Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Author: Dorothy Del Rosario

  • Kevin Quiambao’s clutch play keeps Goyang Sono alive in KBL Finals thriller against Busan KCC 

    Kevin Quiambao’s clutch play keeps Goyang Sono alive in KBL Finals thriller against Busan KCC 

    Goyang Sono refused to bow out of the KBL Finals just yet, and Kevin Quiambao was right at the heart of that survival push.


    Facing a 0-3 series deficit and staring down elimination, the Skygunners finally broke through in Game 4 on Sunday with a razor-thin 81-80 victory over Busan KCC, keeping their championship hopes alive in the best-of-seven showdown.

     

    Quiambao played extended minutes without relief and delivered a composed all-around performance, finishing with 10 points, seven assists, and six rebounds in 40 minutes on the floor.

     

    More than the numbers, it was his late-game decision-making that helped shift the momentum in Goyang’s favor.

     

    Goyang controlled the first half and built a comfortable 47-36 lead, only for Busan KCC to respond with a dominant 28-14 third quarter that flipped the script and gave them a 64-61 advantage entering the final period.

     

    With the championship seemingly within reach for Busan after taking a 79-77 lead late in the fourth, Quiambao made the crucial read that changed everything. 

     

    24 seconds left, he drew the defense in from the corner and delivered a timely extra pass that set up Lee Jong Hyun’s go-ahead basket, putting Goyang ahead 80-79.

     

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    Busan’s Heo Hoon then split his free throws with 3.6 seconds remaining to level the game at 80-all, but the Skygunners still had one final answer. 

     

    Lee Jong Hyun was fouled with just 0.9 seconds left and calmly sank the decisive free throw to complete the comeback escape.

     

    Busan KCC’s William Navarro remained out of action in the contest. The series now shifts again on Wednesday, May 13, where Goyang will attempt to extend the Finals to a Game 6 and continue its improbable fight back from the brink, while Busan gets another chance to clinch the championship.

     

    Beyond the box score, the Finals have highlighted a growing theme in KBL coverage, Goyang Sono’s resilience against a more experienced Busan squad built around late-game execution and physical defense. 

     

    League reports surrounding the matchup have consistently noted Busan’s championship pedigree as a major factor in the series, while also pointing to Goyang’s younger core—led by Quiambao—as a group gaining valuable high-pressure experience despite the deficit. 

     

    For now, Goyang survives—and Quiambao’s steady presence has ensured the series is not over just yet.

     

     

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  • Paul Lee sparks Magnolia’s surge ahead of PBA Commissioner’s Cup Quarterfinals

    Paul Lee sparks Magnolia’s surge ahead of PBA Commissioner’s Cup Quarterfinals

    Magnolia may have already secured its place in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals, but the Hotshots made sure to enter the next stage carrying something even more valuable and at the center of that late-season surge was veteran guard Paul Lee.


    The 35-year-old rediscovered his touch just in time as Magnolia dismantled Meralco, 93-76, to cap off its elimination round campaign with a third consecutive victory. 

     

    While the Hotshots leaned on collective execution throughout the night, it was Lee’s sudden scoring burst in the second quarter that changed the complexion of the game.

     

    Coming off the bench, Lee poured in 13 points along with three rebounds and three assists in only 15 minutes of action. More importantly, he provided the spark that allowed Magnolia to wrest control early.

     

    With Meralco briefly keeping the game within reach, Lee ignited a decisive momentum swing by scoring seven unanswered points. He first knocked down a four-pointer before following it up with a personal 3-point run that fueled a massive 16-0 Magnolia surge and stretched the lead to 26-15.

     

    Lee finished an efficient 3-of-4 from the field, including a perfect 2-of-2 from beyond the arc, while also converting half of his attempts from the free-throw line.

     

    “I think ‘yun lang ‘yung nangyari kanina, nagkaroon lang ng konting mistakes ‘yung Meralco kaya ako na-open. Luckily na-shoot ko ‘yung mga tirang ‘yun,” said Lee.

     

    For the veteran scorer, the performance was less about forcing offense and more about being prepared when opportunities finally appeared.

