Reinforced cagebelles vie in SEABA tiff

The Philippine women’s team hopes to regain some measure of respect on international scene as it competes in the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) women’s championship beginning Sunday in Phuket, Thailand.

Coach Fritz Gaston and his team led by US NCAA product Vicky Lane Brick leave for the famous Thai island paradise today.

The RP women’s team, backed by Cebuana Lhuillier, is back in international play after a long layoff due to the FIBA ban.

“The expectation is for us to finish with bronze medal but I’d like to think that I’ve prepared our ladies to have a shot at gold,” said Gaston.

“This is the first time in a long while that we’re playing international. The ladies lack experience and exposure but, with their big fighting heart and hard work, we might be able to pull surprises,” Gaston added.

The team did well in its second of two tune-up matches with the ABU coaches led by Ronnie Magsanoc and Ryan Gregorio.

“We’re walloped by 20 points in the first game. In the rematch, we improved a lot, beaten by only eight,” said Gaston.

The other members of the team are Stephanie Villanueva, Kristin Chua, Emelia Vega, Joan Grajales, Dixie Valencia, Analyn Almazan, Minerva Narciza, Chovi Borja, Diane Jose, Marylyne Mateo, Cassy Tioseco, Aurora Adriano, Machiko Matsuno and Merenciana Arayi.

The 5-foot-7 Brick is the team’s chief playmaker.

“She’s good, she’s smart. She can do a lot of things for the team,” said Gaston of his prized Fil-Am recruit.

The Philippines is up against powerhouse Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia – the same teams it’s facing in the SEA Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand in December.

The RP ladies open their campaign against the Thais Monday.