UST, Perlas kick off WMPBL inaugural tilt

The Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) is set to make history as it tips off its inaugural tournament today at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena.

The opener will feature a clash between University of Santo Tomas (UST) and Discovery Perlas, which tips off in the first game at 4 p.m.

Aside from the UST-Discovery clash, the opening schedule includes two more games.

The PSP Gymers will battle the Imus Sis-VBL Lady Magdalo at 6 p.m., followed by the Cavite-Tol Patriots taking on the La Salle legends-bannered New Zealand-Bluefire Valkyries at 8 p.m. Admission to the games is free.

The Growling Tigresses, fresh off their runner-up finish in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86, are eager to return to the court with renewed determination.

UST aims to give senior star Tacky Tacatac a memorable send-off, showcasing their grit and discipline under head coach Ged Austria, the son of San Miguel Beermen coach Leo Austria.

“I reminded the players that they are your sisters even outside the court. But inside the court, we have to fight our hearts out. We need to go hard and be disciplined,” Austria said.

Standing in their way is Discovery Perlas, a team bolstered by veterans of the game.

Leading the Perlas squad is UST assistant coach Allana Lim, joined by the likes of Raiza Palmera-Dy, Fats Tolentino, AA Adriano, Tantoy Ferrer, AJ Gloriani and Nikki Villasin.

Discovery head coach Angelina Fedillaga, herself a former UST standout, expressed excitement over the opportunity to participate in this historic league.

“We’re really happy and proud to be part of this. I told the players that if I can play, I will do it because this is a dream for us, women players,” she said.

The Perlas coach acknowledged the challenge of facing a young UST team led by UAAP Mythical Team member Kent Pastrana, Tacatac, and debuting Nigerian student-athlete Oma Onianwa.

The inaugural tournament, supported by Manny Pacquiao, Senator Francis Tolentino, and the MPBL Partylist, will begin with an opening ceremony featuring a parade of all 14 participating teams.

Pacquiao, president John Kallos, and commissioner Haydee Ong will grace the event, with the former lawmaker set to throw the ceremonial jump ball for the opening game.