The Gilas Pilipinas Women are getting a significant boost from rookies Sophia Dignadice and Sarah Heyn in their bid to reclaim the gold medal in the SEA Games 2025.
BANGKOK — From veterans to first-timers, there’s plenty of talent to go around in the Gilas Pilipinas Women team currently competing here at the SEA Games 2025.
Despite missing a key cog in Jack Animam because of her club commitment in Japan, there is more than enough to make up for her absence with the likes of holdovers Afril Bernardino, Khate Castillo, Janine Pontejos, and Trina Guytingco.
Meanwhile, up-and-coming collegiate stars like Louna Ozar and Kacey Dela Rosa have also made waves, leading to Gilas Women sweeping their group and making the semifinals with a win over Singapore on Sunday.
[RELATED: Kacey Dela Rosa holds ground as Gilas Women's 'pillar' as team waits on Ann Pingol, Angel Surada]
However, two key additions in Sophia Dignadice and Sarah Heyn have been welcome development for Gilas Women, with the two teenagers emerging as legitimate threats for the national team.
The 17-year-old Dignadice, in their first game against Malaysia, finished with 11 points, five assists, and five rebounds, while the 18-year-old Heyn broke out of her shell against Singapore on Sunday, tallying 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting, three rebounds, and three assists.
After the Singapore match, head coach Pat Aquino was left impressed at how things transpired for the two youngsters.
“Well, just happy that they performed. Hopefully, they continue to do that. Especially, yung team, not just them, but the whole team. Just competing every day, competing every time. And, hopefully, makuha natin yung gold,” he said.
Reinforcements coming
Dignadice and Heyn’s timely contributioms have helped patch things up for Gilas Women early in the competition as they continue to miss the services of NU’s Ann Pingol and Angel Surada.
[ALSO READ: SEA Games: Sophia Dignadice happy to repay coach’s trust in crucial moments for Gilas Women]
But with Game 3 of the UAAP Season 88 women’s Finals unfurling on Sunday in Manila, Aquino is hoping that the team gains full strength heading into the semis.
“Hope they'll be here by Monday. I think this is the last game today. 3rd game of the UAAP,” said Aquino, who quipped that he was rooting for his former team NU in the UAAP Finals over UST.
“Syempre, kahit sino manalo basta everything’s gonna be okay, hopefully arrive safely.”
Asked if they will suit up for the team immediately when they arrive, Aquino’s answer was swift.
“Of course, of course. Siyempre kailangan natin [sila]. Kailangan buo tayo. Hindi pwedeng kulang,” he said.
Gilas Women now play the waiting game as group winners get a bye to the semifinals.
The Philippines is hoping to reclaim the gold after a silver medal finish in the 2023 edition in Cambodia.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.