Bernardino, Castillo lead Valkyries past Angels to complete revenge win

Batangas–New Zealand Bluefire secured a hard-earned payback, defeating Biñan–Tatak Gel, 92–86, on Sunday at the Alonte Sports Arena in the 2026 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL)

Afril Bernardino and Khate Castillo spearheaded the attack as the Valkyries claimed their fourth straight victory and moved into solo first place with a league-best 6–1 record.

Bernardino produced a dominant double-double of 28 points on 12-of-18 shooting and 18 rebounds, while Castillo added 25 points on an efficient 10-of-14 clip along with five assists. The win also avenged Batangas–New Zealand’s 79–83 defeat to the same opponent last April 16 in the first round.

The reigning WMPBL MVP sparked a decisive 13–0 run that broke a 75-all deadlock and pushed the Valkyries ahead, 88–75, with 2:52 remaining, a surge Biñan could not recover from.

“We really wanted to get back at Biñan after losing to them in the first round,” said Valkyries head coach Cholo Villanueva. “We prepared well because we also knew they were coming off a loss.”

Andrea Tongco contributed 13 points and eight assists, while Snow Peñaranda added seven points and eight rebounds for Batangas–New Zealand Bluefire.

Biñan–Tatak Gel, meanwhile, slipped to 4–2 after absorbing its second defeat of the season.

Chack Cabinbin nearly posted a triple-double with 21 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds, while Monique Del Carmen finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

Luisa San Juan, who previously hit the game-winner in their first-round win over the Valkyries, was held to 16 points and nine rebounds in the loss.