A highly anticipated showdown between two tournament favorites will take place in the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL), as the Pilipinas Aguilas go head-to-head with the Philippine Navy Lady Sailors on Sunday at the Mandaluyong City College Science and Technology Gym.
Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.
Both teams delivered dominant performances in their debuts in this league backed by Manny Pacquiao, Senator Francis Tolentino, and the MPBL Partylist.
The Aguilas secured a 66-55 victory over the New Zealand-Bluefire Valkyries, while the Lady Sailors cruised past the Cavite-TOL Lady Patriots, 70-57.
(C) WMPBL
“Our mindset heading into this game is all about focus, discipline, and teamwork. We know this is an early clash of giants, so we’re preparing ourselves both physically and mentally. Mga bata halos ang makakalaban namin, pero may halong veteran players like Chack Cabinbin and Mar Prado,” said Lady Sailors head coach Ewon Arayi, whose squad is backed by Kalos PH and Go for Gold.
Arayi previously coached Prado during her tenure at Adamson University.
“We respect our opponents, but we’re also confident in our training and game plan. Every player is locked in, ready to give their best, and committed to executing our strategies. Most importantly, we’ll play with heart, pride, and the determination to win.”
Aguilas head coach Ryan Monteclaro acknowledges the depth of the Lady Sailors’ roster, led by stars such as Afril Bernardino, Gemma Miranda, Andrea Tongco, and Trixie Antiquera.
(C) WMPBL
“Definitely a tough team to match up against. They have Afril Bernardino, who is really versatile and one of the best in women’s basketball. Loaded din sila with shooters like Andrea and Trixie. We hope we can contain them,” Monteclaro said.
However, Monteclaro is also looking forward to seeing the Aguilas’ Lady Falcons—namely Cheska Apag, Kem Adeshina, Cris Padilla, and Kim Limbago—learn from Arayi, one of Adamson’s basketball legends.
“Personally, it’s exciting kasi ever since I got on board sa Adamson, we’ve been talking, and she’s actually been giving me a heads-up and some advice about the team. Hopefully, one day, makasama ko siya sa Adamson—we’ll never know,” said Monteclaro, himself a former Soaring Falcon.
“She’s a legend, not just for Adamson but for Philippine women’s basketball as a whole. Para sa amin, we always take pride in where we came from and in bringing honor to our alma mater. Nakaka-excite din kasi may mga former Adamson players din sa team. Off the court, ‘klasmeyts’ kami lahat.”
The game day of this tournament also supported by 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 will open with a 4 p.m. clash between the EZ Jersey Relentless and the CEU Lady Scorpions, both seeking their first wins of the tournament.
Meanwhile, the nightcap will feature the San Juan Lady Knights taking on the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, with both squads aiming for back-to-back victories.