     

    “Pahinga lang siguro, laking bagay sa akin nung after last game, meron kaming couple of days going into this game, so tinake advantage ko lang,” he said.

     

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    The bounce-back outing came at an important moment for Lee, who struggled in Magnolia’s previous win over TNT where he managed only four points before exiting late after a collision with teammate Jerom Lastimosa caused a head injury scare.

     

    Instead of lingering on that rough outing, Lee responded with his best scoring game of the conference. His resurgence also coincides with a noticeable increase in responsibility under head coach L.A. Tenorio. 

     

    After seeing limited opportunities earlier in the conference, Lee has gradually become more involved in the Hotshots’ rotation during the closing stretch of the eliminations.

     

    “Credit to Coach LA, lagi niya kaming nireremind na ‘pag wala namang kailangang gawin, magpahinga na lang kami sa bahay. ‘Yun lang ginawa ko,” the three-time league champion said.

     

    Before exploding against Meralco, Lee averaged 6.5 points across Magnolia’s previous two games, including their matchup against Titan Ultra, while seeing extended minutes averaging 24 per outing.

     

    But beyond the numbers, Lee emphasized that Magnolia’s recent rise has been anchored on discipline within Tenorio’s system — one built on patience, spacing, and trusting.  

     

    “Sa team naman, tinatakbo lang namin ‘yung dapat naming takbuhin, ‘yung system ni Coach. Basta ready ka lang dapat sa mangyayari sa flow namin kasi hindi mo alam kung kailan ka ma-wa-wide open kasi read-and-react ‘yung ginagawa namin. Sino ‘yung best available na player, ‘yun talaga ‘yung dapat tumira,” the veteran player said.

     

    The challenge, however, comes immediately as Lee and the Hotshots will face the Bolts once again in the quarterfinals on May 13 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

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  • Alex Eala climbs to a career-best No. 88 in WTA doubles, rises to No. 42 in singles 

    Alex Eala climbs to a career-best No. 88 in WTA doubles, rises to No. 42 in singles 

    For Alex Eala, the latest WTA rankings update is another quiet but meaningful signal that her game is trending in the right direction. 


    The 20-year-old Filipina has climbed to No. 42 in singles while also reaching a career-high No. 88 in doubles, positioning herself firmly among the tour’s rising names as the clay season intensifies.

     

    Her two-spot jump in singles brings her within striking distance of the top 40, a familiar territory she continues to chase as she navigates one of the most demanding stretches of the season.

     

    Eala’s rise comes on the heels of a second-round finish at the Madrid Open, where she bowed to world No. 21 Elise Mertens. Despite the loss, she walked away with 120 ranking points, bringing her total to 888—proof that even short runs can carry weight in a tightly contested field.

     

    While her singles campaign continues to take shape, her doubles surge has been just as telling.

     

    In just two weeks, Eala leaped from No. 101 to No. 88, surpassing her previous career-best of No. 99. Teaming up with Turkish partner Zeynep Sonmez in Madrid.

     

    The duo advanced to the second round before exiting in the Round of 16 against eventual champions Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend.

     

    Now, her attention shifts to Rome, where the stakes and expectations are higher. The Italian Open, scheduled from May 5 to 17, presents both a challenge and an opportunity. 

     

    Last year, Eala’s campaign ended early with a first-round loss to Marta Kostyuk. This time, she arrives with more experience, improved ranking, and a growing belief that she belongs deeper in the draw.

     

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    At the 2026 Italian Open in Rome, Eala enters a stacked WTA 1000 field featuring many of the world’s top-ranked players, making it one of the most competitive stops ahead of the French Open. 

     

    For Eala, it represents more than just another draw—it’s a measuring ground against elite opposition and a chance to surpass her previous first-round exit. 

     

    With her improved ranking securing her direct entry into the main draw, she is expected to face higher-ranked competition early, giving her an immediate opportunity to test her progress and potentially deliver a breakthrough performance on one of tennis’ biggest pre-Grand Slam stages.

