Featuring eight new names, the Philippine women’s national football team is all set for its second stint in the Pinatar Cup this February at the San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain. 

For the second time, the Filipinas will be the only non-European team to see action in the tournament after being invited to play last year to prepare for their maiden appearance in the FIFA Women’s World Cup — making them the lowest-ranked participant. 

There, the now No. 38 Filipinas will play a friendly match against Finland on Wednesday, Feb. 21, before plunging into the competition against Scotland on Feb. 24. It will be followed by a game against the winner between Slovenia and Finland on Feb. 27. 

Only this time, the Nationals will no longer be the lowest-ranked side as Slovenia is ranked No. 44 by FIFA, while Scotland and Finland are ranked closely at Nos. 25 and 27, respectively.

As one of the busiest Philippine national teams in the past year, the Filipinas gained invaluable experience against some of Europe’s best. 

Although the Philippines succumbed in all of its matches during its first stint and only had a consolation goal through a 90-minute free kick by Meryll Serrano against Scotland, it launched the Filipinas to their astronomical rise in the world stage just in the past year alone. 

Leah Bradley and Nina Meollo will be joining goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel in the rotation while Alexa Pino and Isabella Bandoja will be with the attacking position lineup along Filipinas star Sarina Bolden, Isabella Flanigan, Chandler McDaniel and Dionesa Tolentin. 

Meanwhile, the trio of Rhea Chan, Katana Norman and Aiselyn Sia will be alongside Maya Alcantara, Angela Beard, Reina Bonta, Jessika Cowart, Sofia Harrison and Hali Long on the defensive end. 

Midfielder Camille Sahirul found herself mixed with Tahnai Annis, Sara Eggesvik, Jessica Miclat, Isabella Pasion, Quinlet Quezada, Jaclyn Sawicki and Meryll Serano in the roster.