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Category: Volleyball

  • Alas Pilipinas Women coach Shaq delos Santos embraces committed core amid AVC buildup 

    Alas Pilipinas Women coach Shaq delos Santos embraces committed core amid AVC buildup 

    For interim head coach Shaq delos Santos, the biggest victory for the current version of Alas Pilipinas Women may have already happened long before the team steps onto the floor in Ilocos Sur.

     

    With less than two weeks left before the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup, the national team continues to navigate roster adjustments, late call-ups, and unavailable players. But amid the uncertainty surrounding the buildup, Delos Santos has found reassurance in one thing: the players who stayed.

     

    “ We invited lots of players and some of them had the personal decisions [to beg off], but we’re still so happy and lucky,” Delos Santos said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday.

     

    “We have these players who are committed to representing our country.”

     

    Instead of dwelling on the names no longer available for the tournament, Delos Santos has shifted the team’s identity toward willingness, sacrifice, and collective purpose.

     

    The coach pointed to the presence of veterans and rising stars like Alyssa Valdez, Niña Ytang, Ces Molina, and Jovelyn Gonzaga as proof that the national team still carries both experience and hunger despite the changes around the roster.

     

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    For Delos Santos, chemistry and commitment now matter just as much as talent.

     

    “We’re focused on the idea that this team built and the players included will do their roles in not just working together but also in fighting for the Philippines.”

     

    The current Alas pool features a blend of decorated veterans, PVL standouts, and younger collegiate stars, many of whom are getting their first extended exposure to the senior national team environment.

     

    And while preparations may not have unfolded as smoothly as originally planned, the coaching staff believes the shared willingness to represent the country could become this team’s defining strength entering the regional tournament.

     

    The 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup begins on June 6 at the Candon City Arena, where Alas Pilipinas hopes to quickly come together despite the limited preparation time.

     

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  • Choco Mucho raids Cignal core anew with Dawn Macandili-Catindig signing 

    Choco Mucho raids Cignal core anew with Dawn Macandili-Catindig signing 

    Choco Mucho’s offseason makeover is quickly turning into one of the biggest stories of the PVL calendar — and the Flying Titans aren’t done reshaping their identity just yet.

     

    After watching the league landscape shift dramatically following Cignal’s leave of absence, Choco Mucho moved aggressively once more by securing veteran libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig and scorer Jewel Encarnacion, adding two more proven names from the former Super Spikers core.

     

    The acquisitions not only strengthen the Flying Titans’ roster on paper, but also signal the franchise’s clear intent to build a deeper, more battle-tested squad capable of surviving the grind of a long PVL season.

     

    For Choco Mucho, the arrival of Macandili-Catindig could prove especially massive.

     

    Long regarded as one of Philippine volleyball’s premier defensive anchors, the former national team standout brings years of leadership, stability, and championship experience into a team already loaded with firepower. Her addition alongside four-time Best Libero Thang Ponce instantly gives the Flying Titans what could become one of the league’s deepest defensive rotations — a crucial boost for a team that has repeatedly fallen just short in title hunts.

     

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    Meanwhile, Encarnacion adds another offensive option to a Choco Mucho side looking to lessen the scoring burden on its established stars. Known for her length and attacking versatility, the former Cignal winger gives the Flying Titans another reliable weapon on the wings as the franchise continues searching for the elusive breakthrough championship.

     

    The latest moves also further highlight how rapidly the PVL balance of power is changing after Cignal’s temporary exit from the league.

     

    What was once one of the PVL’s most stable cores has now been scattered across multiple contenders, with nearly every major franchise capitalizing on the sudden availability of experienced talent.

     

    Gandler and Erika Santos previously joined Capital1, Gel Cayuna and Jackie Acuña moved to Nxled, Erin Pangilinan landed at Creamline, while Tin Tiamzon transferred to Akari.

     

    Now, Choco Mucho has added its own major haul — and in doing so, may have quietly addressed two of its biggest needs in a single swoop.

     

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  • Nina Ytang embraces lifelong dream with Alas Pilipinas call-up  

    Nina Ytang embraces lifelong dream with Alas Pilipinas call-up  

    Long before she became one of the most dominant middle blockers in the UAAP, representing the Philippines was already part of Nina Ytang’s vision for herself.

     

    Not because of the spotlight that comes with wearing the national colors, but because of what she believes it stands for.

