Tough losses to Indonesia and Malaysia ended the medal hopes for Gilas Pilipinas Women 3x3 in the SEA Games 2025.
It was a harsh reality check for Gilas Pilipinas Women 3x3 at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, crashing out of medal contention after dropping both of their opening games on Wednesday, December 10.
The Filipina cagers lost an initial 15-21 decision to Indonesia, before suffering a narrow 19-21 loss to against Malaysia to end their hopes of advancing to the semifinals.
The squad of Mikka Cacho, Kaye Pingol, Reynalyn Ferrer, and Jhazmin Joson couldn't quite put it together in two close games as Indonesia and Malaysia are the ones set to move on to the next round.
“Anytime that you represent the country, you’ll be proud talaga. We fought till the end but we didn’t get the result that we want. At the end of the day, it’s all for the country,” head coach Anton Altamirano said in an interview with Cignal.
Altamirano reflected on the losses but promised a comeback.
“If there’s another chance, we’re gonna get back here. But as of right now, we have to sulk in the loss,” he said.
The Philippines swept the inaugural 3×3 edition at home in 2019, but the pandemic-delayed edition in Vietnam saw the women’s squad miss the podium. Gilas 3x3 then bounced back to claim silver in Cambodia.
While the Gilas Women 3x3 squad faced an early exit, their male counterparts remain very much alive, storming out of the gates with a perfect 2-0 start in Group B after wins over Vietnam and Malaysia.
[ALSO READ: Gilas Men 3x3 sweep opening-day assignments in SEA Games 2025]
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.