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Category: Volleyball

  • Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons to bring Philippine pride to inaugural AVC Gala after fan vote triumph 

    Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons to bring Philippine pride to inaugural AVC Gala after fan vote triumph 

    For years, Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons have carried Philippine beach volleyball on their shoulders. Now, the rest of Asia is giving the Alas Pilipinas tandem its stamp of approval.


    The decorated pair will be honored with the Fans’ Choice Beach Volleyball Award at the inaugural Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Gala after emerging as the overwhelming favorites in the public voting.

     

    Rondina and Pons collected 43,905 votes, the highest among the beach volleyball fan nominees, earning a place among Asia’s volleyball elite during the awards night on August 8 in Bangkok. The award will be presented by the City of Candon through Mayor Eric Singson.

    Their recognition comes as the AVC launches its first-ever gala, an event designed to celebrate the athletes, coaches, officials, and personalities who helped shape Asian volleyball throughout the 2025 season.

     

    “The AVC Gala was created to celebrate Asian volleyball excellence and to honor the individuals whose talent, dedication, and achievements continue to inspire millions throughout our continent,” said AVC President Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

     

    “The nearly 400,000 votes cast by fans demonstrate the incredible passion that exists for volleyball across Asia, and we are proud to establish a new tradition that recognizes the very best of our sport.”

     

    The award serves as another milestone for Rondina and Pons, whose partnership has become one of the Philippines’ most recognizable in beach volleyball. Their victory in the fan poll also highlighted the strong support they continue to receive not only from Filipino fans but from volleyball followers across the region.

     

    Suzara believes the inaugural gala represents more than just an awards ceremony, describing it as a celebration of both excellence and the people who continue to fuel the sport’s growth.

     

    “We are excited to welcome our winners to the 1st AVC Gala Awards Night this August in Bangkok, where Asia’s volleyball family will come together to celebrate their remarkable achievements and the continued growth of our sport,” Suzara said.

     

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    “Volleyball has always been a sport driven by its community, and our fans remain at the heart of its continued success. By combining the expertise of the AVC Committee with the voices of our supporters, the AVC Gala not only recognizes excellence but also celebrates the strong bond between our athletes and the fans who inspire them every step of the way.”

     

    While the Filipinas captured the fan-voted beach volleyball honor, several of Asia’s biggest names will also headline the inaugural ceremony.

     

    Japanese siblings Yuki Ishikawa and Mayu Ishikawa will receive the Outstanding Men’s Volleyball Player and Outstanding Women’s Volleyball Player awards, respectively.

     

    Qatar’s beach volleyball duo of Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan will be recognized as the Outstanding Men’s Beach Volleyball Players after another impressive international campaign, while Japan’s Asami Shiba and Reika Murakami will take home the Outstanding Women’s Beach Volleyball Players award.

     

    Japan women’s national team head coach Ferhat Akbaş will be honored as Volleyball Coach of the Year, while Kazakhstan’s Yuliya Akulova and China’s Wang Lijun will receive the Volleyball Referee of the Year and Beach Volleyball Referee of the Year awards.

     

    The major individual awards were determined through a combined voting system consisting of 70 percent AVC Committee votes and 30 percent public votes, blending technical evaluation with fan participation.

     

    Chinese volleyball icon Zhu Ting claimed the Fans’ Choice Volleyball Award after receiving 42,996 public votes, while Jizhong Wei will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of service and lasting contributions to the development of volleyball across Asia.

     

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  • PVL bars Alas Pilipinas players from suiting up for their clubs in the 2026 On Tour preseason

    PVL bars Alas Pilipinas players from suiting up for their clubs in the 2026 On Tour preseason

    The 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour preseason conference is set to officially begin on Wednesday, July 8, in Ilagan City, Isabela, ushering in a new chapter for Philippine club volleyball with a series of significant rule changes designed to strengthen the league’s alignment with the national team’s international commitments while enhancing the overall fan experience.

