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Category: Volleyball

  • Filipino volleyball stars shine as Sisi Rondina-Bernadeth Pons tandem and Bryan Bagunas earn AVC honors 

    Filipino volleyball stars shine as Sisi Rondina-Bernadeth Pons tandem and Bryan Bagunas earn AVC honors 

    Three Filipino volleyball stars made their presence felt on one of Asian volleyball’s biggest nights, as Sisi Rondina-Rosales, Bernadeth Pons, and Bryan Bagunas took home Fans’ Choice awards at the inaugural Asian Volleyball Confederation Gala in Bangkok, Thailand.

     

    The Philippine trio stood alongside some of the continent’s biggest names at the Seesarin Studio on Saturday, receiving recognition from fans for their impact on the sport.

     

    Rondina-Rosales and Pons were honored in beach volleyball, while Bagunas claimed the Fans’ Choice Men’s Volleyball Player award, giving the Philippines three major recognitions on the AVC’s first gala night.

     

    For Bagunas, the award served as another reminder of the growing recognition surrounding Philippine volleyball.

     

    “This recognition has driven us to excel more and see what else we can do more for our country,” said Bagunas, a nine-year national team member who captained Alas Pilipinas during its historic FIVB Men’s World Championship campaign in the Philippines last year.

     

    “We are incredibly happy and proud,” he added.

     

    The Osaka Bluteon star believes the recognition can also provide additional motivation heading into another major challenge for the national team.

     

    “This is a great boost to our next competition — the Asian Games. I believe we can win.”

     

    Rondina-Rosales, meanwhile, was among the Philippine beach volleyball representatives who received the fans’ nod after another year of making an impact on the international scene.

     

    “We are thrilled to be here along with Asia’s best,” said Rondina-Rosales, who attended the gala wearing a Filipiniana by Ryan Ablaza, the same designer behind her wedding gown.

     

    Pons shared the same sense of pride, particularly in being recognized alongside the best players from across the continent.

     

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    “Grateful for the opportunity, and it’s a great feeling when you’re with the best of the best of the sport you love,” Pons said.

     

    “Thankful to the AVC, FIVB and Sir Tats (Ramon Suzara) for organizing this kind of event and for the fans who recognized us.”

     

    The awards also highlighted how Philippine volleyball has continued to gain visibility beyond the country’s borders.

     

    With Filipino players now regularly competing on international stages, the recognition of Rondina-Rosales, Pons, and Bagunas reflects the growing connection between Philippine volleyball and fans across Asia.

     

    The gala itself marked a milestone for the AVC, bringing together athletes, officials, and representatives from all 65 member associations for an evening dedicated to celebrating the sport and its athletes.

     

    “This is a testament of how far we have come after 74 years of the AVC. I am incredibly grateful that we hosted our first-ever AVC Gala as we showed respect with one another despite the different cultures, different languages, but we are one family under the AVC banner,” Suzara said.

     

    FIVB president Fabio Azevedo also welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that the event would become a regular celebration of Asian volleyball.

     

    “It was fantastic as we were all here together and overjoyed. This is the first night, but I am quite sure this will become a tradition because it iş important to honor our athletes that inspire the next generation,” Azevedo said.

     

    “Great event by the AVC for the volleyball fans,” he added.

     

    The Philippines also had another representative in the spotlight, with Arabelle Dela Cruz of Sparkle GMA Artist Center earning praise for her performance during the event.

     

    But the biggest takeaway for Philippine volleyball was undoubtedly the trio of Rondina-Rosales, Pons, and Bagunas leaving Bangkok with fans’ honors — another sign that Filipino talent continues to command attention across Asia.

     

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  • Alas Girls keep knockout hopes alive with sweep of Tunisia in FIVB U17 Worlds 

    Alas Girls keep knockout hopes alive with sweep of Tunisia in FIVB U17 Worlds 

    Alas Pilipinas Girls are beginning to look more comfortable on the biggest stage.

     

    With Xyz Ellen Rayco rediscovering her attacking rhythm and Resty Jane Olaguir settling into her role as playmaker, the Philippines moved one step closer to the Round of 16 of the FIVB Volleyball Girls U17 World Championship after sweeping Tunisia, 27-25, 25-19, 25-16, on Saturday at Liceo Particular Mixto San Felipe.

