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Category: Volleyball

  • Miko Vargas resigns from PNVF Executive Board, vows continued support for Philippine volleyball 

    Miko Vargas resigns from PNVF Executive Board, vows continued support for Philippine volleyball 

    The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) lost one of its longest-serving officials on Tuesday after Executive Board Member Miko Vargas announced his irrevocable resignation, ending a five-year tenure with the country’s governing body for volleyball.


    Vargas, the son of veteran sports executive Ricky Vargas, informed fellow board members of his decision through a formal letter that took effect immediately. 

     

    His departure comes at a crucial time for the federation, which has found itself at the center of several controversies involving governance, leadership, and the national team program.

     

    Having served under both former PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara and current federation chief Tonyboy Liao, Vargas witnessed some of the most significant periods in Philippine volleyball’s recent history, including the sport’s resurgence on the international stage and the continued growth of local competitions.

     

    In his resignation letter, Vargas cited his inability to fully commit to the responsibilities expected of a federation executive.

     

    “Since early this year, I have found myself unable to dedicate the time, energy, and active participation toward the role of PNVF Executive Board member demands,” he wrote.

     

    Despite stepping down, Vargas emphasized that his resignation should not be interpreted as a departure from volleyball itself. 

     

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    He reiterated his commitment to supporting the sport’s development outside of an official capacity and called for unity within the volleyball community moving forward.

     

    “Ultimately, I stand leaving this organization with a reiteration for Unity as I have called for time and again,” Vargas concluded the letter.

     

    Notably, Vargas was not among the nine PNVF board members who recently signed a letter withdrawing their support for Liao’s leadership, a move that further exposed divisions within the federation’s executive board.

     

    While Vargas’ exit was framed as a personal decision rooted in time constraints, it nevertheless marks the first major resignation from the current board during one of the most challenging periods in the federation’s history. 

     

    With leadership questions still unresolved and multiple stakeholders calling for reforms, his departure underscores the uncertainty facing Philippine volleyball as it attempts to navigate a path toward stability and restore confidence among athletes and the sport itself.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas rookie Niña Ytang earns praise from South Korea captain after standout showing

    Alas Pilipinas rookie Niña Ytang earns praise from South Korea captain after standout showing

    Alas Pilipinas absorbed its second straight defeat in the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Cup after falling to continental powerhouse South Korea, 25-16, 25-18, 25-22, at the Candon City Arena on Tuesday, June 9.

     

    Despite the straight-sets result, the national team showed flashes of competitiveness—particularly in the third set—before ultimately succumbing to South Korea’s depth, discipline, and superior execution on both ends of the floor.

     

    For Alas Pilipinas, however, the match also served as another showcase of rising middle blocker Niña Ytang, who continued to build her reputation as one of the team’s most promising young standouts in her debut international campaign.

     

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    The former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons star finished as the second-leading scorer for the Philippines with eight points, tallying seven attacks and one block. While the numbers may not fully capture her impact, Ytang’s presence at the net provided consistent resistance against South Korea’s high-powered offense and quick-tempo system.

    Her performance did not go unnoticed.

     

    South Korea captain Kang Sohwi singled out the young middle blocker when asked which Alas Pilipinas player stood out during the match, offering rare praise from one of Asia’s elite competitors.

     

    “Number 9, the middle blocker,” Sohwi said when asked which Alas Pilipinas player impressed her the most.

     

    For Ytang, the recognition from a top-tier international opponent served as validation of her rapid adjustment to the demands of international volleyball, though she remained grounded in her response.

    “I must be doing something right kaya siguro ganun. Pero for me naman I’m just doing my best, doing everything I can para sa bayan,” Ytang stated.

     

    Ytang has quietly emerged as one of the bright spots for Alas Pilipinas in the tournament, showcasing both offensive efficiency and defensive timing in the middle. In the team’s opening win over Uzbekistan, she delivered a strong debut performance with 12 points built on eight attacks and four kill blocks, immediately establishing herself as a reliable presence in the rotation.

     

    She followed that up with an even more dynamic outing against Australia, where she produced 13 points highlighted by nine attacks, three service aces, and a block, demonstrating her expanding skill set and growing confidence against higher-level competition.

     

    Across three matches, Ytang has shown steady improvement in adapting to international pace, with her ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game becoming a valuable asset for Alas Pilipinas as it continues its campaign in the AVC tournament.

