The Philippine Army's Lady Battalion bannered by the stellar performance of star player Pfc. Janine Pontejos defeated the PSI Lady Air Defenders, 77-70, to take Game 1 of the Women's National Basketball League finals series at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium in Malolos, Bulacan on June 24, 2022.
The Lady Battalion led by as much as 15 points more than three minutes left in the third quarter but the gritty Lady Air Defenders staged a comeback in the fourth canto. The powerhouse duo of Pfc. Pontejos, who scored 28 points, and Pfc. Chack Cabinbin saved the day for the Lady Battalion as they managed to fend-off the Lady Air Defenders in the dying minutes of the match.
It can be recalled that the Lady Battalion trashed top-seeded Taguig Lady Generals in their do-or-die semi-finals match more than a week ago to face the Lady Air Defenders in this season’s best-of-three finale. The Lady Battalion, which is now one win away from clinching the championship, will face the Lady Air Defenders for Game 2 on June 26, 2022 at the same venue.
Meanwhile, Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., called on team to sustain their momentum and bring home this season’s championship trophy for the Philippine Army.