Valkyries and Sparks Renew Fierce Rivalry

Defending champions Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire and Akari are set for a thrilling showdown in the 2026 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL), a clash that promises to be far more than just another regular-season game.

In many ways, this is a rematch wearing a fresh jersey—bringing back the unresolved tensions of last season’s Finals.

The Valkyries, fresh off a strong bounce-back victory over RK Hoops-Quezon City to improve to 2-1, head into the 6 p.m. contest at the Filoil EcoOil Centre riding the wave of confidence and the solid team chemistry that propelled them to the championship last year.

Their title run was characterized by resilience in close games, with reigning MVP Afril Bernardino, Khate Castillo, and Snow Peñaranda leading the charge on both ends of the court—a role they continue to embrace this season.

On the flip side, Akari enters the game with a revamped roster, having acquired the core of the Discovery team—whom Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire defeated in last year’s Finals.

Valkyries head coach Cholo Villanueva knows that while their fiercest rival may now don different colors, the challenge they pose remains the same.

“Our next game will be against Akari. It's a rematch of last season’s Finals, and they’re still a dangerous team—possibly even stronger now. So we’ll make sure we’re fully prepared, because they’re one of the top contenders for the championship this season,” Villanueva said.

Akari, for its part, relies on a veteran core led by Allana Lim, Raiza Palmera-Dy, and Mar Prado. This trio will be crucial in both offense and defense as the Sparks aim to match the Bluefire’s intensity and experience, while maintaining their perfect 2-0 record early in the season.

In the opening game of the triple-header, the unbeaten Biñan-Tatak Gel (3-0) will look to extend its strong start against the struggling Caloocan (0-3).

Eka Soriano, Chack Cabinbin, and Luisa San Juan will lead the Angels as they aim to solidify their position atop the standings and continue their hot streak.

For Caloocan, Janine Pontejos, Sofia Felisarta, and Joan Camagong will be key in their quest for a first win, as the Lady Kankaloo look to break into the win column.