     

    Her emergence has also drawn attention beyond the national team setup, particularly given the significant decision she made prior to the competition. Ytang opted to withdraw her application for the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft, choosing instead to commit fully to Alas Pilipinas Women and her development within the national team program.

     

    The decision underscored her long-term focus on international experience and national team duty, prioritizing exposure against elite Asian opposition over immediate professional league opportunities.

     

    While Alas Pilipinas continues to navigate a challenging tournament against some of Asia’s strongest programs, performances like Ytang’s offer a glimpse of a developing core that could anchor the national team in future international competitions.

     

    As the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup progresses, the Philippines will look to regroup and build on its competitive moments, while Ytang’s steady rise remains one of the most encouraging storylines in the campaign.

     

     

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  • Korea halts Alas Pilipinas rally, sends Filipinas into must-win situation against Chinese-Taipei 

    Korea halts Alas Pilipinas rally, sends Filipinas into must-win situation against Chinese-Taipei 

    South Korea proved too much for Alas Pilipinas on Tuesday afternoon, handing the host nation a 25-16, 25-18, 25-22 defeat in Pool A of the 2026 AVC Women’s Nations Cup at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.

     

    The loss dropped the Filipinas to a 2-2 record in the tournament, putting them in a precarious position heading into their final pool-stage assignment against unbeaten Chinese Taipei.

     

    After splitting the opening two sets, Alas showed signs of mounting a serious challenge in the third frame. The Filipinas briefly seized momentum and built a 20-18 advantage behind the steady play of their young middle blockers and a more aggressive attack.

     

    However, the experienced Koreans responded when it mattered most.

     

    South Korea unleashed a decisive 5-0 run to turn a two-point deficit into a commanding lead, silencing the home crowd and taking control of the match down the stretch. Alas Pilipinas struggled to regain its footing as the visitors completed the sweep and secured another crucial victory in the tournament.


    The Koreans held the edge in most statistical categories, finishing with a 46-36 advantage in attack points while also dominating at the net with seven blocks compared to the Philippines’ four.

     

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    Thea Gagate paced the Filipinas with nine points built on five attacks, three blocks, and one ace. Nina Ytang continued her impressive tournament run with eight points on seven attacks and one block.


    South Korea was powered by team captain Kang So-hwi, who delivered a match-high 19 points anchored on 15 attacks, three aces, and one block. Her timely scoring helped spark the crucial third-set comeback that ultimately sealed the contest.

     

    Despite the defeat, Alas Pilipinas showed flashes of competitiveness against one of Asia’s traditional volleyball powers, particularly in the third set where they pushed the Koreans before running out of answers late.


    The Filipinas now face a must-win scenario against Chinese Taipei in their final Pool A match on Thursday. Even with a victory, Alas may still need favorable results from other matches to secure a semifinal berth, with their fate no longer entirely in their hands.


    For now, the focus shifts to regrouping quickly and delivering their strongest performance of the tournament against the pool leaders as they fight to keep their medal hopes alive.


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  • PSC keeps focus on national team development amid PNVF governance issues 

    PSC keeps focus on national team development amid PNVF governance issues 

    With Philippine volleyball facing another period of institutional turmoil, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is choosing to redirect attention away from controversy and toward long-term national team development.

     

    PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio confirmed that issues surrounding the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) are now being handled at the international and Olympic governance level, effectively placing the matter under the jurisdiction of the FIVB and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC). 


    The situation surrounding the PNVF has been placed under review by the FIVB and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), following reported governance concerns and internal issues within the federation. But for Gregorio, the priority is ensuring that the noise off the court does not disrupt the progress of the athletes representing the country.

     

    At the center of that vision is Alas Pilipinas and the broader national team program, which Gregorio believes must already be shaped with a long-term lens toward the country’s hosting of the 2029 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship.

     

    “Ang sa akin po, programa. We are hosting the World Championship in 2029. Before you know it, it’s 2029. Kailangan i-focus natin ‘yung suporta natin sa development ng mga atleta,” Gregorio said.

     

    His message reflects a broader attempt to stabilize focus amid ongoing controversy surrounding the PNVF, which has recently been suspended by the FIVB over reported “serious governance concerns and multiple purported violations of the FIVB Code of Ethics.” 

     

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    Adding to the instability is internal friction, including the reported withdrawal of support from a majority of the federation’s executive board for its leadership under Tonyboy Liao—an issue that has intensified calls for resolution and reform.

