Philippine Navy is set to make their much-anticipated debut in the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) against a determined Cavite-Tol squad today at the Enderun Gym.

Tip-off is set at 6 p.m. with the Lady Sailors expected to go all out as they play under the system of head coach Ewon Arayi, who is regarded as a trailblazer in women’s basketball.

Arayi, who played for Adamson University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) before seeing action for the national team, said she is happy with the formation of a competitive women’s basketball league.

“I’m so happy and satisfied because we’ve been dreaming of having a league like the WMPBL. This is for the future generation of women basketball players,” the 39-year-old Arayi said.

Joining Arayi in the Philippine Navy-Kalos PH lineup are Gilas Women mainstays Afril Bernardino, Gemma Miranda and Andrea Tongco.

The Lady Patriots, bannered by UAAP record-holder for most three-points made Luisa San Juan, are looking to rebound from a 51-54 defeat at the hands of the New Zealand Bluefire Valkyries.

Meanwhile, another national team legend, Raiza Palmera-Dy, is set to juggle dual roles in today’s games.

Palmera-Dy will suit up for Discovery at 4 p.m. as they seek to rebound from a tough 67-82 loss to University of Santo Tomas last Sunday.

Perlas faces the Imus Sis-VBL squad, which is looking to build momentum.

Later at 8 p.m., Palmera-Dy will switch to her coaching role, leading Far Eastern University against fellow debuting squad EZ Jersey.

Discovery’s loss last weekend saw Palmera-Dy contribute four points and nine assists, while Allana Lim and Camille Sambile led the scoring for Perlas.

Perlas now faces a Lady Magdalo side brimming with confidence after a thrilling 73-70 victory over the PSP Lady Gymers, also last Sunday.

The Lady Tamaraws, for their part, are using this tournament as preparation for the upcoming UAAP Season 88.

The EZ Jersey Relentless, led by coach Rafael Borromeo, features the former University of Santo Tomas tandem of Tin Capilit and Kikay Gandalla.