     

    The victory improved Alas Pilipinas to 2-1 in Pool B, putting the Philippines in second place behind unbeaten China and keeping its knockout-stage hopes firmly in its hands.

     

    More importantly, the win showed how quickly the young Filipinas are building chemistry when the pressure rises.

     

    Rayco and Olaguir were among the key players who helped the Philippines earn its place in the world championship after their campaign in the Asian Women’s U16 Championship in Jordan last year.

     

    Against Tunisia, that familiarity once again became an advantage.

     

    With Olaguir providing the sets, Rayco found the confidence and openings to attack more freely, producing 13 points on 12 attacks and a block.

     

    “It feels different when she sets me the ball. It feels like I can really kill it,” Rayco said. “Of course, I’ll work hard to be able to play my best whoever I share the court with.”

     

    Rayco’s impact was especially evident in a tense opening set. The 16-year-old delivered two of the Philippines’ final three points to help Alas survive Tunisia and take the early lead.

     

    The performance also represented a personal bounce-back for Rayco, who admitted she had not been satisfied with her first two matches.

     

    “I’m happy because everyone contributed. I’m also happy with my game because I was able to show how I really play. I’m satisfied even though I made mistakes because I was able to bounce back and show who I am as a player,” Rayco said.

     

    “The past two days, I didn’t feel like I was playing the right way. I felt like I played poorly. My teammates said it was fine, but I wasn’t satisfied, so today I really wanted to bounce back. I’ll keep this going.”

     

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    Olaguir, meanwhile, adjusted on the fly after being unexpectedly called upon to help run the offense alongside Irish Mahinay.

     

    The Ateneo setter eventually found her rhythm and helped Alas Pilipinas establish the attacking flow that allowed Rayco and the rest of the hitters to flourish.

     

    “I’m happy I got in and contributed. I think I’m slowly getting back to the way I really play,” Olaguir said.

     

    “There are still a lot of things I need to work on. I hope this continues and that I don’t let my emotions get the better of me.”

     

    While Rayco and Olaguir provided the spark, Caera Celis once again delivered the most consistent scoring output.

     

    Celis led Alas Pilipinas for the third consecutive match, finishing with 15 points on 13 attacks and two blocks.

     

    Sharina Rhyza Lleses added 10 points, all through attacks, as the Philippines continued its impressive campaign against higher-ranked opposition.

     

    Ranked No. 25 in the world, Alas Pilipinas has already knocked off No. 8 Mexico and No. 20 Tunisia in consecutive matches, proving that the young Filipinas are capable of competing well beyond their ranking.

     

    The Philippines now gets a short break before returning to action Monday against world No. 6 Peru.

     

    Alas Pilipinas will then close out pool play Tuesday against No. 12 Venezuela.

     

    With a 2-1 record already in hand, the Filipinas are within touching distance of the knockout stage.

     

    And if their latest performance is any indication, the Philippines is entering the most important part of the tournament with its confidence — and chemistry — growing at exactly the right time.

     

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  • Alas Women turn first-leg frustration into historic SEA V Cup silver 

    Alas Women turn first-leg frustration into historic SEA V Cup silver 

    A week after watching their medal streak disappear, Alas Pilipinas Women found the response they were looking for.

     

    The Philippines closed the second leg of the 2026 SEA V Cup on a high note Sunday, surviving Indonesia in a marathon fourth set to win, 25-13, 23-25, 25-19, 33-31, and claim the country’s first silver medal in the regional tournament at Chiang Mai Stadium in Thailand.

     

    It was a dramatically different finish from the Philippines’ opening-leg campaign, where Alas went winless and suffered a four-set loss to Indonesia that ended their four-year run of bronze medals.

    This time, the Filipinas refused to let another opportunity slip away.

     

    Indonesia appeared ready to force a deciding fifth set after taking a 24-22 lead in the fourth, but Alas repeatedly found answers whenever the pressure reached its peak.

     

    Bella Belen delivered a crucial attack to keep the Philippines alive before Fifi Sharma’s block on Ersandrina Devega forced the set into deuce.

     

    The teams continued trading blows deep into the set, with Indonesia repeatedly reaching set point. But Alyssa Solomon, Eya Laure, Belen and Sharma kept responding, turning what could have been another painful collapse into one of the biggest wins of the tournament.

