Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Category: Volleyball

  • FEU parts ways with coach Tina Salak as she turns full attention to Akari Charges

    FEU parts ways with coach Tina Salak as she turns full attention to Akari Charges

    In a move that signals a full shift toward the professional ranks, Tina Salak has officially stepped down as head coach of the Far Eastern University women’s volleyball team after three years at the helm.


    The FEU announced the decision on Saturday morning, confirming that Salak will step away from her role with the Lady Tamaraws to concentrate on her growing responsibilities in the Premier Volleyball League with the Akari Chargers.

     

    Salak, who previously starred as a playmaker during her playing days with FEU, leaves the Morayta-based program for the second time across two separate stints in charge—underscoring a coaching journey that has repeatedly crossed between rebuilding collegiate duty and pro-level ambitions.

     

    “We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Coach Tina Salak for her outstanding leadership and commitment to the team over the past four seasons,” the team said in a social media post.

     

    Her departure comes at a turning point for the Lady Tamaraws, who narrowly missed a return to the Final Four in the most recent campaign after finishing with an 8–6 record. 

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    The result fell short of their previous season’s breakthrough, when Salak guided FEU back into semifinal contention and helped restore its competitiveness among the league’s traditional powers.

     

    “Her dedication, passion, and tireless efforts have played a significant role in shaping our program and elevating our standards both on and off the field,” the post added. 

     

    Despite the mixed results, FEU credited Salak for leaving a lasting imprint on the program’s identity, particularly in stabilizing a team that had been searching for consistency and direction across multiple seasons and coaching changes.

     

    Her exit also highlights a growing divide in her professional path. While she helped rebuild FEU into a contender, her increasing commitment to the Akari Chargers has now taken priority as the franchise prepares for a crucial stretch in the Premier Volleyball League calendar.

     

    Akari is set to begin its next campaign at the PVL on Tour starting July 4, where Salak is expected to focus fully on steering the Chargers toward a breakthrough into the league’s upper tier.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Alas Pilipinas closes AVC Women’s Cup with loss to Iran, finishes eighth 

    Alas Pilipinas closes AVC Women’s Cup with loss to Iran, finishes eighth 

    The final score against Iran was only part of the story.

     

    When Alas Pilipinas walked off the floor of the Candon City Arena on Sunday, it marked the end of a tournament that demanded far more than wins and losses from the national team.

     

    A campaign that began with hopes of another podium finish instead concluded with an eighth-place result after Iran handed the Filipinas a 25-21, 25-12, 25-21 defeat in the AVC Women’s Cup classification match.

     

    It was the country’s lowest finish in the tournament in recent years, a stark contrast from the bronze-medal breakthrough in 2024 and the silver-medal run in 2025.

     

    But unlike those squads, this version of Alas Pilipinas entered the competition carrying a completely different reality.

     

    Several key members of the previous core were unavailable, forcing the national team to lean heavily on veterans Alyssa Valdez, Ces Molina, Jovelyn Gonzaga, and Ara Galang while integrating younger players into major international roles.

     

    The challenge became even greater when the team had to navigate uncertainty surrounding the suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) by the FIVB, creating distractions away from the court during the tournament.

     

    Against Iran, those growing pains surfaced once more.

     

    The Filipinas struggled to find offensive rhythm as Iran dictated the tempo behind the dominant play of Elaheh Poorsaleh Shahdehsari, who erupted for 18 points and spearheaded the victory in just 70 minutes.

     

    Iran seized control of the match after a competitive opening set and never allowed Alas to gain momentum, particularly in a lopsided second frame.

     

    The Filipinas showed fight late in the third set.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Trailing at match point, Gonzaga and Kyle Negrito helped stave off elimination briefly by trimming the deficit to three points at 24-21. But Gonzaga’s ensuing service error sealed the result and officially closed the chapter on Alas Pilipinas’ AVC campaign.

     

    Fatemeh Khalili Chermahini added nine points for Iran, while Zahra Salehi and Yasna Ahankoub Roo chipped in eight each. Ayda Valinezhad contributed seven markers in the balanced Iranian attack.

     

    For the Philippines, Gonzaga led the scoring with six points. Niña Ytang finished with five, while team captain Valdez and Tots Carlos added four and three points, respectively.

     

    Despite the disappointing finish, Valdez chose to focus on what the tournament may ultimately mean for the program’s future.

     

    “The results may not have gone our way, but our biggest hope is that the younger players continue to answer the call and represent the Philippines in the future,” said an emotional Valdez in Filipino.

