CEU head coach and Gilas Pilipinas women’s Janine Pontejos. Photo handout. MANILA — Janine Pontejos is aiming to steer reigning WNCAA champion Centro Escolar University to a strong debut in the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) on Wednesday.

The Gilas Pilipinas women’s sharpshooter and her CEU squad will be taking on Galeries Tower at 4:00 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, and the Scorpions are hoping to join University of Santo Tomas, the Imus Sis-VBL Lady Magdalo, and the New Zealand-Bluefire Valkyries as early leaders in the league.

Pontejos, who became the head coach of her alma mater CEU last year, is fresh off guiding the Scorpions to the WNCAA title last month, where they swept University of Makati in the best-of-three finals.

Key players for CEU include lanky guard Jiyan Ferolino, versatile winger Jessica Mahusay, and powerhouse center Dorie Montecalbo.

However, the Scorpions face a formidable challenge against the Galeries Skyrisers, a team bolstered by two-time UAAP MVP Analyn Almazan.

The Ai Lebornio-coached Skyrisers also feature reinforcements from the UE Lady Warriors, adding depth to their roster in this tournament.

Meanwhile, in the 6:00 p.m. matchup, the San Juan Lady Knights will clash with the Solar Home Suns.

The Lady Knights are led by a star-studded lineup featuring former UST Tigress Jhenn Angeles, La Salle Lady Archer Ara Abaca, Ateneo Blue Eagle LJ Miranda, and NU Lady Bulldog Annick Edimo Tiky.

On the other hand, the Suns, under the guidance of coach Iris Isip, boast a strong squad highlighted by former Ateneo Blue Eagle Jollina Go and former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroon Pesky Pesquera.

Fans can catch the action live on IBC 13 and through the league’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel.