The Cavite ToL Patriots are hoping for a successful debut in the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL), which will kick off in January.
Erika May Jimenez, Bernice Paraiso, and Jaina Del Prado were among the players who attended the team presentation at the Windy Ridge Hotel in Manila on Friday, all expressing their eagerness to compete.
Also in the line-up are Wendi Casinillo, Haliana Marie Aldaya, Fionna Mikee Gonato, Diane Reyes, Honeylyn Caringal, and Magdaliowi Flores.
“As female athletes, we seek equal opportunities. We are ready to prove that we can play. What male basketball players can do, we can do as well,” said the 24-year-old Jimenez, who played for the UP Maroons in the UAAP.
Paraiso said the players are very grateful for the opportunity.
“We hope to inspire the younger generation that after playing in college, female basketball players can continue to compete in a pro league,” said the former De La Salle University Lady Archer.
“I’m excited to play. We’re happy that we have this league where we can show our skills,” said Del Prado, who played for the FEU Lady Tamaraws.
Mandell Martirez, son of Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) legend Rosalio “Yoyong” Martirez, will coach the Patriots.
“Since our team was just recently formed, we need to catch up to improve our system by holding practices and as many tune-up games as possible,” he said.
“The composition of the team is okay, I think we are competitive. We have good players. We are hoping for a good performance in this league.”
Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino, the team owner, said opening opportunities for Pinay athletes to showcase their skills is a form of empowerment and would greatly benefit the growth of women’s sports.
“Unlike men’s basketball, there are limited opportunities for women ballers. By giving them this chance to play in a national women’s professional league, we are empowering them, and at the same time, helping the growth of women’s basketball in the country,” Tolentino said.
His son, Tagaytay City Councilor Micko Tolentino, who serves as team manager, will talk to the WMPBL for the Patriots’ home games to be held in Dasmariñas and Tagaytay.
“We have homegrown players and we would like to see our team being cheered on by our kababayans,” Micko said.
The senator’s other sons, Patrick Andrei Tolentino and Jeb Tolentino, will be the team’s assistant manager and director of player personnel, respectively. (PNA)