     

    With the score tied at 31-all, Solomon unloaded a powerful cross-court attack to keep Alas alive.

     

    Sharma then came up with another vital block against Devega before the Indonesian hitter sent her next attempt out of bounds, finally ending the marathon and securing the historic silver for the Philippines.

     

    The result also gave Alas a measure of revenge against the same Indonesia side that defeated them in the first leg, 20-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-16, on August 2.

     

    For first-time Alas head coach Taka Minowa, the turnaround was a sign of what his young program can become.

     

    “We were just saying that nothing to expect. So I just told everybody to focus on ourselves and not focus on the opponent’s side because what we can control is only on our side. And so, they did it,” said Alas Women head coach Taka Minowa, who guided the team in his first tournament at the helm.

     

    The Japanese coach also emphasized that the silver medal is only an early step for a team that has had limited time to work together.

     

     

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    “We just trained for 15 days and came to Vietnam and Thailand [legs]. For sure, we’re just starting the program, and we have a lot of opportunities, a lot of space to improve [after] this game,” he added.

     

    Solomon led the way when Alas needed its biggest performance, finishing with a game-high 19 points, all coming from attacks.

     

    Belen and Laure each added 17 points, with Belen also collecting 15 excellent digs while Laure contributed 14 attacks, three blocks and eight excellent digs.

     

    Dell Palomata added nine points, while Justine Jazareno and Dawn Catindig provided the defensive stability with 15 and 14 excellent digs, respectively.

     

    The Philippines’ response was evident from the opening set.

     

    After Indonesia took an early 11-10 lead, Alas suddenly found another gear, ripping off 12 consecutive points to seize a 22-11 advantage. Indonesia’s errors then helped the Filipinas close out the frame and establish early control.

     

    Indonesia responded in the second set, leveling the match, but Alas regained its footing in the third.

     

    A 9-all deadlock quickly turned into a 15-10 Philippine advantage, with Palomata making her presence felt at the net. The Filipinas maintained enough separation to move within one set of the silver medal.

     

    Then came the fourth-set thriller.

     

    Indonesia reached set point five times in the closing stages, but Alas kept refusing to fold. Each save brought the Philippines closer to a result that would have seemed unlikely after the first leg.

    Purnama finished with 19 points and nine excellent digs for Indonesia, while Yoku recorded 18 points and 17 excellent digs.

     

    For Alas, however, the night belonged to resilience.

     

    The Philippines did not simply beat Indonesia. It erased the memory of the first leg and showed the composure needed to survive when a historic medal was within reach.

     

    After settling for bronze in the previous four editions, Alas Women finally broke through for silver.

    And with Minowa’s program still in its early stages, the historic finish could be less of a destination and more of a starting point.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Women braces for another test against Vietnam in SEA V.Cup Leg 2 

    Alas Pilipinas Women braces for another test against Vietnam in SEA V.Cup Leg 2 

    Alas Pilipinas Women will have another opportunity to rewrite a familiar script when they face Vietnam in Leg 2 of the 2026 SEA V.Cup on Saturday in Chiang Mai, Thailand.


    The matchup offers more than just another chance to climb the standings. It gives the Filipinas an opportunity to end a seven-year drought against one of Southeast Asia’s volleyball powerhouses after falling short in their first meeting of the tournament.

     

    Vietnam defeated the Philippines in four sets, 29-27, 25-17, 20-25, 25-19, during the Leg 1 opener, showcasing its experience behind the leadership of star outside hitter Trần Thị Thanh Thúy.

     

    That result stretched the Philippines’ losing streak against Vietnam to 15 consecutive matches, with the Filipinas still searching for their first victory over their regional rivals since October 4, 2019, when a Jia De Guzman-led squad earned a straight-set win during the second leg of the tournament, then known as the ASEAN Grand Prix, in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

     

    Now, the responsibility of ending that skid falls on a younger generation led by Bella Belen.

     

    Belen was the Philippines’ brightest offensive weapon in the previous meeting after scoring 17 points, and the reigning collegiate star is expected to once again spearhead the attack alongside Leg 1 Best Opposite Spiker Alyssa Solomon and veteran setter and team captain De Guzman.