     

    Her performance in Rome will also shape her immediate schedule. A deep run could rule her out of the 6th Pharma Ladies Open in Parma (May 11–16), while also influencing her chances of entering the 40th Strasbourg Grand Prix (May 17–23)—two key tournaments that serve as stepping stones toward Roland Garros.

     

    Earlier this year, she already tested herself at the Australian Open, gaining valuable experience that now feeds into her clay-court campaign.

     

    As the clay swing unfolds, Eala’s steady climb suggests she is no longer just gaining experience—she’s positioning herself to contend.

     

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  • UST’s Detdet Pepito ends UAAP career as Bella Belen honors her journey beyond school rivalry 

    UST’s Detdet Pepito ends UAAP career as Bella Belen honors her journey beyond school rivalry 

    For Detdet Pepito, the final whistle of UST’s UAAP Season 88 campaign marked more than just a semifinal exit at the hands of the NU Lady Bulldogs—it signaled the closing chapter of an 11-year journey defined by consistency, resilience, and evolution.

     

    Long before she became the defensive anchor and captain of the UST Golden Tigresses, Pepito was already building her legacy in black and gold. From her high school days, she stood out not just for her skill, but for her steadiness—a trait that would eventually define her career.

     

    She was part of UST’s runner-up finishes from Seasons 78 to 80, then helped steer the program to back-to-back bronze medals in Seasons 81 and 82. Along the way, she collected Best Libero honors from Seasons 79 to 82, establishing herself early as one of the most reliable defenders in the league.

     

    Her transition to the seniors division didn’t slow her down. Pepito added more accolades to her name, including Best Libero awards in Seasons 85 and 86. She helped bring UST back to the Finals in Season 86 before closing her collegiate career with consecutive third-place finishes in Seasons 87 and 88.

     

    But numbers and awards only tell part of the story. Across the net stood someone who knew Pepito long before the bright lights of the UAAP—Bella Belen. From childhood teammates to fierce collegiate rivals, their journeys have been intertwined in ways few athletes experience.

     

    As NU ended UST’s run, Belen found herself reflecting not just on the match, but on the person behind the jersey.

     

    “Siyempre, super proud ako kay Detdet kasi ang laki rin ng growth niya as a person and as an athlete,” she said.

     

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    Their shared history gave Belen a front-row seat to Pepito’s transformation—one she described with both humor and admiration.

     

    “Dati, jeje lang siya,” Belen said with a laugh, clearly in jest. “Ngayon, nakikita ko na siya talagang leader sa team niya.”

     

    While their paths eventually diverged—meeting as opponents in high school and later in the UAAP, including NU’s triumph over UST in the Season 86 Finals—the connection remained deeper than competition. 

     

    For Belen, Pepito’s true evolution wasn’t rooted in skill, but in mindset.

    “Kasi yung skills, magaling na talaga siya eh. Pero yung sa mental aspect, doon, mas lalo siyang tumibay,” she shared.

     

    That mental toughness became most evident in Pepito’s final season, where she led UST with composure and determination, fully aware that every game could be her last.

     

    Pepito had long chosen to extend her collegiate stay, delaying a professional career to maximize her time in the UAAP. Now, with that chapter officially closed, attention shifts to what comes next.

    And if Belen had her way, the story wouldn’t end with them on opposite sides.

     

    “Sino ba naman po kasi ang hindi gugustong maging teammate si Detdet? Sobrang galing niya na player, and sobrang gaan niya pakisamahan,” she said.

     

    From childhood teammates to rivals—and perhaps future teammates once more—the story of Pepito and Belen proves that some connections in sports go beyond wins, losses, or even time.

     

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  • NU Lady Bulldogs set stage for familiar Finals clash with DLSU Lady Spikers

    NU Lady Bulldogs set stage for familiar Finals clash with DLSU Lady Spikers

    Big teams find their identity in pressure moments—and National University proved once again why it thrives in them.


    With their title defense hanging in the balance, the NU Lady Bulldogs absorbed an early blow before flipping the script on the UST Golden Tigresses, carving out a hard-earned 19-25, 26-24, 26-24, 25-21 victory in the UAAP Season 88 stepladder semifinals at the Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The win does more than extend NU’s campaign—it revives a rivalry that has come to define this era of women’s volleyball. 

