In the historic opening day of the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) inaugural season, Snow Peñaranda delivered an impressive double-double performance, leading New Zealand-Bluefire to a 54-51 victory over Cavite-Tol.
The 5-foot-7 forward recorded 25 points on an efficient 10-for-15 shooting, along with 14 rebounds – marking the league’s first-ever double-double.
“Ginawa ko lang po ‘yung role na binigay sakin ni Coach Cholo. Just go for the ball, dive for the ball, kapag easy shot, go. Then, nakukuha ko ‘yung rhythm ko sa laro kaya nakuha ko ‘yung double-double,” shared the now 32-year-old forward from La Salle.
Peñaranda highlighted her familiarity with head coach Cholo Villanueva’s system as a key factor in her performance, emphasizing the discipline instilled by the veteran mentor, starting from practice sessions.
“Sobrang laki kasi ‘yung discipline na tinuturo niya sa amin. Sabi niya nga, siya ‘yung kind of coach na napaka-demanding, so sobrang laking impact ‘yan sa amin kasi nagiging sobrang disiplinado kami,” she noted.
(C) WMPBL
Peñaranda also expressed her joy over the launch of the WMPBL. She recognized the opportunities it creates for veteran players to not only continue their careers, but also pursue their passion for basketball.
“Yes, ‘yun nga, sobrang saya, sobrang saya talaga. Wala na akong ibang masabi sa sobrang saya talaga namin. Hindi lang ako, kahit ‘yung mga nauna pa sa akin kahit sa ibang teams, alam nila ‘yun. Masho-showcase na naming mga Pilipina na baller kung gaano katalented talaga mga Pilipinas,” she added.
Beyond competing alongside her peers, Peñaranda is excited about the future of women’s basketball, particularly the platform the WMPBL provides for emerging talent from the collegiate ranks.
“Nilo-look forward din namin ‘yung mga kabataan na babae na ine-engganyo din namin na mapunta sila sa sports.”