     

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    For newly appointed head coach Taka Minowa, the rematch also presents a chance to show how quickly the team has adjusted to his system.

     

    The Japanese mentor is looking for more offensive consistency after the Filipinas finished fourth in Leg 1 following three consecutive defeats. 

     

    Finding secondary scoring options and sustaining offensive rhythm will be among the team’s biggest priorities against a disciplined Vietnamese side.

     

    Vietnam, meanwhile, enters the contest with momentum after capturing last year’s Leg 2 title and remains one of the favorites to contend for another SEA V.Cup crown.

     

    Before taking on Vietnam, however, the Philippines must first navigate a stern challenge against host nation and reigning Leg 1 champion Thailand on Friday, making the second leg another demanding stretch for the national team.

     

    The 2026 SEA V.Cup women’s tournament follows the same two-leg format featuring the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, with Leg 2 being held from August 7 to 9 at the 700th Anniversary Sports Complex in Chiang Mai. 

     

    For the Philippines, the Thailand and Vietnam matches will also serve as key preparations ahead of future international competitions, including the Asian Games cycle, as Minowa continues to establish his system and evaluate combinations against the region’s strongest opponents. 

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Girls stumble against defending champion China in U17 World Championship debut

    Alas Pilipinas Girls stumble against defending champion China in U17 World Championship debut

    Alas Pilipinas Girls received a tough welcome in their first-ever match at the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship after defending champion China imposed its class in a straight-set victory on Friday in San Felipe, Chile.


    China opened its title defense with a commanding 25-18, 25-15, 25-13 victory in Pool B to improve to a 1-0 record, while the young Filipinas dropped their tournament opener.

     

    Despite facing one of the world’s strongest youth volleyball programs, the Philippines showed flashes of promise behind the offensive efforts of Caera Celis, who finished with a team-high 13 points built on 12 attacks and one ace.

     

    The Filipinas displayed their best stretch of volleyball midway through the second set wherein Celis delivered a kill before Jhaynna Bulandres fired an ace to give Alas an 8-7 lead, briefly putting the defending champions on the back foot. 

     

    China, however, quickly regained control and turned a close contest into a 21-15 advantage through its superior net defense and consistent attack.

     

    Alas refused to go away quietly as the Filipinas answered with five consecutive points, fueled by timely attacks from Celis and back-to-back service aces from Bulandres, but China responded immediately to close out the second frame and move within a set of victory.

     

    The reigning world champions left little doubt in the third set, racing to a 20-9 lead before completing the sweep to begin their campaign on a winning note.

     

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    Aside from Celis, Xyz Rayco contributed seven points, while Bulandres added five. Princess Khaira Manzano and Madele Gale chipped in four markers each for the Philippine side.

     

    China leaned on a balanced attack led by Chen Ruihan, who scored 12 points on 10 attacks and two blocks. Ren Sichen added 11 markers, while Zhao Yuhan and Zhang Yijia finished with nine points apiece.

     

    There is still plenty to play for in Pool B despite the opening setback. Under the tournament format, all six teams play a single round-robin, with the top four advancing, giving Alas Pilipinas opportunities to recover over its remaining preliminary matches.

     

    The young Filipinas will have little time to dwell on the loss as they return to action against Mexico on Saturday morning (Philippine time), looking to secure their first victory in the prestigious youth world championship. 

     

    Mexico joins the Philippines in a challenging Pool B that also features China, Peru, Venezuela, and Tunisia.

     

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  • Shaina Nitura eager to play if Alas Pilipinas calls again for Asian Games duty 

    Shaina Nitura eager to play if Alas Pilipinas calls again for Asian Games duty 

    For most athletes, an injury means waiting. For Shaina Nitura, it has only strengthened her desire to wear the Philippine colors once again.

     

    The reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player has been watching from the sidelines as Alas Pilipinas competes in the ongoing 6th SEA V.League, with a left foot injury preventing her from joining the national team’s campaign in both legs of the regional tournament.

     

    While the setback forced one of the country’s brightest young stars to temporarily pause her international journey, Nitura has already set her sights on the next opportunity that could come much sooner than expected.

     

    With the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya fast approaching, the Adamson standout remains hopeful that another call-up could be waiting once she is fully healthy.

