Chemistry won't be a problem for this team.
It appears Gilas Pilipinas Women are all systems go for a historic golden run in the Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.
The two-time defending champions are gunning for a third consecutive SEA Games gold medal—a first in the history of local women’s hoops. And it will be parading the same core that won last year’s championship to do just that. Only this time, it will be reinforced by former National University Lady Bulldog Jack Animam, who will be representing the Philippines in the biennial meet again after missing last year’s edition while recovering from an ACL tear.
Joining Animam in Gilas Pilipinas Women’s bid to make history is another former Lady Bulldog, Afril Bernardino. The 5-foot-8 Bernardino, one of the country's best female cagers, was part of the 2019 and 2021 teams that reigned supreme in the 30th and 31st editions of the biennial event.
Also among the holdovers from last year’s team are Janine Pontejos, Clare Castro, and Khate Castillo. All three recently represented the country's 3x3 team in Singapore.
Stefanie Berberabe, Andrea Tongco, Camille Clarin, France Mae Cabinbin, Angel Surada, Katrina Guytingco, and Ella Fajardo—who has won before with both the under-18 women's team and the senior squad—are also reporting back for national team duties. Only Elisha Somera will not be around in Cambodia, as the 6-foot-5 Animam will be taking her place.
Curiously, the Gilas ladies won gold in the 31st SEA Games in Hanoi despite absorbing a heartbreaking 96-93 loss to fellow regional powerhouse Malaysia in their final game of the tournament. Bernardino and company finished the single-round robin tournament with the same 4-1 slate as Indonesia, but clinched the title thanks the winner-over-the-other rule. Malaysia, arguably the most successful nation in the region in women’s hoops, finished with a 3-2 record, with their two losses dealt by Indonesia and host Vietnam.
Gilas Pilipinas Women are ready to defend their crown, and they will be banking not only on talent but also on chemistry.
(GM)