     

    That message may ultimately define Alas Pilipinas’ 2026 AVC Women’s Cup campaign.

     

    The Filipinas battled through a difficult Pool A schedule, finishing with a 2-3 record that included victories over Kyrgyzstan and Australia, while suffering defeats to eventual finalists South Korea and Chinese Taipei.

     

    There were flashes of promise from emerging players, valuable experience gained against elite Asian competition, and lessons learned from competing under difficult circumstances.

     

    The final standing may show eighth place.

     

    But for a team in transition, the tournament may be remembered more as the beginning of a new chapter than the end of a disappointing one.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Tats Suzara sees VNL hosting as key part of Philippines’ 2029 FIVB World Championship preparations

    Tats Suzara sees VNL hosting as key part of Philippines’ 2029 FIVB World Championship preparations

    The Philippines’ preparations for hosting the 2029 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship will begin in earnest this month as the country stages the Women’s Volleyball Nations League at Philsports Arena from June 17 to 21. 

     

    According to Asian Volleyball Confederation president and FIVB Executive Vice President Ramon “Tats” Suzara, the country’s hosting of the Women’s VNL over the next three years is part of the long-term buildup toward the World Championship, which the Philippines will host in 2029. 

     

    Speaking during his visit to Candon City Arena on Thursday, Suzara emphasized the significance of securing the VNL for multiple years.

     

    “The reason for having the Women’s (VNL) for the next three years is because of the hosting of the World Championship in 2029,” Suzara said.

     

    The first major test comes from June 17 to 21 when the Philippines hosts Pool 5 of the Women’s VNL at Philsports Arena. The tournament will bring some of the sport’s biggest international programs to Philippine soil, including defending champion and world No. 1 Italy, No. 4 Japan, No. 7 United States, No. 9 Serbia, No. 12 Dominican Republic, and No. 13 Czechia.

     

    For Philippine volleyball officials, the event provides a rare opportunity to evaluate not only competition operations but also venue readiness, logistics, fan engagement, and overall organizational capacity ahead of the World Championship.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    Suzara believes the quality of teams arriving in Manila will immediately provide local fans with a world-class showcase.

     

    “We have Italy here coming, Japan, Japan is playing well now. We have Serbia, although I heard Boskovic is not there, but it’s still a strong team. Of course, the Dominican Republic is still strong. Czechia, they already arrived and I think nagti-training na sila sa Philsports. And one more team, USA,” he added.

     

    The VNL’s return is also significant because it marks the first time the women’s competition will be staged in the Philippines since 2022, when the country hosted Pool B featuring Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Japan, Poland, Thailand, and the United States.

     

    Beyond the matches themselves, the upcoming week could prove crucial for the future direction of Philippine volleyball. Suzara revealed that officials from the FIVB are expected to arrive during the tournament to inspect preparations and assess the current state of the sport locally amid ongoing issues involving the suspended Philippine National Volleyball Federation.

     

    “So ito nakaka-support sa women’s national team natin. But hopefully, things will be better. Hopefully, next week when the FIVB comes to check the status of volleyball here, they’re coming here next week during the VNL and I think there will be some MOA signing between PSC and FIVB, so just be ready,” he said.

     

    The planned visit highlights how the VNL has become more than a sporting event. It will also serve as a checkpoint for Philippine volleyball’s readiness both on and off the court as it works toward hosting responsibilities on a much larger scale.

     

    Looking beyond this year, Suzara disclosed that organizers are already exploring the possibility of bringing the Women’s VNL to Cebu in 2027. This year’s matches were moved to Philsports Arena, a venue that has become a regular site for international competitions after hosting the AVC Women’s Champions League and other major sporting events.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Joan Monares completes PLDT’s final recruitment piece ahead of 2026 PVL on Tour

    Joan Monares completes PLDT’s final recruitment piece ahead of 2026 PVL on Tour

    After going undrafted in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft, University of the Philippines standout Joan Monares has quickly found a new chapter in her volleyball journey, this time at the professional level with the PLDT High Speed Hitters.

     

    PLDT officially introduced Monares on Friday through a social media announcement, marking her as the final addition to complete the team’s roster build ahead of the 2026-2027 PVL season.

     

    “We all want more of Joan Monares so here we go! The outside hitter from UP becomes the final piece of PLDT’s recruitment before the start of the 2026-2027 PVL season!” the team said.

