New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas aims to bolster its push for a top-two finish, while Discovery Rizal seeks to keep pace in the race in the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League regular season presented by Akari at the Batangas City Coliseum on Sunday.
The Valkyries (6-2) enter their 8:00 PM matchup against Pangasinan Solar Home (3-5) riding a strong run, coming off back-to-back victories, one against Tagaytay-Tol and a 52-point demolition of RK Hoops-Quezon City.
Afril Bernardino has been a key factor in the Valkyries’ recent success, delivering solid performances in both wins. She recorded a 26-point, 21-rebound double-double against the Patriots and followed it up with a 15-point, 16-rebound outing versus RK Hoops-Quezon City.
With Bernardino leading the charge and Charmine Torres and Rizza Lozada providing strong support, New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas aims to solidify its position among the top teams.
Looking ahead, the Valkyries hope to carry their momentum into their crucial game against the Suns. A win would not only tie them with league-leading San Juan-DN Steel at 7-2 for the top spot, but also create a cushion over the chasing Perlas.
“We want to be consistent with what we’re doing, especially going into the next few games ng elimination round. We want to improve on things that we want to be consistent in sa playoffs,” said New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas head coach Cholo Villanueva.
On the other side, Pangasinan Solar Home is looking to bounce back from a four-game losing streak and stay within the top four to secure a twice-to-beat incentive.
The Suns will rely heavily on the trio of Gabi Bade, Ara Abaca, and LJ Miranda to spark a turnaround, especially with Lee Sario (academics) and Betts Binaohan (knee chondral damage) questionable for the match.
In the 6:00 PM opener, Discovery Rizal (5-3) takes on RK Hoops-Quezon City (1-7) with the aim of keeping their bid for an outright semifinals slot alive.
Coming off their first loss after a five-game winning streak, Perlas are hoping to have Tantoy Ferrer back after missing the previous game due to illness.
Raiza Palmera-Dy and Allana Lim struggled against the Lady Knights, but Discovery-Rizal was able to rely on strong contributions from second-stringer Tacky Tacatac. Her continued impact will be a welcome boost if Ferrer returns to action.
On the other hand, RK Hoops-Quezon City heads into the matchup riding a seven-game losing streak, leaning on key players Alexa Peñaroyo and Caryl Molina to try and turn things around.