     

    For the fourth time in the last five years, the Lady Bulldogs will face the unbeaten DLSU Lady Spikers in the Finals.

     

    After dropping the opening set, the Lady Bulldogs found themselves repeatedly pushed to the edge by a determined UST side. Yet every time the Golden Tigresses threatened to pull away, NU responded with resolve.

     

    Arah Panique emerged as the spark in the most critical stretches. With NU trailing 16-19 in the second set, she teamed up with Vange Alinsug to engineer a 10-5 turnaround that not only stole the frame, 26-24, but shifted the match’s momentum.

     

    The third set followed a familiar script. Down 20-22, NU once again leaned on Panique, who powered a 6-2 closing run to secure another razor-thin 26-24 escape and put the defending champions ahead.

     

    UST refused to fold, surging to an 18-14 lead in the fourth set in a last push to extend the match. But just when the Tigresses sensed a decider, Alinsug ignited NU’s final charge—scoring five key points in an 11-3 blitz that slammed the door shut on UST’s season.

     

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    Behind the scoring runs was the steady orchestration of playmaker Lams Lamina, who dictated NU’s offense with 34 excellent sets while adding three points of her own. Her composure under pressure earned her Player of the Game honors.

     

    “Very happy kasi lahat kami pinagtrabahuan talaga ‘yung win na ito. Crucial game siya, do-or-die, kaya sobrang happy ako sa performance ng team,” Lamina said.

     

    Panique finished with 23 points, while Alinsug contributed 18 points along with 16 receptions and seven digs in a complete all-around effort. Alexa Mata added 10 points, highlighted by five attacks, four blocks, and an ace—each contribution part of a collective stand that defined NU’s comeback.

     

    For UST, the loss marked the end of a gritty campaign. Regina Jurado led the Tigresses with 19 points and 12 digs, while Angge Poyos filled the stat sheet with 16 points, 13 receptions, and 10 digs.

     

    In what may have been her final collegiate appearance, team captain and libero Detdet Pepito anchored UST’s defense with 23 digs and eight receptions, embodying the fight that kept the Tigresses competitive until the end.

     

    With the semifinals behind them, NU now turns its focus to a bigger stage—and a familiar foe. Game 1 of the best-of-three Finals against La Salle is set for May 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

     

    The Lady Bulldogs will carry with them not just momentum, but a reminder of who they are when pushed to the brink—a team that doesn’t just survive pressure, but transforms it into opportunity.

     

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  • LCW UAE Cycle gets a second straight stage win in MPTC Tour of Luzon

    LCW UAE Cycle gets a second straight stage win in MPTC Tour of Luzon

    Ivan Anisimov of the LCW UAE Cycle surged at just the right moment to claim his second consecutive stage victory, narrowly beating Ryan Tugawin of Excellent Noodlers by a mere 0.022 of a second in the Stage 5 of the MPTC Tour of Luzon. 


    Both riders were clocked in a tightly contested bunch finish, with Anisimov posting 2:47:26.9 across the 126.7-kilometer largely flat route.

     

    What looked like another routine sprint finish quickly turned into one of the closest endings of the tour so far, underscoring the growing intensity as the race approached its halfway mark.

     

    While Anisimov delivered the finishing blow, the stage itself was shaped by early aggressors. Rustom Lim, El Joshua Carino, and Cpl. Mark Julius Bordeos dictated the tempo during the sprint sections, ensuring the pace never dipped. 

     

    Tugawin, despite falling just short at the line, made his presence felt by dominating the King of the Mountain segment—showing versatility in both climbing and sprinting.

     

    Carino, however, carved out his own spotlight. His efforts in securing the second sprint and finishing runner-up in the mountain climb earned him the most combative rider honors and the red jersey—a testament to his all-around performance and relentless approach.

     

    The overall race picture remains firmly in LCW UAE Cycle’s control. Nikita Shulchenko continues to wear the yellow jersey for the third straight day, maintaining his lead in the general classification with a cumulative time of 13:46:45. 

     

    Anisimov’s back-to-back triumphs have also propelled him to the top of the points classification, where he now dons the green jersey with 32 points—further solidifying the team’s dominance.

