HISTORIC SILVER!!!

Women Softball Team Win First Ever SEA Games Medal

By Al R Dizon & James Ong in Korat

They weren't given much of a chance to win a medal in Korat. But our women's softball team (picture) have ended Singapore's long wait (26 years to be exact) for a medal in the SEA Games, defeating Thailand 4-2 in the semi-finals.

Team Singapore Supporters

Though they eventually lost in the finals against the Philippines at the Rajabhat Stadium, they performed well. And with panache too. Against Thailand, pitcher *Suzanne Tan gave up just four hits and struck out six batters while second basewoman Koh Ruoh Yan led the Singapore attack with confidence, to the delight of some 100 Team Singapore supporters. The match was also witnessed by Chef de Mission Low Teo Ping.

Much Better Team

They faced the world-ranked Filipinas in the final but lost 0-7. "We lost to a much, much better team," said *Suzanne. Philippine coach Luis de Guzman returned the compliment. "This is the best Singapore woman's team I have seen in years. They are young. Give them more experience and more competitions and they will be among the best in the region."

Tears Of Joy

For the girls, when the cheering died down after the match against Thailand, the realisation of their historic achievement and what this could do for the development of the game in Singapore brought tears of joy. The men's team, meanwhile, managed to clinch the bronze.

* - she's my cousin!!! =D WOOHOO~