Philippine Navy is ready to make their much-anticipated debut in the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) on Sunday against a determined Cavite-Tol squad at the Enderun Gym.
Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM.
Backed by Kalos PH and Go for Gold, the Lady Sailors will be spearheaded by playing coach Ewon Arayi, a trailblazer in women’s basketball.
“Sobrang happy and satisfied kasi matagal ng pangarap ito ng bawat babae na basketball player na kagaya ko na noon pa lang inaasam na ito,” said Arayi, expressing her gratitude for the league supported by Manny Pacquiao, Senator Francis Tolentino, and the MPBL Partylist.
“Medyo may added na nga lang kami ngayon pero happy pa rin kasi para naman ito sa susunod na henerasyon ng players,” added the 39-year-old basketball icon.
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Joining Arayi in the Philippine Navy-Kalos PH lineup are Gilas Women mainstays Afril Bernardino, Gemma Miranda, and Andrea Tongco.
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The Lady Patriots, bannered by UAAP record-holder for most three-points made Luisa San Juan, are looking to rebound from a 51-54 defeat at the hands of the New Zealand Bluefire Valkyries.
Meanwhile, another national team legend, Raiza Palmera-Dy, is preparing to juggle dual roles in Sunday’s games.
Palmera-Dy will suit up for Discovery at 4:00 PM as they seek to rebound from a tough 67-82 loss to University of Santo Tomas last Sunday.
Perlas face the Imus Sis-VBL squad, which is looking to build momentum.
Later at 8:00 PM, Palmera-Dy will switch to her coaching role, leading Far Eastern University against fellow debuting squad EZ Jersey.
Discovery’s loss last weekend saw Palmera-Dy contribute four points and nine assists, while Allana Lim and Camille Sambile led the scoring for Perlas.
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Perlas now face a Lady Magdalo side brimming with confidence after a thrilling 73-70 victory over the PSP Lady Gymers, also last Sunday.
The Lady Tamaraws, for their part, are using this tournament supported by sponsors including Uratex, Discovery Suites, Red Dynasty, Gotobox, Gerry’s Grill, Prettiest, Team Graphitee, Evo Performance Helmets, Ryzen Helmets, Katinko, Dorayd, Sogo Hotel, Global Bosny Manufacturing, and Bavin as preparation for the upcoming UAAP Season 88.
The EZ Jersey Relentless, led by coach Rafael Borromeo, feature the former UST tandem of Tin Capilit and Kikay Gandalla.
Games air live on IBC 13 or stream them via the league’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel.
