PANGASINAN-Solar Home and Discovery-Rizal seek to keep their momentum going on Sunday as the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League regular season presented by Akari stages a jampacked triple-header at the Olivarez Gym to close out the first round today.
The Suns (3-1), fresh off a statement 86-83 win over San Juan-DN Steel, look to keep rolling when they battle fellow contender New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas (3-1) in the 4 p.m. opener, before the Perlas (2-2), riding a two-game surge, square off with the Lady Knights (3-1) at 6 p.m.
Armed with a three-game winning streak where they showcased their depth and balanced attack, Pangasinan-Solar Home enters the matchup brimming with confidence as they look to outlast a Valkyries side that has likewise impressed early in the tournament supported by Uratex, Black Mamba, Red Dynasty, Aktive Balls, and Pocari Sweat.
“Syempre maganda ‘tong [panalo] para sa amin, medyo malaking morale-booster para sa amin. But again, we cannot be too complacent. New Zealand is still a strong team so we have to play better offense and defense,” said Suns head coach PJ Navarro.
Gabi Bade, coming off her lowest scoring outing against San Juan-DN Steel, will be counted on to regain her touch and back up the prolific duo of Lee Sario and Jhenn Angeles as Pangasinan-Solar Home faces a battle-tested New Zealand Blufire-Batangas side bannered by Snow Peñaranda, Afril Bernardino, and Pringle Fabruada.
The Valkyries, well-rested coming off a two-week rest, are aiming to bounce back from a tough 74-71 loss at the hands of the Lady Knights.
Meanwhile, Discovery-Rizal, which appears to have finally found its rhythm, will be tested against a San Juan-DN Steel squad eager to bounce back after suffering its first loss at the hands of the Suns.
The Perlas will once again bank on the veteran leadership of Allana Lim, along with the steady play of Tantoy Ferrer and Raiza Palmera-Dy, as they look to stretch their winning streak against the equally formidable Lady Knights.
Opposite them, San Juan-DN Steel will lean on the explosive backcourt duo of Chack Cabinbin and Janine Pontejos in their bid to keep pace in the tight standings.
In the nightcap, the bottom two teams — Tagaytay-Tol (0-4) and RK Hoops-Quezon City (1-3) — collide at 8 p.m., each determined to halt their respective skids and finish the first round on a brighter note.
The winless Patriots lean on Angel Quingco, Bernice Paraiso, and Luisa San Juan as it tries to finally break through, while RK Hoops-QC looks to end a three-game skid behind Cara Buendia, Nel Flor, and Melody Cac.