     

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    Elsewhere, consistency defines the rest of the jersey holders. Joo Dae Yeong of Gapyeong Cycling Team keeps the polka dot jersey, while Yousef Alrefai retains the white jersey, adding yet another layer of control for LCW in multiple classifications.

     

    In the team standings, Go for Gold Philippines continues to lead the overall general classification with a combined time of 56:15:28. 

     

    Their advantage, however, remains razor-thin—just 11 seconds ahead of 7Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines, with Standard Insurance Philippines still within striking distance in third place.

     

    Notably, all 81 riders remain in contention after Stage 5, setting the stage for what lies ahead as Stage 6 on May 4 promises to test endurance like never before. Covering a grueling 228.8 kilometers from Tuguegarao City to Pagudpud, it stands as the longest leg of this year’s tour.

     

     

    The route offers three sprint zones across the plains of Cagayan before culminating in a decisive King of the Mountain climb at the Ilocos Norte Welcome Arch.

     

    With riders expected to roll out at 8:00 am and cross the finish line at the Pagudpud Town Hall by early afternoon, the stage could redefine the standings—or reinforce the dominance already taking shape.

     

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  • NBA Round up: Game 7 defines East First Round as Pistons complete comeback, Cavaliers advance 

    NBA Round up: Game 7 defines East First Round as Pistons complete comeback, Cavaliers advance 

    A pair of high-stakes Game 7 matchups in the Eastern Conference delivered intensity, star performances, and season-defining moments as two teams punched their tickets to the next round.

     

    Pistons Dominate Magic in Game 7, 116–94

     

    The Detroit Pistons rose to the occasion in emphatic fashion, crushing the Orlando Magic 116–94 to clinch the series 4–3 and complete a stunning comeback. Detroit seized control early and never looked back, turning the winner-take-all contest into a one-sided affair behind the brilliance of Cade Cunningham.

     

    Cunningham orchestrated the offense with poise, finishing with 32 points and 12 assists while dictating the pace throughout the night. The Pistons’ energy on both ends overwhelmed Orlando, especially in the second half where the gap quickly widened.

     

    Despite the loss, Paolo Banchero delivered a standout performance with 38 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, doing all he could to keep the Magic competitive.

     

    Cunningham ultimately stood out as the defining force of the game, combining scoring and playmaking to lead Detroit’s historic Game 7 triumph and complete their comeback from a 3–1 series deficit.

     

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    Cavaliers Pull Away from Raptors in Game 7, 114–102

     

    The Cleveland Cavaliers made sure their season would continue, defeating the Toronto Raptors 114–102 to close out their first-round series. Cleveland leaned on physicality and interior dominance, with Jarrett Allen anchoring the effort.

     

    Allen controlled the paint on both ends, tallying 22 points, 19 rebounds, and three blocks in a commanding performance that set the tone for the Cavaliers. Cleveland gradually built separation in the second half, using defense and rebounding to keep Toronto at bay.

     

    The Raptors found a bright spot in Scottie Barnes, who led his team with 24 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, but the Cavaliers’ depth proved too much to overcome.

     

    Allen’s dominance in the interior proved to be the difference, as his all-around presence anchored Cleveland on both ends and powered them into the next round.

     

    With both series decided, the Eastern Conference bracket tightens as Detroit’s momentum meets Cleveland’s consistency in what promises to be a compelling semifinal showdown.

     

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  • Brooke Van Sickle and Alohi Robins-Hardy find home in Candon at PVL All-Star Showcase

    Brooke Van Sickle and Alohi Robins-Hardy find home in Candon at PVL All-Star Showcase

    The scoreboard told one story, but for Brooke Van Sickle and Alohi Robins-Hardy, the weekend in Ilocos Sur was about something deeper than volleyball.


    Team Hustle fell short against Team Heart, 25-18, 18-25, 25-23, 25-17, in the much-anticipated return of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Star Game at Candon City Arena. 

     

    Yet beyond the four-set battle led by MVP Bella Belen, the event became a meaningful homecoming of sorts for the Filipino-Hawaiian standouts—one defined by culture, connection, and community.

