Valkyries seek revenge against Angels in second-round opener

Batangas–New Zealand Bluefire will aim to seize solo first place when it faces first-round conqueror Biñan–Tatak Gel to kick off the second phase of the 2026 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) regular season on Sunday at the Alonte Sports Arena.

Currently tied atop the standings with the Angels and Akari-Rizal, the defending champion Valkyries hope to break away from the crowded race and strengthen their push for a higher playoff position.

Batangas–New Zealand Bluefire takes on Biñan–Tatak Gel at 6 p.m., looking to avenge its 83-79 defeat last April 15. Earlier in the day, RK Hoops–Quezon City 10ACT battles Pasig at 4 p.m. in the opening game.

Valkyries head coach Cholo Villanueva admitted that the second round presents a greater challenge for his squad as the defending champions continue to draw added attention from opponents.

“It’s going to be tougher for us in the second round because teams already know our strengths on both ends of the floor,” said Villanueva.

“We need to stay prepared and focused, especially because we want to bounce back from that loss to Biñan in the first round,” he added.

Sharpshooter Jil Talas is once again expected to provide instant offense off the bench alongside reigning MVP Afril Bernardino and Snow Peñaranda as Batangas–New Zealand Bluefire targets its fourth straight victory in the tournament backed by Aktive.

Biñan–Tatak Gel, however, also hopes to regain momentum after opening the season with four consecutive victories before absorbing an 86-80 loss to the Sparks last April 17.

The Angels will lean on Chack Cabinbin, Monique Del Carmen, and Eka Soriano to lead their charge as they attempt to return to winning form heading into the crucial stretch of the eliminations.

Meanwhile, RK Hoops–Quezon City 10ACT and Pasig, both carrying identical 1-4 records alongside Caloocan, will each chase their second win of the tournament in a pivotal early matchup.

Tantoy Ferrer is expected to carry much of the offensive load for RK Hoops–Quezon City 10ACT as the team tries to snap a three-game losing streak, while Pasig, led by Gabi Bade, also looks to end its own three-game skid in a crucial battle for positioning in the race for the fourth seed.