The Gilas Pilipinas Women will begin their campaign in the 20th Asian Games today as they face Kazakhstan in their opening game in Japan.
The match is set for 3 p.m. Philippine time at the Aichi International Arena, with the Philippines competing in Group B alongside host Japan, Hong Kong, and Kazakhstan.
Gilas Women are looking to improve on their fifth-place finish in the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, where they reached the quarterfinals.
The team is led by naturalized player Elizabeth Means, with Hazelle Yam, Angel Surada, Camille Clarin, Stefanie Berberabe, Afril Bernardino, Monique Del Carmen, Camille Malagar, Jhazmin Joson, Kent Pastrana, Karl Ann Pingol, and Janine Pontejos completing the lineup.
However, the Philippine squad will enter the tournament without several key players, including Jack Animam, Vanessa de Jesus, Sophia Dignadice, and Kacey Dela Rosa.
Dela Rosa is in Japan but will compete in the women’s U-23 3×3 event instead of the five-on-five competition.
Meanwhile, Animam and Dela Rosa’s absence leaves Gilas without two of its key frontcourt players as the team seeks a deeper run under new head coach BT Toews.
The Asian Games campaign also marks only the second tournament for Toews since taking over as head coach of the national women’s team.
(Photo Courtesy: FIBA)
