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By Patrick Johnston
Singapore’s softball stars finished their debut Asian Games campaign in a pleasing sixth place overall after a valiant display in their final match in Hangzhou on Saturday (Sep 30) ended in a narrow 2-1 loss to South Korea .
Singapore opted for Adelia Koh as starting pitcher at Shaoxing Baseball and Softball Sports Centre against the higher-ranked Koreans, determined to finish their campaign on a high.
They gave up an early run in the second inning to the Koreans but pulled level at the top of the fifth when third base Charmaine Chua scored after first base Chalize Goh had hit a single to right field.
It was one of nine hits over the seven innings by Singapore but they just couldn’t convert them into more runs, with the Koreans scoring the game-winner in the bottom of the sixth.
“I’m extremely happy about our performance today,” said pitcher Koh. “Our game against Korea was one that was well fought and everyone did play a part in holding the scoreline tight.”
Centre fielder Naomi Leow swings at the ball during Singapore’s preliminary round loss to Japan. (Photo: Sport Singapore/ Stanley Cheah)
Bowie Tan was catcher against the Koreans. She said the team had endured some ups and downs in getting to the Asian Games - and while in Hangzhou - but channelled any frustrations into a positive performance on Saturday.
“This fighting spirit was definitely brought into today’s match, knowing that we really had nothing to lose and everything to gain,” she said.
“I applaud the team for staying calm and collected but at the same time wanting more. I am more than ecstatic with the way the game turned out. Despite us losing by one point, this showed how far the team has come.”
Singapore’s campaign in Hangzhou began with a preliminary group game against Chinese Taipei, one of the best sides in the world, which ended 12-0 after four innings.
The team rebounded to beat Hong Kong 9-4 in their next outing, with a huge six-run first inning setting up the victory. Centre fielder Naomi Leow scored three runs and had three hits from four at bats, driving in another three runs.
Pitcher Rachel Yoong winds up her arm in preparation to throw during Singapore’s preliminary round loss to Japan. (Photo: Sport Singapore/ Stanley Cheah)
A 13-0 defeat by world number two Japan saw Singapore finish third and qualify for the placement round, where they opened with a 17-1 demolition of Thailand.
Leow scored another three runs, with three hits from four at bats against the Thais, third base Dawn Toh had four RBIs, while starting pitcher Chalize Goh gave up just one hit in three innings before the run difference rule was applied.
“We played our hearts out, gave it our all, and managed to meet our targets. This is not the end, we will keep striving for better outcomes,” said co-captain Leow.
Right fielder Lexguas Ho looks up as she prepares to take a catch during Singapore’s preliminary round loss to Japan. (Photo: Sport Singapore/ Stanley Cheah)
That sentiment was echoed by the rest of the 17-woman squad.
“We're proud to have put up a pretty good performance at the Asian Games, giving a strong fight to better competitors,” said pitcher Rachel Koh. “This team has come a long way together and we've seen a huge growth in everyone.”
Co-captain Cacia Tan was even more bullish about the team’s chances of future success.
“I’m super proud of us and all the other teams had better watch their backs, because we are coming after them.”
The 19th Asian Games are held in Hangzhou, China from 23 September to 8 October 2023. 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.