     

    Gregorio made it clear that the PSC will not be drawn into administrative disputes, emphasizing that governance decisions are already being addressed by the appropriate bodies.

     

    “I don’t want to comment on that because nandoon na po ‘yan sa FIVB and assignment po ‘yan ng Philippine Olympic Committee. Basta sa amin lang po, kami sa Philippine Sports Commission, gusto lang namin na talagang ang focus is on the national team program,” Gregorio said.

     

    He stressed that unity and focus are essential, especially given the scale of investment from government and private stakeholders.

     

    “Pag ganitong mga hosting, gumagastos po ang pamahalaan, gumagastos ang probinsya, maraming gumagastos na sponsors. So ayaw namin ng hidwaan, lalo na kung ang hidwaan ay tungkol lang sa mga personalidad,” the PSC chairman said.

     

    Even as national-level issues continue to unfold, Gregorio pointed to encouraging developments at the grassroots and regional level, particularly the ongoing 2026 AVC Women’s Cup in Candon City, which he described as an example of strong local hosting capability.

     

    “Obviously, talaga namang expected ko na ‘to — it will be a very beautiful hosting. Candon City, sila Mayor Eric Singson, sanay na sanay mag-host ng international events,” said Gregorio.

     

    The PSC chief also reaffirmed his intention to decentralize Philippine sports hosting, pushing more international and national competitions outside Metro Manila to strengthen provincial sports ecosystems and broaden public engagement.

     

    “Kailangan maramdaman din ng taumbayan, ng mga probinsiya natin, na kaya naman talaga nila mag-host e. Kayang-kaya. Sa totoo lang, excited sila. So we have to do more sporting events outside of Metro Manila in the years to come. Pangako ko po ‘yan as PSC chairman,” he said.

     

    In the middle of governance disputes and organizational uncertainty, the PSC’s message is increasingly centered on continuity over conflict, keeping the focus on athletes, and expanding the country’s hosting footprint.

     

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  • Thea Gagate steps up as Alas Pilipinas finds its footing again

    Thea Gagate steps up as Alas Pilipinas finds its footing again

    For a young national team still searching for consistency, leadership often reveals itself in the moments immediately after disappointment.

     

    That was exactly the situation facing Alas Pilipinas following its painful five-set collapse against Australia, a match that slipped away after the Filipinas held a two-sets-to-one advantage. Less than 24 hours later, the squad returned to the floor with little time to dwell on what could have been.

     

    What followed was a statement performance.

     

    Powered by one of her strongest outings of the tournament, Thea Gagate helped steer Alas Pilipinas to a convincing 25-9, 25-11, 25-17 victory over Kyrgyzstan on Monday at the Candon City Arena, lifting the host nation to a 2-1 record in Pool A of the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup.

     

    The victory was more than just another mark in the win column. It was a response from a team determined not to let one difficult night define its campaign.

     

    At the center of that response was Gagate.

     

    After being limited to seven points against Australia, the 6-foot-2 middle blocker reasserted her presence on both ends of the floor. She controlled the middle with timely blocks, finished attacks efficiently, and provided stability to a lineup looking to regain its confidence.

     

    Gagate finished with 11 points on eight attacks, two blocks, and one ace, leading a balanced Alas attack that overwhelmed Kyrgyzstan from the opening whistle.

     

    Yet the former top overall PVL Draft pick viewed the performance less as an individual breakthrough and more as a reflection of the team’s ability to learn from adversity.

     

    “Inisip lang namin ‘yung mga lapses namin nung last game, and ginawan lang namin ng paraan para maka-recover and mabalik ‘yung kumpyansa ng bawat isa,” said Gagate.

     

    “Well, iniisip lang talaga namin ‘yung sarili namin, ‘yung teammates namin. Siyempre, nandoon din ‘yung tiwala ng bawat isa and especially sa coaches. Malaking bagay kasi sila rin ‘yung naghe-help sa amin maging buo as a team.”

     

    While much of the current roster is still building chemistry on the international stage, Gagate occupies a unique position within the program.

     

    She is one of only two remaining players from the Alas Pilipinas squad that competed in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, joining fellow holdover Alyssa Solomon. That experience has naturally elevated her role within a roster blending veterans, collegiate standouts, and first-time national team players. 

