HANGZHOU — The Philippine women's 3x3 team decided to withdraw from the 19th Asian Games after its appeal to include two replacement players were denied by the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee (HAGOC).
Coach Pat Aquino said it was a difficult decision the team had to do, but it was left with no other choice since it only has two players left in its roster in Camille Nolasco and Louna Ozar.
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The players denied were Marga Villanueva and Cielo Pagdulagan, who were supposed to replace Camille Clarin and Angel Surada.
Camille Nolasco and Co. will not see action.
Aquino and the rest of the team learned about the decision early Monday morning, about 12 hours before the Filipina cagebelles were supposed to play their first game against Jordan at the Deqing Geographic Information Park Basketball Court.
The coach behind the success of the National University Lady Bulldogs and the 5-on-5 team felt sorry for the players, who are actually looking forward of playing in the first 3x3 unit that will see action in the Asiad.
"It's sad dahil first time kami dito, and then ganito pa ang nangyari," said Aquino.
Nonetheless, he's grateful for the four players - Ozar, Nolasco, Pagdulagan, and Villanueva - for the effort and time they've spent training for flag and country.
"I think I have players willing to represent our country here with me," said Aquino.
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