     

    As the preseason tournament travels to different parts of the country, the league is aiming to provide valuable game action for its member clubs while bringing high-level volleyball closer to supporters outside Metro Manila. At the same time, the competition will serve as an important platform for teams to develop chemistry, evaluate new combinations, and prepare for the upcoming PVL season.

     

    Ahead of the tournament, however, the league announced one of its most notable policy changes in recent years, ruling that players currently committed to or selected for Alas Pilipinas will not be allowed to suit up for their respective club teams during the On Tour conference.

     

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    Under the new policy, the only exception applies to players who are not included in the official delegation of the Philippine women’s national volleyball team and who do not have scheduled national team commitments. Those athletes will be permitted to rejoin their respective PVL clubs for the duration of the preseason tournament.

     

    The move comes in response to new guidelines established by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) following the suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF). The policy is intended to ensure that club competitions are better synchronized with the country’s international volleyball calendar while allowing national team preparations to proceed without conflict.

     

    The absence of several Alas Pilipinas standouts is expected to create opportunities for younger players and newcomers to take on larger roles throughout the tournament. Coaches will also have a chance to assess the depth of their rosters as teams navigate the preseason without some of their marquee players.

     

    Beyond the national team eligibility policy, the PVL has introduced several innovations aimed at making every match more competitive while encouraging full-team participation.

    For the first time, every game in the On Tour conference will carry guaranteed cash incentives for both teams. The winning squad will receive P100,000, while the losing team will still earn P50,000, providing added motivation throughout the preseason despite the tournament’s exhibition nature.

     

    The league has also implemented a mandatory player participation rule designed to maximize exposure and development for every athlete on the roster. All 14 players listed on a team’s lineup must have entered the court by the end of the second set, with each player required to participate in at least three rallies before coaches regain full substitution flexibility.

     

    Perhaps the most intriguing innovation is the official introduction of the two-point Premier Ball into preseason competition after its successful debut during the PVL All-Star festivities.

     

    Under the rule, teams may activate the special ball until reaching 22 points in Sets 1 through 4 and 12 points in the deciding fifth set. If activated, the next rally will be worth two points instead of the traditional single point, adding another layer of strategy that could dramatically alter momentum and late-set tactics.

     

    League officials believe the new rules will not only improve player development but also make matches more entertaining for spectators as clubs adapt to fresh tactical challenges throughout the conference.

     

    “The PVL On Tour is our way, together with the teams, of bringing the game closer to our fans during the preseason. It allows supporters from different parts of the country to experience PVL volleyball firsthand, while giving our teams valuable opportunities to build chemistry and prepare for the season ahead,” PVL Control Committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo said in a media interaction.

     

    The 2026 PVL On Tour opens with a doubleheader on Wednesday in Ilagan City, featuring the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles against the Akari Chargers in the curtain-raiser before the Creamline Cool Smashers take on the Nxled Chameleons in the evening’s featured matchup.

     

    With new rules, fresh incentives, and a renewed emphasis on player development and nationwide fan engagement, the PVL On Tour is expected to offer an entertaining and competitive buildup to the league’s 2026 season while providing clubs with a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their squads before the campaign officially begins.

     

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Girls keeps top-five hopes alive with dominant sweep of Uzbekistan 

    Alas Pilipinas Girls keeps top-five hopes alive with dominant sweep of Uzbekistan 

    Alas Pilipinas Girls made sure its AVC Girls’ U18 Championship campaign would not end on a disappointing note.

     

    After falling short of a quarterfinal berth, the Filipinas responded with one of their most commanding performances of the tournament, overwhelming Uzbekistan, 25-11, 25-7, 25-9, in the classification round on Sunday at Terminal 21 Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

     

    Rather than dwell on what could have been, the young national squad immediately shifted its focus to finishing the tournament on a winning note—and it showed from the opening serve.

     

    The Philippines needed just 58 minutes to dismantle Uzbekistan, controlling every phase of the match with relentless serving, efficient attacking, and disciplined defense.

     

    Sharina Rhyza Lleses and Ella Gonzalvo paced the offense with nine points apiece as Alas barely gave Uzbekistan any room to settle into the contest.

