The Guam U17 Jr. National Women’s Basketball Team fought their way back from an early deficit to grab championship gold Sunday in the 2nd Annual PYD Buddy’s International Basketball Tournament 2016 in Lucena City, Philippines.

Team Guam’s Danica Cabrera earned Finals MVP after dropping 10 points and pulling nine boards in the 55-39 victory.

“I was very surprised to be Finals MVP. I made sure I did my job, but really it was a team effort,” Cabrera said. “However, receiving Finals MVP and the championship was very emotional for me. My team and I worked hard to come out to the Philippines and we executed with all heart. We are very proud to be able to take home the win for Guam.”

She wasn’t without some help as nearly every player for Guam dropped a bucket or snagged a board to ensure a win in the title game.

Team Guam found themselves struggling early in the game with Adam’s pulling out to a 9-2 lead early in the game. A quick timeout seemed to settle them down as Caitlynn Taitano, Monica Giger and Deearah Torre put a couple of points on the board to stay within distance.

In the second quarter, Guam turned to Shania Bulala and Torre to set the offensive pace. The duo poured in 11 of the team’s 17 points. Defensively, Guam played as a team as they harassed and pressed, holding Adam’s to only nine points to take its first lead going into the half.

Coming off the break, Adam’s was not without some firepower as they opened the third quarter on a 5-0 run. But Guam buckled down on defense, controlling the boards a little better to limit the offensive possessions.

The fourth quarter saw several small runs by Adam’s and some deadly free throw shooting by Adam’s guards to chip into the lead. But, Team Guam refused to be rattled as they matched bucket for bucket and board for board to stubbornly hold on for the championship.

Torre also added 10 points, five rebounds in the win.

Bulala, who was named tournament MVP, was quick to credit her teammates with the win.

“My teammates take a big part in the way I perform and I am very proud that I had the opportunity to represent Guam and bring back Gold,” said Bulala, who finished with 10 points, four rebourds and four steals. “I am extremely thankful also to have the opportunity to represent my island again in Fiji this December (as a member of the U18 squad).”

Guam’s Isla Quinata was also recognized by tournament organizers, along with Bulala, to the Mythical 5, a distinction given to the top five players in the tournament. The sophomore guard finished with seven points, nine rebounds and six steals in the win.

“It was a really great experience, and I am truly honored to be bringing a trophy back home,” Quinata said. “I was not only representing myself but also the island of Guam.”

This was a common sentiment echoed by many of the young players on the trip. All of whom are hoping to continue to represent Guam in international competitions.

TEAM GUAM consists of: Shania Bulala, Danica Cabrera, Isla Quinata, Caitlynn Taitano, Therese Fegurgur, Tia Apatang, Deearah Torre, Jade Torre, Danica Cacayan, Mara Tamayo, Monica Giger and Raquel Camacho. Coaches are Arleen Mad and Michael Cabral.