Despite struggling offensively, Afril Bernardino still made her presence felt as New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas rolled to a decisive Game 1 victory over Discovery-Rizal in the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Finals.
The WMPBL Invitational MVP went 2-of-8 from the field for nine points but made significant contributions in other areas, helping the Valkyries secure a 98-87 triumph over Perlas at the Villar Coliseum on Wednesday night.
“Siguro ‘yung offense ko sobrang off, yes,” admitted Bernardino.
“Pero sabi ko na lang ‘di man ako makatulong sa offense, alam ko nandiyan sila to back me up. Siguro para sa’kin gawin ko lang ‘yung trabaho ko kahit sa depensa, sa communication with them,” she added.
Bernardino’s impact extended far beyond scoring. She also tallied 12 rebounds, 10 assists, three blocks, and one steal, stabilizing New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas on both ends and setting the tone for her squad down the stretch.
(C) WMPBL
The Gilas Pilipinas standout also praised her teammates for stepping up offensively, saying she couldn’t be prouder of how everyone came together to deliver a balanced attack and secure the crucial Game 1 victory.
Snow Peñaranda led the Valkyries with 22 points on 10-of-14 shooting and grabbed 15 rebounds. Pringle Fabruada provided a major boost off the bench with 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting and 10 boards.
Khate Castillo carried her hot streak from the earlier rounds into the finals, hitting four three-pointers for 15 points. Meanwhile, Mary Grace Calang added 10 points and four rebounds, rounding out the Valkyries’ balanced scoring attack.
“Actually, I’m more than proud of my teammates. Kasi even though off game ako ngayon, they stepped up and they did their best to stop ‘yung kalaban namin. Nakapagsabayan talaga sila,” said Bernardino.
With Game 1 behind them, Bernardino and her teammates now turn their focus to Game 2, where maintaining their balanced offense and defensive intensity could secure New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas’ first-ever professional championship.
“Stay focused pa rin. Siguro gawin lang namin ‘yung pinapagawa ni coach,” said the NU legend.
“Para sa’kin kasi we need to win the gold eh, kasi kita ko sa team na we were so disciplined enough to do what coach Cholo says.”
