By REYNALD MAGALLON
The Gilas Pilipinas women’s team is seeing an even playing field in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
With the organizers adopting an entirely different format for this year’s edition, Gilas head coach Pat Aquino is optimistic that the team is getting a clearer shot at winning the gold.
“It’s an even turf for me. It’s a different format of tournament,” said Aquino.
The Nationals are grouped with Malaysia and Singapore with the top team advancing to the semifinals while the other squads will have to go through the quarterfinals.
It was a different format from the round-robin format the Games applied in the past editions.
“It’s a good tournament for me. We have the talent and the capability of getting that gold again,” said Aquino.
Gilas Women is fielding an intact lineup that featured veterans Chuck Cabinbin, Ana Castillo, Janine Pontejos and Afril Bernardino along with young guns Kacey Dela Rosa, Louna Ozar, and Angel Surada.
Trina Guytingco, Sarah Heyn, Monique del Carmen and Sophia Dignadice are also part of the team.
Notably absent on the team is veteran Jack Animam who skipped the SEA Games due to commitments with her Japanese team.
“I know Jack isn’t going to be here because of her commitment in Japan. But I hope that these girls will really represent us and I think they have the talent and the experience, and we can have that gold again,” said Aquino.
“I talked to Janine and Afril, I know they are kinda a little bit old right now but their leadership in handling teammates is great for us because of the so many years being part of the national team,” he added.
