Gilas belles open Jones Cup campaign vs Kiwis

MANILA, Philippines — After Mighty Sports, Gilas Pilipinas women’s squad takes its turn to play in the Jones Cup as part of its buildup for the 2019 SEA Games the country is hosting in December.

The Filipinas test their mettle against five teams in the women’s division of the prestigious Asian invitational tournament in Taipei.

Mentored by long-time women’s basketball head coach Patrick Aquino, the Nationals open their campaign at 2 p.m. today against New Zealand.The Gilas women then go up next against Japan and South Korea before wrapping it up against home teams Chinese Taipei A and B in this Jones Cup tourney set Juy 24-28.

Veterans Jack Animan, Afril Bernardino and Janine Pontejos banner the team souped up by the addition of UCLA standout Kelli Hayes, George Washington University’s Mei-Lyn Bautista, Sacramento State’s Elisha Bade and Arizona State’s Arnecia Hawkins.

Also in the roster are La Salle’s Ana Castillo and Camille Claro, NU’s Gemma Miranda, Ateneo’s Danica Jose, FEU’s Clare Castro and LPU’s France Mae Cabinbin.