     

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    Alongside team captain Alyssa Valdez, veteran hitters Jovelyn Gonzaga and Ces Molina, Gagate has quietly become one of the pillars helping guide the new-look national team through the demands of international competition.

     

    The responsibility is something she has embraced.

     

    “For me, gusto ko lang talaga ibigay ‘yung best ko and gusto ko lang din ma-apply ‘yung mga natutunan ko nga in the past tournaments sa national team. And hopefully, mas marami pa akong maipakita, especially sa upcoming games since important din ‘yung games na ‘yun,” she said.

     

    “Well, siguro puwede kong ibigay sa kanila ‘yung mga natutunan ko in the past leagues sa national team, lalo na sa mga bata. And siyempre tina-try ko rin ‘yung best ko na ibigay lahat.”

     

    The timing of Gagate’s performance could not have been better.

     

    With South Korea looming as the next challenge, Alas Pilipinas enters one of its most important matches of the preliminary round carrying renewed momentum and confidence. And as the tournament progresses, the Filipinas will continue to rely on players who can help transform difficult lessons into immediate growth.

     

    Against Kyrgyzstan, Gagate showed exactly what that looks like. One day after a heartbreaking defeat, she helped lead a team that looked ready to move forward.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas storms past Kyrgyzstan, bounces back with dominant AVC Nations Cup win 

    Alas Pilipinas storms past Kyrgyzstan, bounces back with dominant AVC Nations Cup win 

    It took only an hour for Alas Pilipinas to put its disappointing five-set loss to Australia behind and return to winning form.

     

    The Filipinas delivered a commanding performance from start to finish, sweeping Kyrgyzstan, 25-9, 25-11, 25-17, to secure their second victory in the AVC Women’s Nations Cup at the Candon City Arena.

     

    After being pushed to the limit by Australia a day earlier, Alas left no room for drama this time, overwhelming Kyrgyzstan with superior attacking, disciplined floor defense, and a balanced offensive attack.

     

    The Philippines seized control immediately in the opening set, racing to an 11-3 advantage behind relentless pressure at the net. A block by Thea Gagate extended the lead to 18-8 before a service ace from Kyle Negrito pushed the margin to 19-8.

     

    Alas continued to pile on the points with a 5-0 run that stretched the lead to 20-8, leaving Kyrgyzstan with no answers. Veteran wing spiker Cess Molina eventually closed out the frame with a powerful attack to seal a lopsided 25-9 opening-set victory.

     

    The numbers reflected the domination, with Alas converting 16 attack points while Kyrgyzstan managed just one attack point in the set.

     

    The momentum carried into the second frame as young middle blocker Niña Ytang emerged as a key contributor on both ends of the floor. Her defensive presence and timely attacks helped the Filipinas establish a 10-4 lead, highlighted by a setup that led to an Alyssa Valdez kill.

     

    Alas never looked back, building a 15-5 cushion midway through the set before stretching the advantage to 18-6. Ytang continued her strong outing with another point that made it 21-7.

     

    Molina once again helped bring the Philippines to the brink, scoring for a 24-10 lead before Cla Loresco finished the set with a quick attack to hand Alas a comfortable 25-11 win.

     

    The Filipinas capitalized on 14 attack points and took full advantage of eight Kyrgyzstan errors in the second set.

     

    Determined to finish the match quickly, Alas opened the third set with a 5-0 run fueled by back-to-back points from Jovelyn Gonzaga.

     

    Gonzaga remained aggressive early, scoring three of the team’s first seven points as the Filipinas established control. Kyrgyzstan attempted to mount a response with three consecutive points, but Ytang quickly halted the rally with another attack that restored an eight-point lead at 14-6.

     

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    Alas continued to dictate the pace, eventually stretching the margin to 20-10 as victory came into sight.

     

    To its credit, Kyrgyzstan showed more resistance late in the third set and managed to surpass the 15-point mark for the first time in the match. However, the comeback attempt never seriously threatened the Filipinas.

     

    A Kyrgyzstan error brought Alas to match point before Loresco delivered the final blow, hammering down the match-winning spike to complete the straight-sets triumph.

     

    Gagate led the balanced offensive effort with 11 points built on eight attacks, two blocks, and one ace. Gonzaga added 10 points, while team captain Alyssa Valdez chipped in nine.

     

    Ytang and Loresco combined for 10 points, but their impact extended far beyond the scoresheet. Both young middle blockers anchored the defensive effort with timely blocks and strong floor coverage that repeatedly disrupted Kyrgyzstan’s attack.