     

    Her arrival adds depth to an already stacked wing rotation that includes Savi Davison, Alleiah Malaluan, Kiesha Bedonia, Shiela Kiseo, and Jovie Prado, giving PLDT multiple attacking options heading into a crucial campaign.

     

    Monares’ collegiate career with the UP Fighting Maroons was defined by steady offensive production and leadership in a rebuilding program that often relied on her consistency against top UAAP contenders.

     

    At UP, she developed into one of the team’s primary scoring options, carrying a heavy offensive load while competing against some of the strongest collegiate programs in the country.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    Her experience in the UAAP not only tested her scoring ability but also shaped her into a more composed presence in high-pressure situations—something PLDT will look to maximize in the pro ranks.

     

    PLDT, meanwhile, is entering the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference with heightened expectations after an up-and-down run in previous seasons, where flashes of brilliance were often tempered by inconsistency in closing out tight matches.

     

    The High Speed Hitters have been steadily building chemistry under a balanced core, but the addition of Monares gives them another dynamic scoring option who can relieve pressure from their established wing attackers.

     

    Their campaign in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference showed both promise and growing pains, as PLDT pushed several top-tier squads to the limit but struggled to sustain momentum across full matches.

     

    With Monares now in the fold alongside setter Fianne Ariola of Perpetual Help, PLDT’s roster gains both youth and versatility as they continue refining their system for a deeper playoff push in the upcoming season.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Alyssa Valdez sees bright future for young Alas Pilipinas core despite AVC Cup semifinal miss

    Alyssa Valdez sees bright future for young Alas Pilipinas core despite AVC Cup semifinal miss

    The Philippine women’s national team concluded its pool stage campaign in the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup with a 2-3 record, capped by a 25-16, 25-14, 25-10 defeat to Chinese Taipei on Thursday that officially ended its hopes of reaching the semifinals.

     

    Yet for Alas Pilipinas captain Alyssa Valdez, the tournament was never solely about the final standings.

     

    With the Philippine National Volleyball Federation facing mounting scrutiny over governance concerns and several established national team players declining invitations to suit up, the federation was left to rebuild around a mix of veteran PVL standouts and young UAAP prospects.

     

    That situation could have easily fractured the program. Instead, Valdez saw a squad that chose to embrace the challenge.

     

    “One thing that we wanna, something that we’re proud of is to actually represent the country. Despite all the things that are happening everywhere, despite the noise,” Valdez said.

     

    The statement reflected the mindset that has guided the retooled squad throughout the tournament. While the previous roster of Alas Pilipinas were defined by breakthrough podium finishes—a historic bronze medal in 2024 followed by a silver-medal run in 2025, the current team entered the competition carrying a different mission.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    Many of the players who helped engineer those achievements are no longer part of the national team setup, with only Alyssa Solomon and Thea Gagate remaining from the core group that previously elevated the Philippines to its highest finishes in continental competition.

     

    The transition has thrust a younger generation into larger roles against seasoned international opponents.

     

    That experience gap was evident against Chinese Taipei, which controlled the match from the opening set behind the combined 27-point effort of Hsu Wan-Yu and Tsai Yan-Cheng, who scored 14 and 13 points, respectively.

     

    Alas Pilipinas struggled to find offensive rhythm throughout the 68-minute contest, with no player reaching double figures. Solomon led the Filipinas with six points, while Ces Molina and Niña Ytang added three points apiece.

     

    Despite the one-sided result, Valdez pointed to a larger lesson that she believes will benefit the team moving forward.

     

    “We really need preparation and most especially veterans na din mga nakakalaban namin dito. Kami, as veterans din pero siyempre kailangan din ng quality time together as a team,” the three-time PVL MVP said.

     

    For a roster still learning to play together at the international level, building chemistry may be just as important as the results themselves.

     

    And while the semifinal dream ended sooner than hoped, Valdez remains convinced that the experience gained by the team’s younger members could pay dividends in the years ahead.

     

    “Madami pang maabot ‘yung mga bata dito, so hopefully magandang experience ito para sa kanila,” she said.

     

    As Alas Pilipinas turns its attention to future tournaments, the captain believes the foundation has already been laid—not through medals or victories, but through a group that remained committed to wearing the national colors despite the challenges surrounding the program.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  • Alas Pilipinas misses AVC semis after Chinese Taipei rout

    Alas Pilipinas misses AVC semis after Chinese Taipei rout

    For a few days in Candon City, Alas Pilipinas kept the possibility alive.

     

    A win over Chinese Taipei, combined with help from other results, was the narrow path to the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup semifinals. But by Thursday afternoon, that door had slammed shut.

