Veterans Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos and Khate Castillo anchor six returning players as Gilas Women target redemption and the country's third gold in the last four SEA Games.
The Gilas Women’s 5x5 team is gearing up for a redemption run at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand, anchored by six holdovers from their silver-medal-winning team two years ago.
National team stalwarts Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos, Khate Castillo, Chack Cabinbin, Trina Guytingco, and Angel Surada are set to bring experience and leadership as the Philippines chase its third gold in the last four editions of the biennial meet.
Head coach Patrick Aquino has complemented this core with a mix of collegiate standouts in Karl Ann Pingol and Kacey Dela Rosa and fresh talent in Sophia Dignadice and Sarah Heyn, creating a dynamic blend of youth and experience.
The lineup was based on the athletes’ list submitted to the media by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).
Like the men’s team, Gilas Women faced eligibility rules that barred naturalized players Gabi Bade and Stefanie Berberabe — both gold medalists in the 2021 edition in Hanoi — from suiting up anew.
[ALSO READ: Gilas Women buck personnel issues following late SEA Games decision on eligibility]
The Philippines opens its campaign against Singapore and Malaysia in Group B on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 10:00 a.m. (PH time).
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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.