     

    “Masaya siya and looking forward kung sakaling mapasama ako sa lineup. Great opportunity siya sa akin and andaming pwede kong makuha na experience and learning kasi one of the biggest stages na ‘yun na pwede mong ma-achieve as a player,” Nitura said.

     

    “Kung mabigyan ako ng opportunity to play there, ite-take advantage ko lahat ng opportunity na kaya kong kunin and learnings na pwede kong kunin para madala ko ulit for my team and myself.”

    Representing Alas Pilipinas has already become one of the defining experiences of Nitura’s young career—not only because of the competition, but because it placed her alongside players she once admired from afar.

     

    Long before becoming one of Philippine volleyball’s biggest stars herself, Nitura grew up watching many of the national team’s veterans. Sharing the same court with them became something she never imagined would happen so early in her career.

     

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    “It feels very special kasi ‘yung mga nakasama ko du’n, mga beterano na eh. Since bata ako, na hindi pa ako nag-start mag-volleyball, nakikita ko na sila maglaro. So who would have thought na, sa college career ko, makakasama ko silang mag-training, makakasama sa loob ng court to compete against other countries or other players,” she said.

     

    “Ano siya sa akin, overwhelming and very special. Lagi ko siyang tine-treasure kasi I never expected na gano’n din sila ka-humble.”

     

    Beyond sharing the jersey with some of the country’s most accomplished players, Nitura said the biggest reward has been learning directly from teammates who have already experienced the highs and lows of international volleyball.

     

    Rather than treating her as one of the younger members of the squad, the veterans welcomed her with guidance and constant encouragement, lessons she continues to carry even while recovering from injury.

     

    “Ang dami ko kasi talagang natutunan sa kanila. Through ups and downs, talagang gano’n pa rin sila, at ginagabayan nila ako. Alam na nila ‘yung sasabihin sa akin kasi na-experience nila. ‘Yun talaga ‘yung nagpapa-special para sa akin,” she said.

     

    For now, Nitura’s priority remains returning to full fitness, but her ambitions have not changed.

    If the opportunity comes to represent the Philippines in Japan, the UAAP MVP is ready to trade rehabilitation for competition once again and continue building her journey with Alas Pilipinas on one of the biggest stages in Asian sports.

     

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  • PVL postpones Santiago stop as Tropical Depression Maymay forces cancellation of On Tour matches

    PVL postpones Santiago stop as Tropical Depression Maymay forces cancellation of On Tour matches

    The Premier Volleyball League’s return to Santiago City will have to wait a little longer after Tropical Depression Maymay (Kujira) forced the cancellation of the league’s On Tour stop scheduled for Saturday at the Santiago Sports Arena.

     

    Instead of welcoming fans for another provincial showcase, the league prioritized safety as worsening weather conditions and travel disruptions made it impossible to proceed with the event.

     

    The cancelled doubleheader was supposed to feature ZUS Coffee against PLDT Home Fiber before Capital1 faced Creamline in the featured match.

     

    Aside from concerns over public safety, the league also had to contend with logistical challenges after flights bound for Isabela were suspended beginning Thursday because of the tropical depression.

     

    PVL President Ricky Palou acknowledged the disappointment among volleyball fans in Santiago City and nearby areas but stressed that protecting everyone involved remained the league’s foremost responsibility.

     

    “We sincerely apologize to our fans in Santiago City and the rest of Isabela who were looking forward to the matches,” said Palou.

     

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    “While we share everyone’s disappointment, the safety of our fans, players, coaches, officials, and staff must always come first. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and support during this time.”

     

    Although the cancellation halted this weekend’s schedule, Palou assured local supporters that the PVL remains committed to bringing the country’s premier professional volleyball league back to the province.

     

    “We made a promise to bring the PVL to Santiago City, and we intend to keep that promise.

     

    Although we were forced to cancel this weekend’s games because of circumstances beyond our control, we look forward to returning to Santiago during the upcoming PVL All-Filipino Conference,” he said.

     

    The league also confirmed that spectators who purchased tickets for the cancelled matches will receive refunds, with the complete refund guidelines to be released through Ticketmax’s official channels.