     

    Meanwhile, Alyssa Solomon, who erupted for 23 points against Australia, was limited to three points as Alas spread the offense among multiple scorers.

     

    For Kyrgyzstan, Aiturgan Aitbekova finished as the team’s top scorer with four points.

     

    The biggest difference, however, came in attack production. The Philippines dominated the category, 48-12, showcasing the offensive firepower that fueled one of its most convincing victories of the tournament.

     

    With the bounce-back win, Alas Pilipinas regained momentum and strengthened its position in Pool A as it continues its campaign in the AVC Women’s Nations Cup.

     

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  • “This public declaration is premature,” says Tony Boy Liao after PNVF board withdraws support 

    “This public declaration is premature,” says Tony Boy Liao after PNVF board withdraws support 

    With pressure mounting from both within and outside Philippine volleyball, embattled Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Anthony “Tony Boy” Liao is refusing to step aside without a fight.

     

    Days after a majority of the federation’s executive board publicly withdrew support for his leadership, Liao issued a firm response Monday, arguing that the ongoing controversy surrounding the PNVF remains far from settled and should undergo proper review before any conclusions are reached.

     

    Rather than treating the latest statement from federation officials as a final verdict, Liao framed it as a development occurring in the middle of a process that is still unfolding. The federation is currently preparing formal submissions and appeals to international volleyball authorities following the suspension imposed by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) late last month.

     

    “We take serious exception to the public statement issued by several members of the PNVF Board withdrawing support from President Anthony ‘Tonyboy’ Liao,” the statement read.

     

    “At a time when the Philippine National Volleyball Federation is preparing to pursue the proper appeal process and submit its formal response to the appropriate international bodies, this public declaration is premature, damaging, and risks prejudicing proceedings that have yet to be fully heard, reviewed, and decided.”

     

    The latest dispute comes amid one of the most turbulent periods in Philippine volleyball governance in recent memory.

     

    Liao assumed the PNVF presidency on January 1, 2026, after winning the federation’s elections in November last year. Less than six months into his term, however, the administration found itself at the center of a growing controversy that eventually led to the FIVB suspending the federation on May 29.

     

    The fallout was immediate. The Philippine Sports Commission announced the withdrawal of financial support for the federation, while the Asian Volleyball Confederation publicly reiterated its backing of AVC president Tats Suzara. Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol Tolentino also signaled that the POC would respect the FIVB’s ruling during its next general assembly meeting.

     

    The pressure intensified further on June 6 when several top federation officials, including chairman Arnel Hajan, vice president Yul Benosa, secretary-general Otie Camangian, auditor Roger Banzuela, and multiple board members, announced that they had lost trust and confidence in Liao’s leadership.

     

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    For Liao, however, the public withdrawal of support does not automatically settle the matter.

     

    “Most concerning is that the statement itself admits that the merits of the allegations remain subject to investigation and proper determination,” the statement said.

     

    “Despite this admission, its signatories chose to publicly pre-judge the matter, undermine the federation’s appeal, and create the impression that a conclusion has already been reached before the full facts, records, and circumstances have been examined.”

     

    The federation’s response also sought to provide context behind several of the issues currently being scrutinized.

     

    According to Liao’s camp, the current administration inherited multiple operational, financial, contractual, governance, and administrative concerns when it took over leadership at the start of the year. The statement argued that many of those issues were inherited from the previous administration and were compounded by what it described as the absence of a comprehensive transition process.

     

    The PNVF likewise defended its handling of national team matters, particularly decisions involving player selection and roster composition.

     

    “National team coaches must be afforded the independence to evaluate talent and make decisions based on performance, preparation, and the best interests of the national team, free from political pressure, commercial considerations, external influence, or demands from any individual stakeholder group,” the statement added.

     

    Liao also addressed another issue that has surfaced amid the controversy, clarifying that he does not serve as chairman of the Premier Volleyball League despite claims and discussions linking him to the professional league.

     

    While acknowledging the board members’ decision to withdraw support, the federation stressed that such a move does not constitute a formal removal from office. Liao maintained that his mandate came through a democratic election process recognized by the FIVB, PSC, POC, and the broader volleyball community.

     

    “Therefore, while we respect the public statement, this does not qualify as a legal and proper reversal of that election,” the statement said.

