Afril Bernardino erupted for 30 points as New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas dominated Pangasinan Solar Home, 78-56, strengthening their push for a top-two finish in the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League regular season presented by Akari on Sunday night at the Batangas City Coliseum.
Bernardino delivered 30 points on 13-of-17 shooting, adding 11 rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and two steals.
The Gilas Women veteran led the Valkyries to a share of first place with San Juan-DN Steel, with both teams holding identical 7-2 records heading into the final stretch of the tournament, backed by Uratex, Black Mamba, Red Dynasty, Aktive Balls, and Pocari Sweat.
New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas secured its third consecutive victory, riding the momentum from back-to-back dominant wins over Tagaytay-Tol and RK Hoops-Quezon City.
(C) WMPBL
“Pangasinan is a well-structured team. They were bound to play well dahil they lost four games. Pero for us, we want to be consistent on the things we’re doing, especially we’re down to the last game of the elimination round,” Valkyries head coach Cholo Villanueva said.
“It’s a good thing that everything we did started from defense. That’s gonna be our identity coming down the stretch ng tournament.”
Tied at 37-all in the third period, Khate Castillo caught fire at the perfect moment. She scored 14 points in New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas’ pivotal 16-5 run — highlighted by two inside hits and a triple — creating a 13-point, 55-42 lead over Pangasinan Solar Home.
Following Castillo’s lead, Charmine Torres and Afril Bernardino drained consecutive floaters, giving the Valkyries a commanding 59-44 advantage heading into the final period.
A putback by Tin Bariquit, a turnaround jumper from Pringle Fabruada, and a Bernardino triple sealed the victory, extending New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas’ lead to 74-50 with 3:41 remaining.
Castillo finished with 16 points, four rebounds, and two assists, while Bariquit added 11 points on 5-of-9 shooting with seven rebounds and one steal.
New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas will close its elimination round campaign with a crucial showdown against Tantoy Ferrer and Discovery Rizal next Sunday, October 5, in Pangasinan.
(C) WMPBL
Meanwhile, Pangasinan Solar Home dropped its fifth straight game after opening the season 3-1.
The Suns now sit in a tie for fourth with Tagaytay-Tol (3-6). They face a must-win scenario against RK Hoops-Quezon City next week to remain in contention for the fourth seed and a coveted twice-to-beat advantage.
Gabi Bade was limited to 13 points on 5-of-20 shooting but contributed eight rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Meanwhile, Hazelle Yam added 11 points on 5-of-9 shooting with three assists.
The Scores:
New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas (78) – Bernardino 30, Castillo 16, Bariquit 11, Aquino 5, Torres 5, Penaranda 4, Fabruada 4, Lozada 2, Manzanares 1, Calang 0, Claro 0, Villamor 0.
Pangasinan Solar Home (56) – Bade 13, Yam 11, Miranda 10, Sario 9, Abaca 6, Cancio 5, Ordoveza 2, Rodas 0, Medina 0, Larrosa 0, Gonzales 0.
Quarterscores: 20-11, 35-31, 59-44, 78-56.