     

    Jhaynna Love Bulandres and Princess Khaira Manzano added five markers each, while Xyz Rayco and four other teammates chipped in four points to highlight the balanced attack.

     

    The Filipinas dictated the pace from start to finish, piling up 14 service aces while dominating the attacking battle, 35-12. They also displayed composure throughout the match, committing only eight errors compared to Uzbekistan’s 22.

     

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    The victory served as a strong response after Alas saw its medal hopes disappear following a straight-set loss to Indonesia that ended its quarterfinal bid.

     

    Despite opening the tournament with an impressive victory over Iran, the Filipinas narrowly missed advancing after finishing with a 1-2 record in Pool C, with their only other defeat coming against eventual pool winner Japan.

     

    Instead of allowing that setback to define their campaign, the young squad quickly rediscovered the form that made it one of the tournament’s surprise teams during pool play.

     

    Uzbekistan struggled to keep pace throughout the one-sided contest, with Ugiloy Abduvalieva leading her team with just seven points before being relegated to the battle for last place.

     

    With confidence restored, Alas Pilipinas now turns its attention to another opportunity to improve its final standing.

     

    The Filipinas will face India on Monday at 1 p.m., with a place in the battle for fifth awaiting the winner as the team looks to end its continental campaign on a high note.

     

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  • Jewel Encarnacion determined to become a key piece for new team Choco Mucho

    Jewel Encarnacion determined to become a key piece for new team Choco Mucho

    The Choco Mucho Flying Titans have strengthened their roster ahead of the new Premier Volleyball League season by acquiring versatile outside hitter Jewel Encarnacion, one of the biggest offseason additions following the Capital1 Solar Spikers’ decision to take a leave of absence from the league.

     

    The move gives Choco Mucho another dynamic weapon on the wings as the Flying Titans continue to bolster their lineup in pursuit of a championship. Known for her athleticism, scoring ability, and all-around play, Encarnacion is expected to provide added firepower while complementing an already talented roster.

     

    For the former Capital1 standout, however, the transfer is more than just a change of uniform. It represents a fresh opportunity to continue her development, embrace a new system, and establish herself as a dependable contributor for one of the PVL’s perennial contenders.

     

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    Encarnacion shared that her primary focus is on maximizing her growth while earning the trust that Choco Mucho has placed in her.

     

    “My goal is really to continue improving myself to the best that I can, to build great chemistry with the team, and to become one of the terminating outside hitters that Choco Mucho can rely on,” Encarnacion said in a media interaction.

     

    A product of the University of the Philippines-Diliman’s respected volleyball program in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Encarnacion made a name for herself through her versatility, composure, and offensive production at both the collegiate and professional levels. Her arrival gives Choco Mucho another capable scorer who can contribute on both ends of the floor while providing additional depth in the outside hitter position.

    The Flying Titans will have an early opportunity to integrate their newest acquisition when they compete in the upcoming PVL On Tour preseason conference. The tournament is expected to serve as an important proving ground for the team as it fine-tunes its rotations and develops chemistry ahead of the league’s major conferences.

     

    For Encarnacion, the preseason is more than just a series of exhibition matches. It is an opportunity to familiarize herself with the tactical approach of head coach Dante Alinsunurin and gradually establish on-court chemistry with her new teammates.

     

    “I will take this opportunity to try new things, while continuing to develop chemistry with my teammates, especially with our setters. I think this is the perfect opportunity for us to keep building that connection before the major conferences.

     

    The transition into a new program comes with its own challenges, particularly in learning a different offensive system and adapting to new teammates. Encarnacion acknowledged that becoming comfortable within Choco Mucho’s style of play will require patience, repetition, and consistent effort, especially as she works to understand the team’s offensive timing and communication.

     

    “Choco Mucho has a different system, so I told myself that I have to consistently put in the effort to learn the movements, patterns, code names, technical terms, and the tempo of the sets. That way, I can stay in sync with the team, execute more cleanly on the court, and contribute to the chemistry they have already built,” she added.