     

    Now officially part of the Alas Pilipinas pool for the 2026 AVC Women’s Nations Cup, the former University of the Philippines standout is finally stepping into a role she once only imagined — carrying not just her own dreams, but the responsibility that comes with playing for the country.

     

    For Ytang, the call-up feels deeply personal.

     

    “Grateful ako sa magiging experience, sa opportunity na ibinigay sa amin,” Ytang shared during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday.

     

    The four-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker has spent years building a reputation as one of collegiate volleyball’s most reliable frontliners, but she believes her time at UP shaped her perspective beyond individual success.

     

    Inside the Fighting Maroons program, Ytang said athletes were constantly reminded that representing something bigger than themselves always mattered most.

     

    “Coming from the University of the Philippines, it focuses talaga on serving the Philippines,” she said. “So I think it’s also part of our need to serve the Philippines and represent the country sa upcoming AVC.”

     

    That mindset now follows her into a national team loaded with experience.

     

    Ytang joins a veteran-heavy Alas Pilipinas pool bannered by established names such as Alyssa Valdez, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Ces Molina, Ara Galang, and Tots Carlos — players she once watched from afar and now trains beside every day.

     

    Rather than feeling overwhelmed, the 22-year-old middle blocker sees the environment as another opportunity to grow. 

     

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    “Bilang bago pa lang sa team na ‘to, ngayon po focus lang ako din po sa learnings na makukuha ko from my ates,” she shared.

     

    Even with the excitement surrounding her inclusion, Ytang knows the challenge ahead extends far beyond simply making the roster.

     

    The AVC Women’s Nations Cup will pit the Philippines against some of Asia’s toughest volleyball programs, placing heavy expectations on a team currently blending veterans with emerging young talent.

     

    For her part, Ytang insists the focus inside camp remains simple: work.

     

    “I think magtrabaho lang po kami nang maayos,” Ytang said. “Ibibigay naman po namin yung best po namin every day. Every single training pa lang po.”

     

    The national team stint also comes during a major transition period in Ytang’s career as she prepares to enter the upcoming PVL Rookie Draft, where she is widely expected to become one of the top selections.

     

    But before the professional stage fully arrives, Ytang is savoring what she considers the fulfillment of a lifelong goal.

     

    “It has always been my dream to represent the country,” she said. “Kaya sobrang thankful po ako na mabigyan ng opportunity na maging parte ng national team.”

     

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  • Smaller pool, bigger names: PVL Draft class still loaded with star power 

    Smaller pool, bigger names: PVL Draft class still loaded with star power 

    The 2026 PVL Rookie Draft may be the smallest in the league’s young history, but it hardly feels lacking in intrigue.

     

    Only 41 players made the final draft list released ahead of the June 3 selection day, a noticeable drop from previous years. But while the numbers dipped, the quality at the top of the class remained impossible to ignore.

     

    At the center of it all stands Alyssa Solomon — the towering National University opposite spiker widely expected to become the top overall pick after finally deciding to bring her game home following a season in Japan’s SV.League with Osaka Marvelous.

     

    Solomon’s arrival instantly gives this year’s draft its marquee attraction. The 6-foot-1 hitter spent the past year sharpening her game overseas, helping Osaka Marvelous reach the finals while producing 147 points across 30 matches against elite international competition.

     

    And yet, even beyond Solomon, this year’s class offers plenty of proven winners, decorated collegiate stars, and intriguing long-term prospects.

     

    National University continues to leave a massive imprint on the local volleyball landscape, with two-time UAAP Best Setter Lams Lamina also entering the draft after helping sustain the Lady Bulldogs’ dynasty run in recent years.

     

    University of the Philippines star Nina Ytang likewise headlines the frontcourt talent pool after carving out a historic collegiate career as the first four-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker. Her dominance at the net made her one of the most feared middle blockers of her generation and now positions her as one of the most coveted names available.

     

    Defense, meanwhile, gets its own headline act through UST libero Detdet Pepito, whose floor coverage and consistency made her one of the most reliable back-row anchors in the collegiate ranks.

     

    Several established scorers are also making the leap to the pros.

     

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    Former UST standouts Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula headline the wing spiker group together with UP’s Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Heart Magsombol, and Jum Gayo. Far Eastern University sends Tin Ubaldo, Ann Asis, and Florize Papa into the draft, while La Salle adds Ela Raagas, Michelle Beterina, and Sophia Sindayen to the mix.

     

    The talent pool stretches beyond the UAAP as well.

