Tumulak na patungong Amman, Jordan nitong Martes ng gabi ang Gilas Pilipinas Women para sumabak sa 2021 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Division A competition na idaraos mula Setyembre 27 hanggang Oktubre 3.
Nakaranas ng iba’t ibang pagsubok at hamon para lamang makapaghanda at umabot sa kompetisyon, mas naging matatag ang pagkakabuklod, malakas at solido ang samahan ng Philippine Women’s National Basketball squad.
“Each and every day was a challenge — from the swabbing to the team practices but we need to prioritize our health,” pahayag ni Gilas Women head coach Patrick Aquino. “Our mental toughness was also tested during our camp but I feel like that will help us compete against the continent’s best teams. We have to take advantage of every opportunity we get to be on the court.”
“Our situation is unique but it will help us in the long run.”
Nabigyan ang Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas ng clearance mula local government unit ng Batangas kaya nakapagsagawa ng training camp ang koponan sa Summit Point Golf & Country Club.
Pero naging patigil-tigil ang kanilang ensayo dahil sa pagdaan ng bagyong ‘Jolina’.
Ang koponan ay pamumunuan nina Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos, Clare Castro, Andrea Tongco, Chack Cabinbin, Ria Nabalan at Mar Prado.
Nakatakda nilang sagupain sa Amman ang world No. 7 China sa Setyembre 27, kasunod ang No.3 Australia kinabukasan at No. 34 Chinese-Taipei sa Setyembre 29.
Marivic Awitan
