It has been a successful first week for the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, but which teams have made early success and who are those currently struggling?
Historic First Wins in WMPBL Debut
During the first day of WMPBL games last January 19, the UST Growling Tigresses and New Zealand Bluefires Valkyries both got their first franchise win. The tigresses fought against the Discovery Perlas won with a final score of 82 – 67. Led by Isioma Onianwa who tallied 13 points, 9 rebs, and 1 assist as well as Karylle Sierba who had 14 points in 50 FG%, the Tigresses got an easy 1-0 record. The same goes with the Valkyries who went up against Cavite ‘Tol Patriots with a close win of 54-51. Snow Peñaranda recorded the league’s first double-double as she produced 25 points and 14 boards.
The teams that also went up 1-0 were Galeries Towers Skyrisers and San Juan Lady Knights. On January 22, both teams had dominant wins against their opponents. The Skyrisers won against the CEU Lady Scorpions with a final score of 102-46. They had 5 players in double figures but it was Cindy Resultay, Kamba Kone, and Princess Fabruada who stood up the most. Result had 16 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals. Kone had 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals and Fabruada had 13 points and 4 steals.
The Lady Knights won their game against Solar Home Suns with a score of 75-39. 4 players scored double digits for the Lady Knights but it was LJ Miranda and Rejoice Adlawan who had the spotlight. Miranda had 11 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists while Adlawan had 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists.
On January 26, Philippine Navy Lady Sailors and FEU Lady Tamaraws were the last teams to go without a loss in the first week. The Lady Sailors beat the Cavite Tol Patriots by a 70-57 score. The former women’s Gilas Pilipinas player, Afril Bernardino had the best performance in the win. She tallied 28 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks. Meanwhile, the Lady Tamaraws won against EZ Jerzey Relentless with a score of 69-45. FEU Captain, EJ Lopez led her team with 14 points and 4 rebounds.
All Even: Teams Battling at 1-1
For teams who both have a record of 1-1, it’ll be the Discovery Perlas and Imus Lady Magdalo. Perlas lost their first game against the Tigresses but won their second game versus the Lady Magdalos with a score of 108-60. Raiza Palmera-Dy had a winning performance of 7 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds. The Lady Magdalos on the other hand won their first game against the PSP Gymers in a 73-70 thriller but lost their second game. Khatrine Cantimbuhan recorded these stats in their win: 17 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists.
Early Struggles: Winless Teams Seeking a Breakthrough
These teams failed to get a W during the 1st week. One team who is somehow in a deep hole now is the Cavite ‘Tol Patriots with a 0-2 record. Losing their games against the Valkyries and the Lady Sailors. In their 1st loss, Lepardo had 11 points. While on their 2nd loss, Erika Jimenez had 10 points and 14 rebounds and Luisa San Juan scored 10 points.
The PSP Gymers which is Head Coached by Terrafirma Dyip guard of the PBA, Terrence Romeo also had an opening loss. Though in the bright side, 4 players scored double figures which were: Bartolo with 18 points, Larrosa with 15 points, and Quiapo and Aquino with 12 points each. Both the Lady Scorpions and the Suns got beaten badly. For CEU, Jhianne Ferolino and Diana Defeles only managed to have 7 points each. While Jollina Go scored 7 points Tin Cortizano, Maria Theresa Medina, and Pesky Pesquera all scored 6 points for the Solar Home Suns.
EZ Jersey Relentless failed to get a win but at least some of their players showed potential. Caryl Molina had 11 points and 13 rebounds while Natasha Alcantara scored 10 points. The only team in the WMPBL who didn’t play is the Pilipinas Aguilas which will see action on Week 2.