     

    Van Sickle, who chipped in 11 points off the bench, found herself soaking in every moment—not just as a competitor, but as someone rediscovering her roots.

     

    “Just having the crowd and the energy, and just seeing the players having fun, like loose, having officials join the game and it was just good, enjoyable volleyball, and all the teammates that I didn’t know, it’s so fun,” the three-time PVL MVP said.

     

    “I was like telling Alohi, as the game is going on, my cheeks are hurting so much just from smiling so much. It’s a good experience and eye-opening to be able to see and understand the players even more.”

     

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    The smiles didn’t stop at the court. With family members in the stands—especially with ties tracing back to San Emilio—Van Sickle embraced the rare chance to play not just in front of fans, but in front of her roots.

     

    “My pamilya, they came to support, they always come to support. It’s always nice to have family ties and everything so that’s also why I love coming here. It’s volleyball and everyone and they’re super excited to watch me, so again, the hospitality we’re always welcome here so it’s amazing,” she shared.

     

    For Robins-Hardy, the experience unfolded in quieter but equally meaningful ways. The Farm Fresh rookie setter relished her time alongside Van Sickle, bonding over shared heritage while also immersing herself in Ilocano culture—especially through its food during their three-day stay in Candon.

     

    But perhaps the most lasting impact of the trip came away from the bright lights of the arena.

    For Van Sickle, participating in a tree-planting activity at the EcoPark became the defining memory of her first All-Star appearance—an unexpected highlight that reshaped what the event meant to her.

     

    “My best experience being in here is the planting of trees. It’s my first time doing it. It’s also nice to see that people are always giving back to the community and that’s the normalized thing here, so it’s really awesome to see, one step at a time, one tree at a time, and doing things for the planet. So we’re doing great things here.” Van Sickle said. 

     

    “It’s like awesome to be able to get outside and smell fresh air and the birds, so it’s always good. Love the province life.”

     

    In the end, the All-Star Game became less about which team won and more about what the players gained. For Van Sickle and Robins-Hardy, it was a reminder that volleyball can be a bridge—not just between teammates, but between identity, heritage, and the communities that welcome them home.

     

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  • Justin Brownlee erupts for 40 to fuel Ginebra’s statement victory over Rain or Shine

    Justin Brownlee erupts for 40 to fuel Ginebra’s statement victory over Rain or Shine

    Barangay Ginebra didn’t just win on Sunday—they reset the tone of their campaign.

     

    Coming off a humbling 112-91 defeat to Meralco that snapped their five-game surge, the Gin Kings returned with purpose, overwhelming Rain or Shine, 114-90. 


    The bounce-back victory pushed Ginebra to an 8-3 record, pulling them level with the Elasto Painters for second place and edging them closer to securing a twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    At the center of it all was Justin Brownlee, who once again proved why he remains the league’s gold standard for imports. 

     

    He poured in 40 points while adding eight rebounds, five assists, and two blocks—but more importantly, he set the emotional tempo. This time, though, he wasn’t alone.

     

    Brownlee knocked down six of Ginebra’s 21 three-pointers, leading a long-range assault that came within two of the league’s record 23 triples set by Rain or Shine just weeks earlier. But unlike previous games where he carried the bulk of the scoring, Sunday’s win showcased a more balanced attack.

     

    RJ Abarrientos orchestrated the offense masterfully with 23 points and 10 assists, while Scottie Thompson imposed his presence with a 17-point, 14-rebound double-double. 

     

    The bench delivered as well, with Ralph Cu adding 15 and Troy Rosario contributing 11—turning the contest into a collective statement rather than a one-man show.

     

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    The result wasn’t just about numbers—it was about response.

     

    “Friday’s game against Meralco, we were all feeling terrible about it but we were kinda due for a letdown. You never want them, especially from a coaching standpoint. That’s totally on the coaching staff,” head coach Tim Cone said.

     

    Ginebra’s answer to that setback was emphatic. Beyond the scoreboard, the victory extended their dominance over Rain or Shine, five straight wins and nine victories in their last 11 meetings dating back to the 2022 Philippine Cup.