     

    “A change of the administration and President of PNVF must be done through the proper process and not left to the whimsies and passions of its officers and members.”

     

    For now, Liao insists he will remain in office while the federation pursues its appeals and responds to the allegations raised against his administration.

     

    With Philippine volleyball facing uncertainty at both the domestic and international levels, the battle for control of the PNVF appears far from over.

     

    “Accountability must proceed,” the statement concluded.

     

    “But it must proceed properly.”

     

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  • Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons take another step forward with AVC Beach Tour Silver finish 

    Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons take another step forward with AVC Beach Tour Silver finish 

    he result may not have ended with a gold medal, but it offered another encouraging sign that their partnership is heading in the right direction.

     

    The Alas Pilipinas beach volleyball tandem continued its steady rise on the Asian circuit after securing a runner-up finish in the AVC Beach Tour Pingtung Open, marking the best AVC tournament result of their careers together.

     

    Facing Australian Olympian Taliqua Clancy and partner Stefie Fejes in the championship match on Sunday in Chinese Taipei, Rondina and Pons showed flashes of the form that has made them one of Southeast Asia’s top beach volleyball pairs. However, the experience and firepower of the Australians eventually prevailed in a 21-19, 21-12 victory.

     

    Despite the defeat, the silver medal represented a significant achievement for the Filipino duo, who have spent much of 2026 focusing on international competition in preparation for the Asian Games later this year.

     

    The tournament showcased the growth of the pair beyond their dominance in the Southeast Asian region.

     

    Before reaching the final, Rondina and Pons survived a pair of demanding knockout matches that highlighted both their resilience and chemistry.

     

    They first outlasted Australians Jasmine Fleming and Elizabeth Achin in a marathon quarterfinal battle, escaping with a hard-earned 21-18, 33-31 victory. The win tested their composure and endurance, with the second set turning into one of the most fiercely contested stretches of their campaign.

     

    The following day, the Filipinas renewed a familiar rivalry against Thailand’s Kongphopsarutawadee Worapeerachayakorn and Taravadee Naraphornrapat.

     

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    The matchup carried memories of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games gold-medal match, where Rondina and Pons delivered a historic championship for the Philippines. Once again, the Thai pair struggled to solve the Filipinas, who completed a 21-17, 26-24 semifinal triumph to book a spot in the gold-medal showdown.

     

    Although Clancy and Fejes ultimately denied them the title, Rondina and Pons left Chinese Taipei with valuable momentum.

     

    Their silver-medal finish comes at a crucial stage of their preparation as the pair continues to prioritize international competition ahead of the Asian Games in Japan this September. The duo has temporarily stepped away from PVL action to focus entirely on beach volleyball, a commitment that has already begun producing encouraging results.

     

    From their SEA Games breakthrough to their recent appearances on the Beach Pro Tour and now their strongest AVC finish to date, Rondina and Pons continue to build a resume that suggests they are capable of competing with some of Asia’s best.

     

    The gold medal may have slipped away in Pingtung, but the bigger picture remains promising. For SiPons, the journey toward the Asian Games appears to be gaining momentum at exactly the right time.

     

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  • Niña Ytang is making the most of her Alas Pilipinas opportunity 

    Niña Ytang is making the most of her Alas Pilipinas opportunity 

    For Niña Ytang, the mission has been slightly different.

     

    The former University of the Philippines standout arrived at Alas Pilipinas not focused on individual numbers or instant recognition, but on learning everything she can from the veterans around her.

     

    That mindset has not stopped her from becoming one of the early bright spots for the national team in the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup.

     

    While the spotlight has largely been on the established names guiding the program, Ytang has quietly carved out an important role for herself, providing energy, size, and consistency in the middle as the Philippines navigates a tournament with a relatively new-look roster.

     

    Her introduction to international volleyball could hardly have gone better.

     

    In her first match wearing national colors, Ytang delivered 12 points built on eight attacks and four kill blocks as Alas Pilipinas swept Uzbekistan in straight sets. She followed that performance with another double-digit outing against Australia, producing 13 points highlighted by nine attacks, three service aces, and a block.

     

    The statistics tell only part of the story.

     

    Throughout the opening matches, Ytang offered stability whenever the Philippines needed a spark at the net. Whether through timely blocks, quick attacks, or simply maintaining her composure in extended rallies, the 24-year-old middle blocker showed why the coaching staff trusted her with a spot on the roster.

