Valkyries Crush RK Hoops, Move Closer to Automatic Semifinals Spot

Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire bolstered its campaign for an outright semifinals berth in the 2026 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) after a commanding 96-69 victory over RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT on Wednesday at Hoops Haven in Pasay City.

The dominant win guaranteed the Valkyries at least a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals and enabled them to draw level with Akari-Rizal at the top of the standings, with both teams holding identical 6-1 records.

With two games left in the elimination round, Batangas-New Zealand remains firmly in contention for the No. 1 seed and the coveted automatic semifinals qualification.

After a competitive opening half, the Valkyries took full control in the third quarter. They exploded for 26 points while holding RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT to just six, turning a close encounter into a lopsided affair.

The decisive run stretched Batangas-New Zealand’s lead to 76-52 entering the final period, giving the team enough breathing room to comfortably seal the victory.

“We were able to control the game because of our defensive identity. We were exchanging shots, especially in the first half. When we clamped down defensively in the third quarter, they had only two points by the seven-minute mark,” said Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire head coach Cholo Villanueva.

“It means we stayed true to our defensive mentality, which is what we want to use to control the game,” he added.

Khate Castillo spearheaded the Valkyries’ attack with 28 points, highlighted by six three-pointers, while also contributing five rebounds and four assists as Batangas-New Zealand extended its winning streak to five games.

Afril Bernardino delivered another well-rounded performance with 16 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and three blocks, while Snow Peñaranda added 16 points on an efficient 6-of-8 shooting from the field.

On the other hand, RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT suffered its second straight defeat, dropping to 2-6 and falling into a tie with Pasig for fourth place in the standings.

Tantoy Ferrer led the Quezon City squad with 14 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and three steals, while Ann Dampios chipped in 12 points and four rebounds in the losing effort.