     

    Chinese Taipei overwhelmed the host nation from the opening exchanges and never looked back, completing a commanding 25-16, 25-14, 25-10 sweep at the Candon City Arena to end the Philippines’ pool-phase campaign.

     

    The loss dropped Alas Pilipinas to 2-3 in Pool A and sent the team into the classification phase, where it will now play for either fifth or seventh place depending on the remaining results.

    What made the defeat more painful was how little rhythm the Filipinas were able to establish against one of the tournament’s most organized teams.

     

    Chinese Taipei controlled the match with disciplined blocking, cleaner transition play, and sustained pressure from the service line, preventing the home crowd from ever seeing the extended momentum swings that had fueled earlier Philippine victories in the tournament.

     

    Alyssa Solomon, expected to carry much of the scoring burden, was held to six points on five attacks and one block. Veterans Alyssa Valdez and Nina Ytang added only three points each as the Philippine offense struggled to break through the Taiwanese defense.

     

    On the other side, Chinese Taipei showcased the balanced attack that made it one of Pool A’s strongest teams throughout the tournament. Hsu WY and Chang YC led the way with 14 and 13 points, respectively, while the Taiwanese side repeatedly punished loose receptions and overpasses.

     

    The result also highlighted how much this year’s Alas Pilipinas group differs from the squads that produced the country’s recent continental breakthroughs.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    The Philippines entered the tournament without much of the veteran core that powered the program to a historic bronze medal in 2024 and a silver-medal finish in 2025. This edition leaned more heavily on younger players and a reconfigured rotation, and the inconsistency showed during the five-match pool campaign.

     

    Still, the tournament has offered glimpses of promise amid the disappointment.

     

    Young contributors like Ytang and Thea Gagate showed they can compete at the international level, while the team’s earlier wins over Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan provided valuable experience for a roster still trying to build chemistry.

     

    For now, though, the immediate reality is harsher.

     

    Chinese Taipei improved to 4-0 and secured the first semifinal berth from Pool A, while Alas Pilipinas was left to regroup and refocus on finishing the tournament strongly despite missing out on the medal round.

     

    The classification phase may no longer carry championship stakes, but for a national team trying to develop a new identity, the remaining matches still matter.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Akari clears roster space as Chargers begin next phase of PVL rebuild 

    Akari clears roster space as Chargers begin next phase of PVL rebuild 

    The Akari Chargers have begun making difficult decisions ahead of the 2026 PVL on Tour, signaling that the next stage of their roster evolution is already underway.

     

    With much of its core expected to return, Akari announced Wednesday that five players will not be part of the team’s plans moving forward, officially parting ways with Dani Ravena, Max Juangco, Bea Bonafe, Joan Doguna, and Steph Bustrillo.

     

    The departures may not involve the team’s biggest stars, but they represent a significant reshaping of the supporting cast that helped the Chargers remain competitive in recent conferences.

     

    “Thank you, Dani, Max, Bea, Joan, and Steph for always representing Akari with pride. We wish you all the best on the next chapter of your journey,” the team said in a social media statement.

     

    The most noticeable impact comes in the back row.

     

    Akari suddenly finds itself thinner at the libero position after losing both Ravena and Juangco, leaving Justine Jazareno and converted wing spiker Judith Abil as the only liberos currently listed on the roster.

     

    The move adds another layer of intrigue to Akari’s offseason strategy, especially after the franchise surprisingly chose not to use its fifth-round selection in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Rather than adding another prospect, the Chargers appeared content with the foundation already in place—a foundation they still believe can contend despite the latest exits.

     

    That confidence stems from a core that remains largely untouched.

     

    Ivy Lacsina continues to headline Akari’s offense, backed by proven scorers Grethcel Soltones and Eli Soyud. Mars Alba remains the steady hand directing the attack, while national team standouts Fifi Sharma and Ced Domingo continue to anchor one of the league’s more imposing frontlines.

     

    In many ways, the latest roster moves feel less like a rebuild and more like a recalibration.

     

    The Chargers are not tearing down their roster. Instead, they appear focused on creating flexibility while preserving the nucleus that has kept them in the playoff conversation over the past few seasons.

     

    With the PVL on Tour fast approaching, the departures create opportunities for new faces to emerge, but they also place greater responsibility on Akari’s established stars to carry the franchise forward.

