Snow Peñaranda and Pringle Fabruada took charge as New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas surged in the fourth quarter to defeat Discovery-Rizal, 98-87, moving within a win of clinching the inaugural professional championship in the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League late Wednesday at Villar Coliseum.

Trailing by three, the Valkyries sparked a blistering 16-1 run led by Peñaranda and Fabruada, turning the tide and giving New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas a commanding 91-79 lead with 2:28 remaining, firmly seizing control down the stretch.

Allana Lim, Camille Sambile and Tantoy Ferrer responded with a 7-2 rally to cut the deficit to seven, 86-93, with 1:08 left. But Andrea Tongco, Khate Castillo and Fabruada delivered the final punches to secure the Game 1 victory.

“It was a back-and-forth game the whole game. It’s a good thing na we got control down the stretch, creating turnovers from our defense, and then scoring easy baskets on transition on the other end,” New Zealand Bluefire head coach Cholo Villanueva said.

“The girls didn’t want to give up control of the game. That’s why towards the end, we finished strong.” 

With Afril Bernardino struggling to find her rhythm, Peñaranda and Fabruada carried the scoring load, delivering monster double-doubles to lead the Valkyries to the brink of history.

Peñaranda powered the team with 22 points on an efficient 10-of-14 shooting along with 15 rebounds, while Fabruada provided a huge spark off the bench, posting 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting and grabbing 10 boards.

Castillo continued her strong form with four three-pointers for 15 points, and Mary Grace Calang contributed 10 markers and four rebounds. Bernardino, despite finishing with nine points on 2-of-8 shooting, made her presence felt with 12 rebounds, 10 assists, three blocks, and one steal.

On the other hand, Discovery-Rizal continued to struggle against the Valkyries, dropping their third game to the same squad.

Ferrer led Discovery-Rizal with 28 points and 10 rebounds, while Lim added 22 points, 14 rebounds, and five steals in the disappointing loss. Raiza Palmera-Dy had an all-around performance with 13 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, while Sambile also finished with 13 points.