Without long-time national team veteran Jack Animam, Gilas Pilipinas Women did not have to look far for an anchor to steady the Philippines’ bid for redemption in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
Blending proven UAAP talents such as Kacey dela Rosa, Ann Pingol, Louna Ozar, and Angel Surada with high school guards Sarah Heyn and Sophia Dignadice, head coach Pat Aquino ultimately entrusted the team’s leadership to the steady hands of veterans Afril Bernardino and Janine Pontejos.
With their experience setting the tone, the Philippines moved one game away from regaining regional supremacy after a 66-55 knockout semifinal victory over Indonesia on Thursday, December 18, at Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
“You won’t go wrong with the veterans. That’s why they’re here.
“I’m just happy also that Kacey is playing hard and playing well. Hopefully, in the next game, sa gold medal game, ganon pa rin laro nila,” Aquino said postgame.
As the Indonesian dribblers stayed within striking distance in the fourth quarter at 56-44, Gilas Women found timely relief from their two mainstays. Bernardino delivered back-to-back baskets inside, while Pontejos knocked down a triple that stretched the lead to an insurmountable 13 points, 63-50, with 3:27 left in the contest.
(C) POC Media
Beyond moving a step closer to a title redemption, the leadership of Bernardino and Pontejos also allowed the Philippines to exorcise the ghosts of the past by dethroning the defending champions in the process.
Bernardino turned in an all-around performance of 14 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks. Meanwhile, Pontejos added 10 points and one steal as Gilas Women stunned Indonesia — the same squad that handed the Philippines its lone loss in the 2023 SEA Games, a defeat that ultimately dashed hopes of a historic three-peat.
“They are just trying to do their best all the time and believing they can do it. I know this was a tough game, Indonesia’s been preparing so much for this [and] they are the defending champion,” Aquino explained.
Beyond the veteran presence of Bernardino and Pontejos, the long-time Philippine women’s basketball mentor also welcomed the emergence of National University standouts Angel Surada and Season 88 MVP Ann Pingol.
Fresh off a grueling silver-medal run in their fifth and final year with the Lady Bulldogs, the timely presence of Surada and Pingol provided an added boost as Gilas Women set their sights on capturing a third SEA Games title in the last four editions of the biennial meet.
“Very big. Syempre sa akin, very big sa akin ‘yon for me kasi kumpleto ‘eh. Hindi yung kulang ka sa kasama. Lahat lahat, together lahat sila na nagsasama sa laro,” he said.
“Konting minutes yung iba, but they gave their all and that was the most important.”