     

    Letran’s Lara Mae Silva, Natalie Estreller, and Julienne Castro banner the NCAA hopefuls alongside San Sebastian’s Katherine Santos, Christina Marasigan, and Kristine Dionisio. Other collegiate programs such as JRU, Lyceum, Mapua, San Beda, and Perpetual also have representatives hoping to earn professional opportunities.

     

    One of the more intriguing names in the draft is Fil-foreign hitter Jade Fuentes, who previously suited up for La Salle before continuing her career with Cal State Dominguez Hills in the United States. Fuentes recently expressed excitement about returning to Philippine volleyball and embracing what she called the country’s unmatched competitive atmosphere.

     

    Provincial standouts Kirsty Destajo of UNC-Sorsogon and Angel Galinato of the University of San Carlos also cracked the final list, further highlighting the expanding reach of the PVL talent search beyond Metro Manila’s traditional power schools.

     

    Now, despite having fewer applicants than previous years, the draft still feels capable of reshaping several franchises.

     

    Because while the class may be smaller, the names attached to it carry expectations of becoming the league’s next wave of stars.

     

     

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  • Jade Fuentes returns to PH chasing second shot through PVL Draft 

    Jade Fuentes returns to PH chasing second shot through PVL Draft 

    For Jade Fuentes, the 2026 PVL Draft is more than just a professional opportunity.

     

    It’s a return to the place where a once-promising Philippine volleyball journey was unexpectedly put on pause.

     

    Years after quietly leaving the country during the pandemic, the Filipino-American outside hitter is back — this time hoping to finally write the chapter she once never got to finish.

     

    Before building her game in the United States with California State University Dominguez Hills in NCAA Division II play, Fuentes was already familiar with the local volleyball scene. She previously suited up for the powerhouse De La Salle University Lady Spikers program from 2020 to 2022, serving as a reserve during UAAP Season 84 and later seeing action in the Shakey’s Super League.

     

    But just as her Philippine volleyball journey was beginning to take shape, COVID changed everything.

     

    “When I first played in the Philippines, it was for DLSU for 2020 to 2022. So I was a reserve for [UAAP] Season 84 and then I played in the Shakey’s [Super] League. And because of COVID, I wanted to go home and be with my family,” Fuentes explained during a pre-draft gathering for aspirants under Hustle & Groove management.

     

    “But I always knew that I would come back for the draft because I loved the environment here in the Philippines. And so I trained and played at Cal State Dominguez Hills and that was CCAA Division II. And I’m just super excited to be back here.”

     

    Now, Fuentes returns to the Philippines carrying not only improved skills from her years overseas, but also a stronger sense of purpose.

     

    The 2026 PVL Draft represents a full-circle opportunity for the Fil-Am hitter, whose family traces its roots to Antipolo City. After completing her degree in psychology as a Summa Cum Laude graduate in the United States, Fuentes decided it was finally time to pursue the professional dream she once postponed.

     

    And beyond the volleyball itself, it was the culture surrounding the sport in the Philippines that kept pulling her back.

     

    “I’m super excited to be in the competitive spirit that the Philippines has. And the amazing fans and the environment,” she shared.

     

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    Her return also comes with a sense of familiarity. Several of her former teammates have already become established names in Philippine volleyball, and reconnecting with them has only strengthened the feeling that she’s exactly where she’s supposed to be.

     

    “A hundred percent [it’s a full circle moment]. It’s especially been super nice seeing all my old teammates like ate Thea [Gagate], ate Fifi [Sharma], Sophia [Sindayen], who’s also going to be doing the draft with me,” Fuentes said.

     

    “It’s just been super nice being able to have a full circle moment where I’m able to see all my old teammates and just hang out with them and be able to play volleyball with them again.”

     

    Still, despite the excitement surrounding her return, Fuentes remains grounded entering a draft class loaded with high-profile talent and experienced collegiate stars.

     

    Rather than making bold promises, the former DLSU reserve simply wants teams to see the intangibles she believes separate her from the rest of the field.

     

    “I want to show that I’m a fierce competitor and that I have leadership skills that I can bring on to whatever team that I go on. And I also just want to make an impact and help better my team in whatever way possible,” Fuentes said.

     

    This time around, though, Fuentes isn’t arriving in Philippine volleyball as someone trying to find her footing.

     

    She’s returning as someone determined to finish what she started.