     

     

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  • Owa Retamar breaks new ground as first Filipino men’s volleyball import in Europe

    Owa Retamar breaks new ground as first Filipino men’s volleyball import in Europe

    The Alas Pilipinas Men playmaker, Owa Retamar is set to become the first Filipino men’s volleyball player to compete as an import in Europe after officially signing with Azerbaijan-based Ordu Sports Club for the 2026-27 season.


    Retamar is scheduled to leave for Azerbaijan on August 11, giving him ample time to acclimate to his new surroundings and develop chemistry with his teammates before the season officially begins. 

     

    Ordu Sports has already formally welcomed the Filipino setter as part of an ambitious roster assembled to compete at the highest level.

     

    His arrival also places him alongside some of the biggest names in international volleyball. Leading the club is decorated Italian star Ivan Zaytsev, whose career includes multiple podium finishes and awards in the Olympic Games, Volleyball Nations League, and European Championship. 

     

    The roster also features libero Lauri Kerminen, regarded as one of Europe’s premier defensive specialists, setter Axel Jacobsen, one of the sport’s elite playmakers, Czech opposite hitter Michal Finger, and Cuban standout Salvador Hidalgo Oliva.

     

    According to Retamar’s management, discussions with Ordu Sports had been underway for several months, with the club identifying the Filipino as the ideal player to direct its offense from the setter position.

     

    “This is a dream come true and a challenge that I’m truly excited to embrace,” Retamar said.

     

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    “Playing in Europe has always been one of my aspirations because it allows me to compete against some of the best players in the world and continue growing as an athlete. While I may be wearing the colors of Ordu Sports Club, I know that I will still be carrying the Philippines with me on another playing field,” he added.

     

    Retamar’s early arrival is no coincidence as his representatives stressed that unlike other positions, setters require extensive preparation with teammates before competitive matches begin, making every training session before the season invaluable.

     

    “For a setter, joining the team ahead of the season is extremely important. Building chemistry with teammates cannot be rushed, and Joshua’s early arrival will allow him to fully integrate into the team’s system before official competitions begin,” his management, Virtual Playground, said.

     

    The move represents another milestone in a career that has steadily risen through Philippine volleyball.

     

    Retamar established himself as one of the country’s top setters during his decorated stint with National University, where he collected multiple UAAP championships and individual awards while helping build the Bulldogs into one of the league’s premier programs.

     

    He eventually carried that success onto the international stage as a mainstay for Alas Pilipinas Men, where his court vision and leadership have made him one of the national team’s most reliable playmakers.

     

    Before departing for Europe, Retamar also expressed gratitude to everyone who helped him reach the historic achievement.

     

    More than a personal accomplishment, Retamar’s signing signals a significant step for Philippine men’s volleyball. His success in one of Europe’s competitive professional leagues could reshape how international clubs view Filipino talent and pave the way for more local players to earn opportunities on the global stage.

     

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  • Nxled coach Ettore Guidetti says Irah Jaboneta is living up to draft expectations

    Nxled coach Ettore Guidetti says Irah Jaboneta is living up to draft expectations

    The Nxled Chameleons have enjoyed an impressive start to the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour preseason, winning two of their first three matches to sit second in the standings and build early momentum ahead of the new campaign.

     

    A major factor behind Nxled’s encouraging performances has been the emergence of rookie libero Irah Jaboneta, who has wasted little time proving why the franchise selected her with the fifth overall pick in this year’s PVL Rookie Draft.

     

    The former University of the Philippines standout has provided stability to the Chameleons’ backcourt with her consistent floor defense and reliable reception. Jaboneta recorded nine excellent digs in Nxled’s convincing 25-17, 25-23, 25-18 victory over the Capital1 Solar Spikers in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur on July 25 before following it up with another impressive display against the Galeries Tower Highrisers in Polomolok, South Cotabato on August 1. In that straight-sets win, she finished with 12 excellent receptions and six excellent digs, once again anchoring the team’s defensive effort.

     

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    Her performances have not gone unnoticed, with Nxled head coach Ettore Guidetti expressing his satisfaction over the team’s decision to make Jaboneta its first selection in the rookie draft.

     

    “Well, I have to say that she is confirming all my expectations about my first pick in the draft. She’s playing great, she’s absolutely a person fully focused on volleyball. I’m blessed every single day of the choice I made. I love the way she is, not only as a consistent libero but as a person. She’s really into the team, everybody trusts her,” Guidetti said during a media interaction.