     

    The Flying Titans are expected to lean on the preseason tournament to accelerate the integration of both new and returning players as they prepare for another campaign against the league’s top contenders. With Encarnacion eager to embrace her role and continue developing within Alinsunurin’s system, Choco Mucho hopes its newest addition can quickly become a valuable piece of its championship aspirations.

     

    The PVL On Tour preseason conference opens on July 8, with Choco Mucho set to begin its campaign on Saturday, July 11, in Batangas City. The tournament will provide the Flying Titans with their first opportunity to showcase their revamped lineup and give fans an early glimpse of how Encarnacion fits into the team’s evolving identity.

     

     

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  • Galeries Tower loads up roster for PVL On Tour with Alyssa Bertolano, Jade Gentapa 

    Galeries Tower loads up roster for PVL On Tour with Alyssa Bertolano, Jade Gentapa 

    The Galeries Tower Highrisers are entering the 2026 PVL On Tour with a reshaped and deeper roster, blending proven collegiate talent, versatile veterans, and fresh rookie additions as they aim to elevate their standing in the preseason circuit.

     

    Their latest roster moves is the addition of Alyssa Bertolano, who joins the Highrisers after parting ways with the Farm Fresh Foxies following a multi-role stint that saw her transition from spiker to libero and back to an open hitter depending on team needs.

     

    Before her time with Farm Fresh, Bertolano first entered the Premier Volleyball League with the Gerflor Defenders after leaving the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. 

     

    She initially played as an outside hitter, later undergoing a significant conversion to libero during the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference under coach Alessandro Lodi, where analytics-driven adjustments reshaped her role into a backcourt specialist.

     

    However, her versatility was once again put to use in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference under coach Koji Tsuzurabara, where she returned to the wing position as an open hitter. 

     

    Farm Fresh reached the Final Four, finishing fourth after falling to the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the battle for bronze.

     

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    The Highrisers also secured another outside hitter, Jade Gentapa from ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles who will further reinforce their wing rotation and adding more scoring depth to a group already built around veterans Jean Asis, Julia Coronel, and Roselle Baliton.

     

    Galeries’ roster overhaul extends beyond trades and signings, as the franchise continues to lean on the draft to shape its future core. 

     

    Holding the top pick, the team selected setter Lams Lamina in the first round of the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft, banking on her championship pedigree from National University to stabilize their playmaking.

     

    In the second round, Galeries added Far Eastern University standout Ann Asis, further strengthening their depth with another young prospect capable of developing into a key rotation piece.

     

    With the Highrisers clearly prioritizing both immediate competitiveness and long-term development, their PVL On Tour campaign doubles as a testing ground for a retooled system built around versatility, ball control, and increased offensive options.

     

    The team opens its PVL On Tour campaign against the Farm Fresh Foxies on July 11 in Batangas City, setting up an early reunion with Bertolano’s former squad and an immediate test for their newly assembled roster.

     

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  • Akari Chargers lands former Creamline star Risa Sato in major offseason signing

    Akari Chargers lands former Creamline star Risa Sato in major offseason signing

    The Akari Chargers have made one of the biggest moves of the PVL offseason, bolstering their frontline with the acquisition of veteran Filipino-Japanese middle blocker Risa Sato ahead of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour preseason conference.

     

    The highly anticipated signing signals Akari’s determination to strengthen its roster as it aims to establish itself as a legitimate championship contender in the upcoming season. With Sato bringing years of experience, championship pedigree, and veteran leadership, the Chargers have added one of the league’s most decorated middle blockers to an already improving squad.

     

    Akari officially announced the acquisition through its social media platforms, welcoming the veteran blocker to the team.

     

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    “Welcome to Akari, Risa Sato! Ready to bring in her championship experience and energy, Risa will be a huge boost for the Chargers. Let’s go.”

     

    The signing marks Sato’s return not only to competitive volleyball but also to the PVL after stepping away from the sport to focus on motherhood following the birth of her first child. Her comeback has been highly anticipated by volleyball fans, especially after uncertainty surrounded her playing future following the disbandment of the Chery Tiggo Crossovers franchise in December.