     

    The names on the roster may be changing, but the Chargers’ ambitions remain the same.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Alas Pilipinas faces do-or-die test against Chinese Taipei in AVC Women’s Cup 

    Alas Pilipinas faces do-or-die test against Chinese Taipei in AVC Women’s Cup 

    For all the progress Alas Pilipinas has shown in the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup, everything now comes down to one match.

     

    The Filipinas enter Thursday’s showdown against Chinese Taipei knowing that their tournament fate is no longer entirely in their hands. Still, the first order of business remains simple: win.

     

    After dropping a straight-set decision to South Korea, Alas Pilipinas finds itself in a must-win situation at the Candon City Arena, where a loss would officially end its semifinal hopes and send the team to the classification phase of the tournament.

     

    A victory, however, would keep the door open.

     

    The Philippines carries a 2-2 record and seven points in Pool A, trailing unbeaten South Korea and Chinese Taipei, who both own identical 3-0 slates and nine points. With South Korea heavily favored to maintain its grip on the top spot, Alas Pilipinas must first take care of Chinese Taipei and then hope results elsewhere break in its favor.

     

    What makes the challenge even steeper is the level of opposition awaiting the host nation.

     

    Chinese Taipei has looked every bit like a semifinal contender behind the firepower of Yu-Chun Tsai and Yi-Chi Chang, giving the Filipinas little room for error in a match that could determine whether their medal aspirations survive another day.

     

    Yet despite the pressure, the mood inside the Philippine camp remains one of belief rather than desperation.

     

    “At this point… dami naming natutunan, pinagaralan, so sana buong puso naming haharapin ‘yong susunod nang laban,” said team captain Alyssa Valdez.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    “Syempre best effort pa rin, bigay lang namin ‘yong best namin, ‘yong makakaya namin, and susubukan talaga namin lahat ng makakaya namin,” added veteran middle blocker Ara Galang.

     

    Alas Pilipinas will lean heavily on middle blocker Thea Gagate, who has emerged as one of the team’s most consistent performers after leading the scoring in each of its last two matches.

     

    Niña Ytang is also expected to play a pivotal role after earning praise from South Korean star Kang Sohwi for her strong performances throughout the tournament. Alongside them, Alyssa Solomon, Ces Molina, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Kyle Negrito, Alyssa Eroa, Kyla Atienza, and Tots Carlos will be tasked with delivering a more complete team effort against one of the tournament’s toughest squads.

     

    The situation is straightforward for the Filipinas.

     

    Win, and their hopes remain alive.

     

    Lose, and their quest for a podium finish comes to an end.

     

    With a passionate home crowd behind them and their AVC campaign hanging in the balance, Alas Pilipinas now faces its biggest test yet in Candon City.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • “Very happy to be playing with her”: Alyssa Valdez emotional after finally teaming up with Ara Galang

    “Very happy to be playing with her”: Alyssa Valdez emotional after finally teaming up with Ara Galang

    The 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Cup currently being held in Candon City has provided a meaningful glimpse into the evolving landscape of Philippine women’s volleyball, with Alas Pilipinas fielding a balanced mix of emerging talents and seasoned veterans as it continues its campaign on home soil.

     

    Beyond the results and the growing pains of facing Asia’s elite, one of the tournament’s most compelling storylines has been the long-awaited on-court reunion of two of Philippine volleyball’s most recognizable names—Alyssa Valdez and Ara Galang.

     

    For years, fans had envisioned the possibility of the two former collegiate rivals sharing the same side of the net. Their iconic Ateneo-La Salle rivalry in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), which later extended into the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), helped define an era of Philippine volleyball and fueled widespread anticipation for a partnership that never materialized in previous international or club settings.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    The pairing, often dubbed by fans as the “GaDez” tandem, had been the subject of discussion for nearly a decade. At one point in 2014, the possibility of them suiting up together reportedly came close, only for circumstances within the volleyball federation setup at the time to prevent it from pushing through.

     

    Fast forward to the present, and that long-awaited collaboration has finally become reality under the Alas Pilipinas program—an emotional and symbolic moment for supporters who had followed both stars since their collegiate days.

     

    The Valdez-Galang tandem officially took the court during Alas Pilipinas’ 25-16, 25-18, 25-22 defeat to continental powerhouse South Korea at the Candon City Arena on Tuesday, June 9. While the result favored the more experienced Korean side, the match carried far greater significance for Philippine volleyball fans witnessing two of its modern-era icons share the floor for the national team.

    Despite the loss, both Valdez and Galang showed flashes of their trademark competitiveness, combining leadership, experience, and steady composure against one of Asia’s top-ranked programs. More importantly, the moment represented a full-circle chapter in their careers, transitioning from fierce rivals to national teammates united under the same flag.

