 2022 silver medallists last Saturday (Sep 26), Lee looked a transformed player on Wednesday night, settling quickly to register two quickfire outs.

Lee rose to the challenge as relief pitcher in the third inning. Photo: SpexSG/ Chanainut Thongratanachat

“I was very happy and relieved because I wasn’t pitching well before this, so this is a boost for me,” said Lee, who just joined the national fold this year.

“Today, she went in there and took the challenge head-on and performed really well. I am really proud of her,” captain Cacia Tan said.

“She has a strong mentality… sometimes some reassurance also helps. She can find it within herself to do it,” the 28-year-old added.

Goh also heaped praise on Lee, saying: “She’s amazing. She’s already pitching in the high 90s at her age. It took me some time to get there… It’s nice to see the younger ones coming up. It will help the Singapore team to grow in future.”

Taking to the continental stage was no easy feat for the Anglo-Chinese Junior College student, who had taken a gap year from her A-level studies.

Thankfully, she had Tan to rely on when the pressure mounted.

With three balls already on the count, Tan’s reassuring call of “reset” helped steady the 18-year-old, who responded by throwing a strike.

“I try to be that calming presence… making sure everyone has their heads up because it’s very easy to beat yourself up over errors or let the jitters get to you,” Tan said. “That’s what the seniors are there for, to provide reassurance and calmness the team needs in those moments.”

Tan was crucial in defence against the Philippines with two put-outs and three assists. Photo: SpexSG/ Chanainut Thongratanachat

And reset will be the mantra as they head into the final two days of competition, where they will face South Korea, whom they narrowly lost 2-1 to in the fifth-sixth placement match at the last Games, and Thailand.

National team coach Ivan Ng, who previously captained the men’s national team to a memorable SEA Games gold in 2019, said: “We want to rotate the team, but it’s always important that we start strongly and give ourselves a fighting chance. If we can get our batting going, it will be a close game.”

Tan, who marshalled the defence well with three assists against the Philippines, added: “No matter what the score was today, the goal doesn't change. We just have to reset and then get back. A new day, a new game, we will come back harder.”

The 20th Asian Games are held in Japan from 19 September to 4 October 2026. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.