     

    The 31-year-old last suited up during the 2025 PVL All-Filipino Conference in November, where she continued to anchor Chery Tiggo’s middle defense with her trademark blocking, court awareness, and consistency at the net. However, the Crossovers’ unexpected exit from the league left several players searching for new homes, with Sato now finding a fresh opportunity to resume her career with one of the league’s ambitious franchises.

    For Akari, the addition addresses a crucial area of need in the middle while also providing the team with invaluable championship experience. Sato has long been regarded as one of the PVL’s most reliable middle blockers, known for her efficient blocking, quick attacks, and ability to provide stability on both ends of the floor.

     

    Before her stint with Chery Tiggo, Sato enjoyed one of the most successful careers in PVL history during her time with the Creamline Cool Smashers. From 2018 to 2024, she was an integral part of Creamline’s dynastic run, helping the franchise establish itself as the league’s gold standard.

     

    During her six-year tenure with the Cool Smashers, Sato captured an incredible 11 PVL championship titles, becoming one of the most decorated players of her generation. Although she often played alongside a star-studded roster, her consistency, versatility, and willingness to embrace her role made her a vital piece of Creamline’s sustained success.

     

    Her move to Akari also sets up familiar reunions.

     

    Sato will once again share the court with fellow middle blocker Ced Domingo, her former teammate at Creamline who joined the Chargers last season. The duo developed strong chemistry during their championship years together and are expected to provide Akari with one of the league’s more formidable middle-blocking tandems.

     

    She will also reunite with former Chery Tiggo teammate Cza Carandang, giving the Chargers another layer of familiarity as they continue building chemistry ahead of the preseason tournament.

     

    Beyond her on-court contributions, Sato’s arrival is expected to provide leadership to an Akari squad eager to take the next step in its development. Having experienced multiple championship campaigns and pressure-filled matches throughout her career, the veteran middle blocker brings a winning mentality that could prove invaluable for a team looking to break into the PVL’s elite tier.

     

    As the Chargers prepare for the 2026 PVL On Tour preseason conference, Sato’s return represents both a personal comeback and a significant roster upgrade. With one of the league’s most accomplished veterans back in action, Akari has sent a clear message that it intends to compete with the PVL’s established contenders in the season ahead.

     

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Girls turn focus to Indonesia after loss to unbeaten Japan 

    Alas Pilipinas Girls turn focus to Indonesia after loss to unbeaten Japan 

    One loss has turned the road ahead into a do-or-die mission for Alas Pilipinas Girls.

     

    After opening the AVC Girls’ U18 Championship with an encouraging victory over Iran, the Filipinas were handed a reality check by tournament favorite Japan, absorbing a 20-25, 17-25, 24-26 defeat on Thursday in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

     

    The straight-set result dropped the Philippines to 1-1 in Pool C, making Friday’s clash against Indonesia the team’s biggest match of the tournament so far.

     

    With only the top two teams from the group advancing, Alas Pilipinas now controls its own fate—but only if it can bounce back.

     

    Despite the defeat, the Filipinas showed flashes of the resilience that powered their opening-day win.

     

    Japan dictated much of the first two sets through its disciplined defense and quick offensive combinations, but the Philippines refused to go quietly.

     

    The third set became a showcase of the team’s fighting spirit.

     

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    Alas matched Japan point for point and pushed the perennial powerhouse to the limit before eventually falling just short, 26-24, in a tense finish that highlighted how close the young Filipinas came to forcing a fourth set.

     

    For head coach Ray Karl Dimaculangan, the match wasn’t defined by talent but by opportunities that slipped away.

     

    “We had many opportunities that we did not maximize. We know that Japan is tough, we gave it our best,” Dimaculangan said.

     

    Sharina Rhayza Lleses continued to anchor the Philippine attack, finishing with 15 points behind 13 attacks, one block, and an ace.

     

    Ellaine Gonzalvo added 10 points, while Ysabelle Patricia Cruz contributed seven as the Filipinas searched for answers against one of Asia’s most consistent youth programs.