     

    For Valdez, the opportunity carried emotional weight, as she reflected on the timing of their long-awaited partnership and the shared journey that led them to the national team stage.

     

    “I think this may have come late in our careers, but it’s the right time. It’s the right time for us to inspire each other, especially in the latter part of our careers. I’m very happy to be playing with Ara. She has a different kind of fire. You can really see how much she wants to fight and compete,” Valdez said.

     

    Galang, meanwhile, echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude for finally being able to represent the country alongside a familiar rival-turned-teammate whose career has often mirrored her own in terms of success, challenges, and longevity.

     

    “We are really happy. It’s been a long time, and honestly, we didn’t expect this. Maybe it was destined to happen now. I’m thankful to be her teammate, especially on the national team,” Galang added.

     

    Their partnership on the national team also highlights the broader direction of Alas Pilipinas, which continues to integrate veteran leadership with younger prospects as it prepares for more demanding international competitions. While the results in the AVC Cup reflect the challenges of rebuilding and cohesion at the highest level, the presence of experienced figures like Valdez and Galang provides stability and mentorship for the next generation.

     

    As Alas Pilipinas continues its campaign in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup, the Valdez-Galang reunion stands out not just as a nostalgic moment for fans, but as a symbolic reminder of how Philippine volleyball has evolved—and how former rivals can come together in pursuit of national pride.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  • AVC ends speculation over covered PNVF marks on Alas player jerseys 

    AVC ends speculation over covered PNVF marks on Alas player jerseys 

    The missing PNVF logos on the uniforms of Alas Pilipinas Women sparked plenty of questions this week. As the national team continued its campaign in the AVC Women’s Cup, many wondered whether the taped-over federation markings were a silent message amid the growing turmoil surrounding the Philippine National Volleyball Federation.

     

    The Asian Volleyball Confederation has now provided a definitive answer.

     

    In a move aimed at ending speculation, the AVC clarified that the absence of the PNVF logo on the Philippine uniforms has nothing to do with the federation’s ongoing leadership crisis and everything to do with tournament regulations.

     

    Since Monday’s match against Kyrgyzstan, fans noticed that the PNVF markings on both the playing and warm-up jerseys of Alas Pilipinas had been covered. The timing naturally fueled discussions, with the federation currently facing suspension from the FIVB, the withdrawal of Philippine Sports Commission funding, and a widening internal dispute that has left president Tony Boy Liao under mounting pressure.

     

    However, according to the AVC, the matter is purely procedural.

     

    In a June 9 letter signed by AVC executive vice president and tournament control committee president Mohamed Latheef, the continental body explained that the Philippine team was simply following the uniform guidelines imposed for the tournament.

     

    Under AVC regulations, only specific identifiers are allowed in designated portions of the jersey, including the country flag, country name or code, approved manufacturer logo, and authorized sponsors. Federation logos are not permitted in those restricted areas.

     

    “The AVC does not allow any participating team to place supplementary graphics, including National Federation logos, in the specific positions reserved for the officially mandated country flags, country codes, manufacturer marks, or approved sponsors,” the letter stated.

     

    The governing body further stressed that any additional markings in those locations would violate tournament regulations.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    “The Alas Pilipinas team is currently in full compliance with AVC rules by omitting the PNVF logo from these strictly regulated areas on their match jerseys,” the AVC wrote.

     

    The clarification comes at a time when the national team has been trying to keep its focus on competition despite the noise surrounding the federation.

     

    While administrative issues continue to dominate headlines off the court, officials have repeatedly urged the players to concentrate on representing the country.

     

    Among them is PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, who recently called on stakeholders to rally behind Alas Pilipinas regardless of the ongoing controversy.

     

    “There is a time for commercial volleyball and there is a time for the national team. Kapag Alas ang pinag-uusapan, dapat lagi tayong magkakampi at sama-sama. The best gift you can give to yourself is to wear that Philippine team uniform. It is your gift to the nation,” Gregorio said.

     

    “We want all of you to just concentrate. Kalimutan nyo yung pulitika ng sports. Kalimutan nyo yung pulitika ng pederasyon nyo.”

     

    For now, the AVC’s clarification puts an end to one of the tournament’s biggest off-court talking points, confirming that the logos were covered not as a statement, but as a requirement. As far as the continental governing body is concerned, Alas Pilipinas remains fully compliant and fully focused on the competition at hand.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.