PRIDE is the only thing coach Patrick Aquino feels for Gilas Pilipinas Women's 3x3 as it reached the quarterfinals of the 2019 Fiba 3x3 Asia Cup in Changsha, China, scaling those heights only in its maiden foray in the continental tilt.
"I'm just happy and proud of the girls for what we have done here," he told Spin.ph Sunday. "We were in a tough group and we still got this far."
The Filipinas had a mountain to climb as they were slotted in the qualifying rounds first before making it to the main tourney.
Despite the monumental challenge, the Philippines scaled those heights, topping its group as it blasted Samoa and Chinese Taipei on Wednesday before formally clinching its ticket to the next round against Vanuatu on Thursday.
Though Japan served Gilas Women's a harsh reality check, it did bounce back, clobbering Sri Lanka to book the second spot in Group C.
All good things, however, must come to an end, and though a gallant stand from the crew made up of Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos, Jack Animam, and Clare Castro was admirable, it wasn't enough as Australia pulled off a 21-16 win in the quarterfinals.
Still, this solid outing was a far cry from the Philippines' 17th place finish in last year's World Cup and Aquino said that the girls could hold their heads high knowing what they have accomplished.
"Remember, this also our first time sa Asia Cup. And achieving this makes me want to go back home and prepare more the next tournaments," said the decorated women's basketball mentor.
"We wish we could do more of this in the future and maybe, we will be there with the best of the world next time."
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
