MANILA, Philippines – Uratex Dream and the TNT Triple Giga will go to New York in October as they reigned supreme in the Red Bull Half Court national finals this weekend.
Uratex will once again compete in the women’s division of the Red Bull Half Court world finals in New York City after defeating Discovery, 9-6, on Saturday at the Kartilya ng Katipunan in the city of Manila.
Gilas women’s mainstay Afril Bernardino paced Uratex with four points; while Kaye Pingol and Sam Harada had two markers each against a Discovery side boasting a roster of Allana Lim, Love Joy Sto. Domingo, Hazelle Yam and Joylyn Pangilinan.
Eunique Chan scored a point in the tight contest.
“We’re proud to once again represent the country and get the opportunity to compete with over 20 other countries in no less than iconic New York City,” Uratex team owner Peachy Medina said.
“To play at this elite level, the players had to make a lot of sacrifices and this triumph all makes it worth it. This is truly a very precious moment for the girls,” she added.
Last year, the Dream finished among the top eight teams in the world in the Serbia meet.
This time around, they want to go deeper into the tourney.
“We are now a tournament-wiser. It’s a tall order competing with the champions of the world, but we will give it our all,” the team owner said.
Over in the men’s side, TNT came out on top after besting the Davao squad Blancas, 15-13, in the finals of the tournament.
The team is bolstered by stalwarts Almond Vosotros, Chester Saldua and Matt Salem.