Afril Bernardino is just one proud teammate watching the likes of SEA Games newcomers Kacey Dela Rosa, Louna Ozar, and Sophia Dignadice elevate their play.
With a chance to exorcise the ghosts of the past, Afril Bernardino and Gilas Pilipinas Women would not be denied.
Facing the same Indonesia team that denied the Nationals a third consecutive gold in 2023, the Philippines flipped the script with a 66-55 semifinal victory at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games to oust the defending champions.
[ALSO READ: Gilas Women dethrone Indonesia to barge into SEA Games basketball gold medal round]
Team captain Bernardino led the charge as Gilas never trailed and extended their lead to as many as 19 points, moving one win away from reclaiming the championship.
But the skipper was quick to credit the team’s youngsters as the likes of SEA Games debutants Kacey Dela Rosa, Louna Ozar, and Sophia Dignadice also stepping up to the plate.
"Sobrang proud ako sa mga teammates ko kasi sila ‘yung nagtrabaho. Pinakita nila sakin na even though they’re first-timers dito sa SEA Games, kayang-kaya nilang makipagsabayan," the 29-year-old told Cignal.
"Sobrang proud ako sa kanila," she added.
The squad also fielded a full-strength lineup with NU Lady Bulldogs tandem of Angel Surada and Season 88 MVP Ann Pingol making their tournament debut after fulfilling their UAAP duties.
Now, Gilas Women await the winner of the Thailand-Malaysia semifinal to determine their opponent in the gold-medal match on Friday, Dec. 19, at 5:30 p.m.
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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.