Philippine Navy’s impressive campaign in the elimination round nearly secured them a top spot, but a crowded Pool B race left them just shy of a twice-to-beat advantage, ultimately placing them third in the standings.
The Lady Sailors dominated much of the pool phase, but found themselves in a three-way tie with the University of Santo Tomas and Galeries Tower.
Unfortunately, Navy had the inferior point differential of the three, which pushed them to the third seed.
Missing the twice-to-beat incentive was a tough setback, but Afril Bernardo — driven to represent the Lady Sailors with pride and determination — refused to back down. She led the team in a dominant 56-43 victory over the Skyrisers in the quarterfinals, forcing a do-or-die match.
“Para sa akin, laging sinasabi na bigyan ng pride ‘yung Philippine Navy. ‘Yung sarili ko, kung ano ‘yung nire-represent ko,” said Bernardino, a key figure in Navy’s dominant run during the group stage.
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Coming off a historic triple-double in their final elimination round win against Centro Escolar University — where she posted 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 steals — the Gilas Women mainstay delivered again for the Lady Sailors in the quarterfinals.
Bernardino finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, five steals, and three kill blocks, helping disarm Galeries and keeping their hopes alive.
The three-time UAAP MVP emphasized that their success wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of their fellow Navy personnel, who have stood by them throughout the inaugural tournament.
“Yung suporta ng Philippine Navy, [grabe] ‘yung suporta na binibigay sa amin. ‘Yung commander namin, ‘yung captain namin, nandiyan sila lagi naka-support,” Bernardino shared.
Reflecting on their journey, Bernardino acknowledged how far the team has come in this conference. With their sights set on victory, they’re determined not to let their campaign end just yet and are focused on finishing strong against the Skyrisers.
“Siguro pinakita lang namin ngayon kung gaano kami katatag. From kung saan kami galing until now, simula nung nagsimula itong liga na ‘to until now, ang laki ng improvement [ng team],” said the three-time UAAP champion.
“Siguro improve everyday, learn from saan kami galing, kung anong napagdaanan namin.”