     

    Yet despite the strong start, Ytang remains focused on growth rather than results.

     

    “I would say marami po akong natutunan, lalo na sa sarili ko,” said the Bantayan, Cebu native.

     

    “Of course, laging andiyan ‘yung mga ates and coaches na laging nag-ga-guide. Sa ngayon, more on lessons lang talaga ‘yung focus ko ngayon.”

     

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    Her commitment to the national team was evident even before the tournament began.

     

    Ytang chose to forgo the 2026 PVL Draft to prioritize her Alas Pilipinas campaign, betting that the experience of competing internationally would be more valuable at this stage of her development.

     

    So far, that decision has paid off.

     

    Beyond her personal performances, Ytang believes the team’s biggest challenge moving forward is not talent but cohesion. With several players still adjusting to one another, she sees communication and composure as the areas that will determine how far the Philippines can go in the competition.

     

    “I think it’s the composure and ‘yung connection sa isa’t isa po,” she said.

     

    “Laging communication, lalo na mahirap po na kakasama lang namin, so communication and composure sa loob ng court.”

     

    As Alas Pilipinas continues its campaign, Ytang’s emergence may be one of the tournament’s most encouraging developments. Not because she has become a leading scorer, but because she has embraced the role of a learner while already contributing like a veteran.

     

    For now, every point, every block, and every lesson appears to be moving her one step closer to becoming a long-term fixture in the national team setup.

     

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  • Alyssa Solomon drops 23 points, eyes improvement after Alas Pilipinas’ loss to Australia

    Alyssa Solomon drops 23 points, eyes improvement after Alas Pilipinas’ loss to Australia

    Alyssa Solomon’s long-awaited debut in the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup showcased both her scoring prowess and the challenges that still lie ahead for a developing Alas Pilipinas squad.


    Returning to the lineup after sitting out the Philippines’ opening victory over Uzbekistan, Solomon immediately made her presence felt on Sunday, delivering a game-high 23 points. 

     

    Despite her offensive explosion, the national team could not complete the job as Australia stormed back to claim a 22-25, 25-23, 25-18, 15-25, 11-15 victory in a grueling five-set match.

     

    Solomon provided the firepower that kept the Filipinas in control. She finished with 23 points from 22 attacks and one block, helping Alas build momentum and move within striking distance of a crucial win in front of the home crowd.

     

    Yet while the statistics reflected a productive return, Solomon was far from satisfied with her overall performance.

     

    “Actually, ‘di ako nakontento sa naging game ko kanina, lalo na ’yung fourth set ata. Parang ‘di na ako gano’n naka-contribute, so parang ‘yun talaga ‘yung gusto kong i-improve pa,” the former NU Lady Bulldogs standout said.

     

    The loss unfolded as a tale of shifting momentum. After securing the opening set and eventually moving ahead two sets to one, Alas Pilipinas appeared poised to notch another victory. Australia, however, responded with a dominant fourth set before completing the comeback in the deciding frame as the Filipinas struggled to maintain their energy in the closing stages.

     

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    Solomon was not alone in carrying the offensive load. Middle blocker Niña Ytang continued her impressive tournament form with 13 points, while team captain Alyssa Valdez contributed 11 markers, all coming from attacks. 

     

    While the defeat halted the team’s momentum, Solomon viewed the match as another important step in the national team’s growth.

     

    “Maraming learnings na nakuha sa game na to,” Solomon said on the loss to Australia.

     

    The 23-point performance was particularly encouraging considering Solomon joined the squad only days before the tournament. Despite the limited preparation time, she said adjusting to the national team environment was not difficult because of her familiarity with several teammates.

     

    “Actually, ‘di naman siya naging mahirap since kilala ko naman ‘yung iba, and Creamline naman, and naki-training din naman kami sa Creamline dati. Hindi siya gano’n kahirap,” said Solomon.

     

    As one of the newest additions to the current Alas setup, Solomon believes the team still has significant room for improvement as chemistry continues to develop.

     

    “Magi-improve pa rin naman kami, since ilang weeks pa lang kami magkasama. Gagawin din namin to as (a way for) team (bonding),” the former Osaka import said.

     

    Rather than dwelling on the disappointment of letting a five-set match slip away, Solomon and the rest of Alas Pilipinas are turning their attention to the lessons gained from the defeat.

     

    The schedule offers little time for reflection, with the Philippines returning to action against Kyrgyzstan on Monday.

     

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