The Philippine national Esports team Sibol settles for the silver medal in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang women’s category following a hard-fought loss against powerhouse Indonesia in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Thursday.
Sibol, made up of Omega Empress players Gwyneth Diagon, Alexandria Dhzoie Dardo, Mery Christine Vivero, Rica Fatima Amores, Kaye Maerylle Alpuerto, Sheen Perez and coach Abraham Unida, dropped a 3-2 decision.
“I am very proud. First of all, they gave a very good performance,” Unida said in the post-match press conference.
“They saw us as an underdog but now they can look at us as contenders. I want to thank my players for giving me their 100 percent trust in me when it came to our drafts and (game) plans. I am very thankful.”
The Philippines showed a lot of grit when it swept Malaysia in the semifinals.
Sibol came close to winning gold when it got to a 2-1 match point but was unable to close the game.
Indonesia took advantage of the Philippines’ misplays to turn the tide and win two games in a row to win the gold medal match.
Despite falling short, Unida said the experience alone is a win for the national Esports team.
“We have learned so much. As a coach, especially, my adjustments and planning. I think my players saw the need for more improvements (they need) in the technical side like positioning and targeting,” he said.
The silver medal in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang women’s event was the fourth podium finish for Sibol, having won gold in League of Legends: Wild Rift, and a bronze medal in Valorant and Crossfire, respectively.