     

    Now, the team’s attention shifts entirely to Indonesia.

     

    A victory would keep the Philippines firmly in contention for a quarterfinal berth, while another loss would leave its campaign hanging by a thread.

     

    After proving they can compete with one of the continent’s volleyball powerhouses, Alas Pilipinas Girls now faces the challenge of quickly regrouping and delivering its strongest performance when it matters most.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas dealt major blow as Vanie Gandler, Jennifer Nierva, Shaina Nitura miss Asian Games 

    Alas Pilipinas dealt major blow as Vanie Gandler, Jennifer Nierva, Shaina Nitura miss Asian Games 

    Alas Pilipinas Women will head into the 20th Asian Games with a different look than initially envisioned after injuries sidelined three important pieces of the national team’s plans.

     

    Instead of spending the coming months building chemistry with its full roster, the coaching staff will now have to navigate preparations without Vanessa “Vanie” Gandler, Jennifer Nierva, and Shaina Nitura, each unavailable for different injury-related reasons.

     

    The latest setback involves reigning 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference Most Valuable Player Vanie Gandler, who opted to step away from national team duties after an exhausting run of competition that culminated in the biggest individual honor of her career.

     

    Rather than risk aggravating lingering physical issues, the former Cignal star chose recovery, prioritizing long-term health before returning to competition.

     

    Alas Pilipinas will also miss one of its most dependable defensive anchors.

     

    Veteran libero Jennifer Nierva has likewise been ruled out as she continues to recover from an injury, depriving the national team of one of its most experienced backcourt leaders entering continental competition.

     

    The biggest blow, however, may be the loss of one of Philippine volleyball’s fastest-rising stars.

    The Philippine Olympic Committee earlier confirmed that Shaina Nitura will miss the Asian Games after undergoing surgery to address an ankle injury.

     

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    Initially named to the national team pool, the reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player instead begins a rehabilitation process expected to last around three months, delaying what could have been her biggest international tournament to date.

     

    Nitura’s absence removes one of the country’s most explosive young scorers from the lineup and leaves Alas Pilipinas without a player many viewed as a cornerstone of its future.

     

    The trio’s unavailability significantly alters the complexion of the squad as preparations continue under head coach Taka Minowa, who now faces the challenge of assembling a competitive lineup despite losing three players expected to play major roles.

     

    While the setbacks are substantial, Alas Pilipinas will press on with the remaining members of its training pool as the national team continues preparations for the Asian Games, scheduled from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

     

    With less than three months before the continental showcase, the focus now shifts from assembling the strongest possible roster to ensuring the available group is ready to compete on Asia’s biggest stage.

     

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  • ZUS Thunderbelles bolster roster with four new reinforcements ahead of PVL On Tour

    ZUS Thunderbelles bolster roster with four new reinforcements ahead of PVL On Tour

    ZUS Coffee is entering the 2026 PVL On Tour with a fresh look. Determined to build on last season’s campaign, the Thunderbelles have reinforced their roster by bringing in four new players—Jolina Dela Cruz, Zam Nolasco, Chenae Basarte, and Angela Jackson, as they prepare to begin another chapter in the Premier Volleyball League.

     

    The new additions offer a blend of proven collegiate success, professional experience, and young talent, giving head coach Jerry Yee more depth across multiple positions ahead of the preseason tournament.

     

    Leading the new recruits is former De La Salle University standout Jolina Dela Cruz, who moves to ZUS Coffee after spending the previous season with Farm Fresh.

     

    The veteran wing spiker joins her third PVL franchise after first landing with Farm Fresh in 2024 despite recovering from a knee injury following the disbandment of F2 Logistics in 2023.

     

    Her arrival strengthens the Thunderbelles’ outside hitter rotation alongside seasoned campaigners Rachel Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga. The transfer also reunites Dela Cruz with former De La Salle teammate Thea Gagate, giving the squad another familiar on-court connection.