     

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  • Detdet Pepito aims to carry the UST mindset into the Premier Volleyball League as she enters the Rookie Draft

    Detdet Pepito aims to carry the UST mindset into the Premier Volleyball League as she enters the Rookie Draft

    For Detdet Pepito, the move to the pros is not about changing who she is, it’s about carrying everything she learned and lived through at the collegiate level into a bigger stage.


    As she officially enters the 2026 Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft on June 3, the former captain and libero of the UST Golden Tigresses is anchoring her mindset on UST’s mentality.

     

    That identity was built in España — on grit, resilience, and the trademark “puso” culture that defined UST volleyball through years of battles in the UAAP.

     

    “I think ano talaga, small but terrible.”

     

    “Hindi lang naman talaga kami gifted sa height, pero maaasahan mo kami pagdating sa laro, syempre. Talaga ang UST pag naglalaro, puso talaga,” the two-time UAAP Best Libero said.

     

    Now, she hopes that same identity can translate to the professional level. Pepito enters the draft after completing five years with the Golden Tigresses, closing a collegiate chapter where she served as both leader and defensive anchor. But instead of viewing the transition as leaving UST behind, she sees it as extending its legacy.

     

    “Siyempre happy and proud kasi nga tatlo kaming from UST and sana lang mapakita namin kung ano yung mga learnings na nakuha namin from UST,” she said.

     

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    Alongside teammates Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula, Pepito now steps into a new environment where systems are faster, opponents are stronger, and expectations are higher, but she believes the foundation she built in UST will still hold.

     

    Even as she prepares for the adjustment, she remains grounded in the same mindset that carried her through collegiate pressure moments.

     

    “Of course hindi ko masyado pini-pressure talaga yung sarili ko. Siyempre, once in a lifetime lang naman ito, so hanggat maaari gusto kong enjoyin,” she said.

     

    Still, enjoyment does not mean losing edge. For Pepito, competitiveness remains non-negotiable — only now, it comes with a sense of pride in representing where she came from.

     

    “Pero siyempre yung pagiging competitive, nandun pa rin. Siyempre pride din ang UST yung dala namin.”

     

    As she prepares for the next step in her career, Pepito is not leaving her identity behind — she is bringing it with her, hoping the same “puso” that defined her years in green and gold will also define her future in the professional game.

     

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  • “This is our new era”: Mandy Romero optimistic after Capital1 lands No. 2 pick in PVL Rookie Draft

    “This is our new era”: Mandy Romero optimistic after Capital1 lands No. 2 pick in PVL Rookie Draft

    The Capital1 Solar Spikers have positioned themselves for another significant roster upgrade ahead of the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season after securing the second overall pick in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft during the lottery held on Monday, May 25, at the TV5 Media Center.

     

    Despite entering the lottery with the highest probability of landing the top selection at 40 percent, the Solar Spikers ultimately fell just short as the Galeries Tower Highrisers claimed the first overall pick. Still, Capital1 remains firmly in an advantageous position heading into the draft, holding a high-value selection that could further accelerate the franchise’s rapid rise in the PVL.

     

    The result, however, did little to dampen the optimism within the Capital1 camp, as co-owner Mandy Romero expressed confidence that the organization is steadily entering what she described as a “new era” for the franchise.

     

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    Romero pointed to the team’s aggressive off-season moves as evidence of its evolving identity, highlighted by the addition of PVL star power in former Most Valuable Player winners Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, who are set to join emerging cornerstone Bella Belen in a rapidly reshaped roster.

     

    “We are very, very happy. I think it’s really meant to be that we are entering this new year of Capital1, and we really hope that everyone joins us in all of our ride. We have had a lot of changes in the off-season, and hopefully, this next draft will bring together all the passion, the grit, and the fire that we need to be a champion contender. That’s our dream,” Romero said.

     

    Even with the No. 2 pick, Capital1 is widely expected to target another impact player capable of immediately contributing to a roster that is increasingly being built for championship contention. While Romero did not disclose specific names, she emphasized that the franchise is prioritizing a player who can provide both leadership and offensive firepower.

    “We are looking for someone who will play in the court, they are ready to be part of this team, they are ready and very determined to achieve our new heights together. On behalf of my sister and I, we are praying that we enter this 2026 as a completely ‘new era,’” she added.

     

    Capital1’s trajectory has been one of the most closely watched developments in recent PVL seasons. The franchise previously held the first overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, selecting Belen, who was widely regarded as one of the most promising talents in Philippine volleyball history. The former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standout quickly validated that reputation, delivering a standout rookie campaign capped by Rookie of the Year honors and a Best Outside Spiker award.

