CAN the Gilas Pilipinas Under-18 Women squad achieve what their Under-16 counterparts failed two months ago?
The young Filipino dribblers launch their bid when they take on Thailand today in group phase action of the FIBA Under-18 Women’s Asian Championship Division B in Bangalore, India.
The match is set at 6:15 p.m., with Gilas out to get a fast start in its drive to clinch a Division A promotion.
The Philippines is bracketed in Group A where it will also battle Samoa tomorrow and Maldives on Wednesday. Group B features Mongolia, Hong Kong, Jordan, and Malaysia.
The top-ranked team from the group will clinch an outright semifinals berth, while the second and third place squads will tangle in the quarterfinals playoff.
Only the champion of the Sept. 5 to 11 tourney will earn promotion to Division A in 2024.
Kristan Yumul, Camille Nolasco, and BJ Villarin banner the Pat Aquino-mentored belles.
Completing the line-up are Sumayah Sugapong, Kate Bobadilla, Ryhanna Calvert, Sydney Heyn, Ashley Loon, Hope Manglal-Lan, Kalynne Mendez, Louna Ozar, and Candice Udal.
The Under-16 side wound up with a bronze medal in the Asian youth tilt last June in Amman.
Division A is made up of Australia, Japan, China, South Korea, New Zealand, Chinese Taipei, India, and Indonesia.
