Two young talents have been added to Gilas Pilipinas Women’s roster for their 33rd Southeast Asian Games campaign.
Teenagers Sarah Heyn and Sophia Dignadice will join a group of seasoned veterans for the regional meet, scheduled from December 13-19 at Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Sarah Heyn, sister of Gilas Girls’ Sydney Heyn, stands 5-foot-9 and is a commit to UC Santa Barbara. The 18-year-old is also part of Fil-Nation Select.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Sophia Dignadice, a 5-foot-6 guard, is the daughter of 1985 SEA Games gold medalist Yves Dignadice and has committed to California State University, Northridge.
Leading Patrick Aquino’s squad are veterans Afril Bernardino and Khate Castillo of New Zealand-Bluefire Batangas, Janine Pontejos and Chack Cabinbin of San Juan, Monique Del Carmen of Tagaytay-Tol, and Trina Guytingco.
UAAP standouts called up include Kacey dela Rosa of Ateneo, Ann Pingol and Angel Surada of National University, and Lounza Ozar of UP.
Gilas Women will face Malaysia and Singapore in the group stages, with the top team in each group earning an automatic semifinals berth. Meanwhile, the second- and third-placed teams will battle in a play-in.
In the previous edition of the games in Cambodia, Gilas Women finished second.