     

    For the Elasto Painters, the loss highlighted a shift in momentum. After a blazing 7-0 start, they’ve now dropped three of their last four games. 

     

    Jaylen Johnson tried to steady the ship with 16 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists, but the early-season rhythm that once defined Rain or Shine has begun to fade.

     

    With the elimination round nearing its end, the stakes only grow sharper. Ginebra faces a high-profile test next against defending champions TNT Tropang 5G, reinforced by Bol Bol, on May 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena—a matchup that could shape playoff positioning. 

     

    Meanwhile, Rain or Shine looks to halt its slide when it takes on the Titan Ultra Giant Risers on May 8 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    If Sunday proved anything, its that Ginebra isn’t just chasing wins—they’re building momentum at the right time.

     

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  • “Hopefully, they find new teams if ever”: Shaq Delos Santos hopes Cignal players get a fresh start

    “Hopefully, they find new teams if ever”: Shaq Delos Santos hopes Cignal players get a fresh start

    For Shaq Delos Santos, the past weeks have felt like standing at two very different sidelines at once—one marked by silence, the other by urgency.


    The veteran coach, long credited for building the Premier Volleyball League contenders Cignal into a consistent powerhouse, now finds himself in an unexpected transition after the Super Spikers’ leave of absence from the league. 

     

    What could have been a period of professional limbo has instead turned into a different kind of responsibility, guiding the UAAP campaign of the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses deeper into Season 88.

     

    The timing is emotionally complex. Cignal had just come off a runner-up finish in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference, falling to the Creamline Cool Smashers in the finals, before the sudden pause in their PVL participation. 

     

    For Delos Santos, who helped shape the team into a perennial podium threat, the shift carried both pride in what was built and uncertainty about what comes next.

     

    “Especially ako, nanghihinayang ako dahil parang for how many years ko sa Cignal, medyo ito yung nangyari. But I think lahat naman may purpose and may reason kung bakit nangyari ito. Siguro, tuloy-tuloy lang and I am sure magiging okay din ang lahat,” Delos Santos said.

     

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    Rather than framing the situation as an ending, Delos Santos has treated it as a pause in a longer narrative. His years with Cignal produced standout talents like AFC MVP Vanie Gandler and national team mainstay Erika Santos, achievements he now reflects on with both fulfillment and a sense of unfinished business.

     

    “Siyempre, sobrang laki ng utang na loob ko sa Cignal. Grabe yung opportunity na binigay nila sa akin. And yung respect na natanggap ko sa kanila, kasi all throughout, nandiyan sila — through ups and downs,” the 46-year-old veteran coach said.

     

    While his next PVL destination remains unclear, his focus has shifted to a more immediate battlefield which is UST’s stepladder run, where every match carries elimination pressure. 

     

    His current priority extends beyond tactics—he has also been actively helping ensure his former Cignal players remain visible to other teams as they search for new opportunities during the league break.

     

    “Siyempre, hopefully, magkaroon ng panibagong teams sila if ever. Ako rin, best effort sa mga kaibigan namin sa ibang teams kung ano ang puwede naming maitulong sa kanila. Siyempre, ayaw naman naming biglang mawawala yung trabaho nila kasi knowing them, pwedeng lumaban talaga,” Delos Santos said.

     

    As UST prepares for a crucial stepladder semifinal clash against National University, Delos Santos has found himself coaching in a different emotional rhythm—less about building a long-term club identity, and more about maximizing short-term survival and momentum.

     

    Still, the door is not closed on Cignal’s return and for Delos Santos, neither is his story with them.

    “Mabigat pa rin at nanghihinayang ako, pero lahat naman may purpose. At kung may opportunity, puwede. Bakit naman kami tatanggi, ‘di ba?” he said. 

     

    “Right now, nag-uusap-usap naman, pero sa ngayon, recover muna. Sa players, hopefully magkaroon sila ng panibagong team, if ever,” Delos Santos added.

     

    For now, his journey continues in motion—one program paused, another advancing—but both still very much shaped by the same coach learning to carry change without losing direction.

     

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