     

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    The Thunderbelles also tapped into the successful College of Saint Benilde program by adding two Lady Blazers.

     

    Fresh from an impressive collegiate career, Zam Nolasco begins her professional journey after capping her final NCAA season with the league’s Most Valuable Player award.

     

    The 6-foot-1 middle blocker established herself as one of the country’s top collegiate frontliners, collecting three NCAA championships and multiple Best Middle Blocker honors during her four-year stay with the Lady Blazers.

     

    Nolasco will once again work under Jerry Yee, who also coached Saint Benilde, making the transition to the professional ranks a familiar one for both player and coach.

     

    Joining her is setter Chenae Basarte, who concluded her collegiate career as team captain of the Lady Blazers entering the NCAA Season 101 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.

     

    Known for her steady playmaking and leadership, Basarte is expected to provide stability to the Thunderbelles’ offense as she takes on her first professional assignment.

     

    Completing ZUS Coffee’s list of newcomers is Angela Jackson, one of the youngest players on the roster.

     

    The former University of the Philippines Integrated School standout was selected in the fourth round of the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft at just 20 years old despite having limited collegiate volleyball experience.

     

    Now preparing for her professional debut, Jackson is expected to add depth at the opposite spiker position as she begins her PVL career.

     

    With four new reinforcements joining the fold, ZUS Coffee hopes its revamped lineup will translate into a stronger showing when the 2026 PVL On Tour opens.

     

    The Thunderbelles begin their campaign on July 8 against the Akari Chargers in Ilagan City, where the team’s newest acquisitions are expected to make their first appearance in ZUS Coffee colors.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas U18 beats Iran in four sets, braces for powerhouse Japan next 

    Alas Pilipinas U18 beats Iran in four sets, braces for powerhouse Japan next 

    Alas Pilipinas Girls could not have asked for a better start to its campaign in the 2026 AVC Girls’ U18 Volleyball Championship.

     

    The young Filipinas opened the continental tournament with a statement victory, defeating Iran in four sets, 25-19, 19-25, 25-23, 25-18, on Wednesday, July 1, in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, to immediately put themselves in contention for a quarterfinal berth.

     

    The victory also sets the stage for an even bigger challenge as the Philippines now prepares to face perennial Asian contender Japan, last year’s silver medalist, in a crucial Pool C showdown on Thursday.

     

    With only the top two teams in the group advancing to the knockout stage, the win over Iran could prove vital in the race for qualification.

     

    Alas Pilipinas leaned on the firepower of Xyz Rayco, who once again emerged as the team’s offensive catalyst with 19 points. After helping steer the national squad to a historic qualification for the 2026 FIVB Girls’ U17 World Championship last year, Rayco continued to showcase why she remains one of the country’s brightest young volleyball prospects.

     

    Ellaine Gonzalvo also carried over her strong form from the recent 2026 Southeast Asian Girls’ U18 Volleyball Championship, where she was recognized as Best Outside Spiker. The Adamson standout finished with 15 points to provide steady support throughout the match.

     

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    Jhaynna Love Bulandres and Adeleine Agustin added nine points each as the Filipinas displayed balanced scoring in overcoming a resilient Iranian side.

     

    The match was anything but straightforward.

     

    After comfortably taking the opening set, Alas Pilipinas lost momentum in the second as Iran answered emphatically to level the contest.

     

    The turning point came in the tightly contested third frame, where the Filipinas held their composure during the closing exchanges to seize a crucial 2-1 advantage.

     

    With confidence restored, the Philippine squad dictated the pace in the fourth set, pulling away late to secure its first victory of the tournament.

     

    The result gives Alas Pilipinas an ideal foundation before arguably its toughest assignment in the group stage.

     

    Japan enters the matchup as one of Asia’s traditional volleyball powers after finishing runner-up in last year’s tournament, making Thursday’s clash a major measuring stick for Karl Dimaculangan’s young squad.

     

    A victory would significantly boost the Filipinas’ chances of reaching the quarterfinals, while another competitive performance could further prove that the country’s next generation is ready to challenge the region’s elite.

     

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