    For Jaboneta, the seamless transition into professional volleyball has been made possible by the support she has received from her teammates, who have helped her settle into a new environment both on and off the court.

     

    “Makikita naman po kung gaano ako nag-e-enjoy sa court. Ganun din outside the court. Kasi ‘yung energy or ‘yung tiwala nila, nadadala ko po sa loob ng court. Nung una, nahihirapan din po talaga ako sa adjustments ko. Kasi syempre po, kinikilala ko pa po sila inside and outside the court. Parang nahihiya pa ako, naiilang pa ako, pero mas nagiging comfortable na po ako,” Jaboneta said.

     

    Although she has made an immediate impact, the 26-year-old believes she is only beginning to unlock her potential after converting from outside hitter to libero.

     

    She admitted that embracing her new role remains a work in progress, stressing that consistency and fully committing to the responsibilities of a libero are among her biggest priorities moving forward.

     

    “Consistency po talaga and dapat i-own ko po ‘yung role ko. Syempre po converted ako, kailangan wala na ‘yung mindset na papalo, kailangan kung ano ‘yung trabaho, gawin. So marami pa akong kailangang i-trabaho po kasi iba-iba po ‘yung kalaban namin, iba iba ‘yung kakahayaan nila as spikers, as players, so every game po kailangan paghandaan talaga. ‘Yun ‘yung challenge sa’kin as libero,” she explained.

     

    Jaboneta’s rapid development has been an encouraging sign for a Nxled side looking to establish itself as one of the league’s rising contenders. With the rookie continuing to grow in confidence and earning the trust of both her coaching staff and teammates, the Chameleons appear to have found a dependable presence in the back row for years to come.

     

    Nxled will look to continue its strong preseason form when it takes on the Farm Fresh Foxies on August 15 in Lanao del Norte, with Jaboneta expected to once again play a pivotal role in the Chameleons’ defensive setup.

     

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas eyes fresh start against Thailand after winless SEA V Cup Leg 1 campaign 

    Alas Pilipinas eyes fresh start against Thailand after winless SEA V Cup Leg 1 campaign 

    Alas Pilipinas gets an immediate opportunity to wipe the slate clean when it opens the second leg of the 2026 SEA V Cup against defending champion Thailand on Thursday, August 7, at 5:30 p.m. (Manila time) in Chiang Mai.

     

    After leaving Hanoi without a single victory, the Filipinas begin the new leg hoping a fresh venue also brings a fresh start as they try to keep their medal aspirations alive.

     

    The Philippines went 0-3 in the opening leg, but not without showing flashes of promise against the region’s top teams. Its best chance at a breakthrough came against Thailand, where Alas Pilipinas pushed the defending champion to five sets before falling, 17-25, 25-19, 15-25, 25-18, 10-15, in one of the tournament’s most competitive matches.

     

    That heartbreaking defeat was followed by straight losses to host Vietnam and Indonesia, resulting in the country’s first SEA V Cup campaign without a podium finish since 2023.

     

    Despite the disappointing results, the close battle against Thailand gives Alas Pilipinas confidence heading into another meeting with Southeast Asia’s volleyball powerhouse.

     

    Veteran setter Jia De Guzman is expected to continue orchestrating the offense alongside leading scorers Alyssa Solomon, Bella Belen, and Niña Ytang, who all delivered consistent performances throughout the first leg.

     

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    The Filipinas will also rely on the continued contributions of Dell Palomata, Erika Santos, Vanie Gandler, Mars Alba, and libero Justine Jazareno as they seek to finally break into the win column.

     

    Thailand, meanwhile, enters the second leg with momentum after sweeping the first leg title with a perfect 3-0 record. The reigning SEA V Cup champion once again showcased its depth and experience, defeating all three opponents while extending its dominance in the regional tournament.

     

    For Alas Pilipinas, however, Thursday’s opener represents more than another match.

     

    A victory over Thailand would not only end its winless run in the tournament but could also provide the confidence needed to turn around its campaign with two more matches still remaining against Vietnam and Indonesia.

     

    With the lessons of Hanoi still fresh, the Filipinas now have another chance to prove they can compete with the region’s best—and this time, finish the job.

     

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