     

    With Belen continuing to anchor the team’s core and the arrivals of Gandler and Santos significantly strengthening the supporting cast, Capital1 is beginning to form a more balanced and competitive lineup. The added depth is expected to reduce pressure on Belen while giving the Solar Spikers multiple scoring options as they aim to transition from rebuilding side to legitimate title contender.

     

    Romero emphasized that beyond talent acquisition, the organization’s growth has also been driven by culture-building and continuity within the locker room. She noted that the team’s young core has embraced the franchise’s long-term vision and is committed to developing together as a cohesive unit.

     

    “It’s all a matter of, again, prayers, chance, but at the same time having the culture that we are building here at Capital1. I’m very proud, my sister is very proud to say that the players we have feel like they are part of the team here, feeling like we are building a franchise together, and they are excited to be part of the still the youngest team here in the PVL. We hope to sustain that and that we will continue to again reach this new chapter together,” Romero concluded.

     

    With the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, at the Novotel Manila Araneta City, Capital1 now enters the event with high expectations and a clear direction—armed with a strong young core, veteran reinforcements, and another opportunity to secure a player who could shape the next phase of the franchise’s rise in the PVL.

     

     

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  • Galeries’ Jean Asis calls Alyssa Solomon a “generational talent” ahead of 2026 PVL Rookie Draft 

    Galeries’ Jean Asis calls Alyssa Solomon a “generational talent” ahead of 2026 PVL Rookie Draft 

    The Galeries Tower Highrisers have positioned themselves for a major roster boost ahead of the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season after securing the first overall pick in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft during the lottery held on Monday, May 25, at the TV5 Media Center.

     

    With the top selection in hand, the Highrisers now hold the rights to one of the most highly anticipated prospects in recent Philippine volleyball history, with former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) star and current Alas Pilipinas standout Alyssa Solomon widely projected as the frontrunner to be taken first overall. Solomon’s stock has risen significantly following her standout performances both for the national team and for Japan’s Osaka Marvelous in the SV.League, where she has continued to develop her game against elite international competition.

     

    Her combination of power, athleticism, and composure has made her a focal point of early draft discussions, with many viewing her as a potential franchise cornerstone for Galeries as they continue to rebuild and strengthen their PVL program.

     

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    Adding to the intrigue, second overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, Jean Asis, expressed excitement about the possibility of teaming up with Solomon should the Highrisers ultimately use their top selection on the star outside hitter. Asis, who has quickly become one of the key young pieces of the franchise, described Solomon as a “generational talent” and recalled her brief experience training alongside her.

    “When Solomon trained with us before, she was really easy to play with on the court. You can feel that she is someone you can rely on during games and competitions. Honestly, I’m excited no matter who becomes my teammate as long as that player can really help the team. That’s what I’m looking forward to the most,” Asis said in a media interaction.

     

    Despite the excitement surrounding a potential high-profile addition, Asis emphasized that the Highrisers remain focused on continuity and identity as the foundation of their growth. With Galeries undergoing a significant roster overhaul ahead of the 2026 campaign—retaining only four players in Asis, Julia Coronel, Roselle Baliton, and Winnie Bedana—the team is still in the process of solidifying its long-term core.

     

    The Highrisers showed signs of progress in the previous PVL All-Filipino Conference, where they reached the second stage of the Play-In, and the young core believes that experience will serve as a stepping stone moving forward.

     

    “Whoever the coaches choose, as long as that person is willing to help the team improve and grow stronger, I will be happy with it. I think we just want to maintain the culture that we already have within the team. There may just be additions to the roster, but overall we want to keep the same environment and identity we have been building in Galeries. I think whoever the new player is, they will eventually adapt to the culture we are trying to build,” Asis added.

     

    As the franchise prepares for a pivotal offseason, expectations are now centered on how the top pick will shape the next phase of the Highrisers’ development, with fans eagerly awaiting whether Solomon—or another emerging talent—will be the centerpiece of their long-term project.

     

     

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  • Senior core stays intact as FEU Lady Tamaraws opts for one final redemption run in Season 89

    Senior core stays intact as FEU Lady Tamaraws opts for one final redemption run in Season 89

    After weeks of uncertainty surrounding their futures, the senior core of the FEU Lady Tamaraws has made a unified decision and that is to stay one more year in Morayta.


    Instead of moving on to the professional ranks or joining a star-studded PVL rookie class, Gerz Petallo, Jaz Ellarina, Aly Devosora, Marga Encarnacion, and Mitzi Panangi have all committed to one final UAAP campaign, giving FEU a rare continuity boost heading into Season 89.

     

    The collective decision comes in the aftermath of a frustrating Season 88 run, where the Lady Tamaraws fell short of a third straight Final Four appearance amid stretches of inconsistency. For the seniors, the unfinished climb proved too significant to walk away from just yet.

     

    Petallo was the first to confirm her return after openly considering whether her collegiate career had reached its end following FEU’s near-miss postseason push. The veteran outside hitter admitted the decision required time and reflection, especially with professional volleyball opportunities within reach.

     

    “Tagal ko po talaga inisip at napagdesisyunan to. But ang masasagot ko lang po is my heart is still [with] green and gold. I’m not yet fulfilled,” Petallo said. 

     

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    FEU’s struggles last season weighed heavily on the senior group, particularly the team’s inability to sustain momentum throughout the campaign.

     

    “Masakit po siya para sa akin, yung season po na ‘to na mababa po kami sa ranking. Lalo na hindi nakapasok sa Final Four,” she said.

     

    Still, Petallo emphasized that the experience served as a turning point rather than an ending.

     

    “But yung silver lining po nito, madami po kaming natutunan sa season na ‘to,” she added.

     

    One of the clearest issues identified was FEU’s inconsistency from game to game — a flaw the seniors are determined to correct in their final run.

     

    “Nakita namin na inconsistent po yung laruan. Biglang baba, taas, baba, taas. Yan po yung pag-aaralan namin kung paano namin may iiwasan next season. Paano maging resilient and maging consistent pa,” the senior player of FEU Lady Tamaraws said. 

     

    Petallo will not be leading the charge alone. Ellarina, Devosora, Encarnacion, and Panangi have also confirmed their return, reinforcing FEU’s veteran presence across multiple positions. For Ellarina, the decision was also tied to leadership and unfinished personal growth within the program.

     

    “I’ll play one more year pa po. Di pa po ako ready iwanan FEU,” Ellarina said.

     

    The middle blocker added that she plans to take on a stronger leadership role while regaining her confidence on the court.

     

    “Siguro I’ll start with being a leader talaga, by setting good examples in and out the court para ma-inspire mga kasama ko na mas maging better each day, lalo na yung mga bata,” she said.

     

    “Mas gusto kong maging aggressive and composed at the same time at ibalik din yung confidence na nawala sakin last season.”

     

    With all seniors opting to stay, FEU enters Season 89 with something rare in modern collegiate volleyball, a fully intact veteran core.

     

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  • Ara Galang returns to national team spotlight with Alas Pilipinas call-up 

    Ara Galang returns to national team spotlight with Alas Pilipinas call-up 

    At a time when Alas Pilipinas Women is searching for stability amid major roster changes, one of Philippine volleyball’s most respected veterans is quietly stepping into the picture.

     

    Ara Galang, long regarded as one of the most recognizable faces in local volleyball, has officially joined the expanded Alas Pilipinas Women training pool ahead of the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup set for June 6 to 14 in Candon City.

     

    The development adds another experienced presence to a national team currently navigating transition following several withdrawals and unavailable players in the lead-up to the regional tournament.

     

    Interim head coach Shaq Delos Santos confirmed that Galang has already begun training with the squad.

     

    “Yes, nagte-training na po siya [Ara],” Delos Santos told said in an interview. 

     

    For Galang, the call-up represents another chapter in a career that has already seen nearly every stage Philippine volleyball has to offer.

     

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    Now 31 years old, the veteran winger enters the national team setup not just as another addition to the roster, but as a player capable of providing calm, maturity, and leadership to a younger and evolving Alas squad.

     

    Over the years, Galang has built a reputation as one of the sport’s most resilient figures, overcoming injuries and career setbacks while remaining a steady presence in both the collegiate and professional ranks. 

     

    Her experience in high-pressure matches and championship environments could become a valuable asset for a national team still trying to reshape its identity ahead of a busy international calendar.

     

    Her inclusion also reflects the growing urgency surrounding Alas Pilipinas Women preparations as the program works to rebuild depth following the absence of several key players from previous national team campaigns.

     

    While the spotlight has largely focused on younger stars and emerging names in recent months, Galang’s arrival gives the team something equally important — familiarity, composure, and veteran leadership at a crucial time.

     

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