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Category: Volleyball

  • Season’s MVP Shaina Nitura’s breakthrough campaign ends in setback, but Adamson sees bigger future ahead 

    Season’s MVP Shaina Nitura’s breakthrough campaign ends in setback, but Adamson sees bigger future ahead 

    For a season built on breakthroughs, Adamson’s story hit a hard stop in the semifinals—but not without promise for what comes next.


    The UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball campaign, where Shaina Nitura emerged as Most Valuable Player, was momentarily halted after the Adamson Lady Falcons suffered a straight-sets defeat to the UST Golden Tigresses, 25-16, 25-18, 25-19, in the first phase of the stepladder semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

     

    The loss ended Adamson’s run in the Final Four, a stage they had reached for the first time in years—but for head coach JP Yude, the result was less about closure and more about a beginning.

     

    “Siyempre, first time na makapasok sa Final Four, pero I’m very glad na tinuruan ako ni Lord on how to respond properly to encourage and motivate pa rin yung players,” he said.

     

    Yude, who guided a young core led by sophomore standouts Nitura and Best Setter Fhei Sagaysay, acknowledged that inexperience was exposed against a more seasoned UST squad.

     

    Adamson struggled heavily in attack, finishing at just eight percent efficiency, with Nitura converting only 12 of 46 attempts while Sagaysay was limited to 11 excellent sets. Still, the coach chose to focus on growth rather than the result.

     

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    Even in defeat, Nitura continued to shoulder responsibility for Adamson, finishing with 13 points, 11 excellent receptions, and seven digs in her first collegiate postseason appearance.

     

    The Season 88 MVP had already built a historic run prior to the semifinals, leading the league in scoring and ranking among the Top 10 in multiple categories—third in spiking, sixth in serving, eighth in digging, and eighth in receiving—amassing 284 total points and 98.51 statistical points.

     

    Her all-around brilliance also earned her a share of the Best Outside Spiker award alongside De La Salle University’s Angel Canino, further cementing her breakout season.

     

    For Adamson, meanwhile, the focus shifts from results to development.

     

    “Sa susunod, gusto kong makita yung maturity niya every time. Kasi hindi naman nabibigay sa player agad-agad yun, through experience din,” Yude said.

     

    And while the season ends earlier than hoped, Adamson walks away with something they’ve lacked in recent years as postseason exposure and a young MVP whose journey is only just beginning.

     

    The challenge now shifts from proving she belongs among the league’s best to learning how to carry that status into deeper, more pressure-filled battles in the seasons ahead.

     

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  • UST advances to next round of UAAP Final Four step-ladder upsetting higher-ranked Adamson 

    UST advances to next round of UAAP Final Four step-ladder upsetting higher-ranked Adamson 

    For weeks, the University of Santo Tomas lived in Adamson’s shadow. When it mattered most, the Golden Tigresses stepped out of it.

     

    UST delivered its most complete performance of the season, dismantling the very team that had owned them in the eliminations, sweeping Adamson University, 25-16, 25-18, 25-19, to keep its UAAP Season 88 title hopes alive in the stepladder phase at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The result wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. After getting swept twice by the Lady Falcons in the eliminations, UST came into the knockout match with a different look: sharper, more connected, and far more relentless. 

     

    The Golden Tigresses dictated the tempo early and never allowed Adamson to settle into the same rhythm that once gave them control of the matchup.

     

    “Credit sa players namin. Grabe ‘yung effort na ginawa. Actually, hindi naman todo-todo ‘yung training pero mas inaral lang kung ano ‘yung tamang galaw, mas nagkaroon ng communication, saka ‘yung effort na mag-all-out sa game,” said UST head coach Shaq Delos Santos.

     

    That attention to detail showed up where it mattered most—defense, composure, and timely runs.  

     

    UST turned tight stretches into breakaway moments, flipping slim deficits into commanding leads in both the second and third sets. 

     

    The Golden Tigresses’ ability to string together unanswered points exposed Adamson’s cracks, particularly as their top scorers struggled to find efficiency.

     

    At the heart of it all was captain-libero Detdet Pepito, who orchestrated UST’s defensive stand with precision and poise.

     

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    “Although hindi namin inexpect na ganito kabilis ‘yung laro, sobrang happy lang talaga dahil tiniyaga talaga ng lahat, especially coaches and teammates ko. Sobrang saya lang, hindi ko pa rin alam kung totoo ba ito dahil kagabi, nakatulog na ko kakadasal kay Lord paulit-ulit na sana ibigay ito sa amin,” she shared.

     

    UST’s offense followed suit, with Angge Poyos leading the charge and a steady stream of contributions coming from Regina Jurado, Jonna Perdido, and Avril Bron. Every rotation brought a new answer, every rally a renewed push.

     

    For Adamson, the loss marked a frustrating end to what had been a breakthrough season. After returning to the Final Four for the first time in three years, the Lady Falcons found themselves unable to replicate their earlier mastery over UST, settling for fourth place despite a promising core that remains intact.

     

    Meanwhile, the Golden Tigresses move forward with momentum—and belief.

     

    This marks their second straight do-or-die victory after surviving Far Eastern University in a playoff just days prior. Now, they face their toughest test yet: a showdown with second-seeded National University, a team that swept them in the eliminations, with a Finals berth on the line.

     

    Standing at the end of the road is unbeaten La Salle, waiting after a dominant 14-0 campaign.

     

    But if UST has proven anything in this stepladder run, it’s that the past doesn’t guarantee the future.

     

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  • PVL saddened but not worried over recent team exits following Cignal’s withdrawal

    PVL saddened but not worried over recent team exits following Cignal’s withdrawal

    Just as the Cignal Super Spikers seemed poised to usher in a new era for the franchise, their long-awaited breakthrough was suddenly put on hold.

     

    Fresh off a historic run to the Finals of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference—the deepest postseason appearance in team history—the Super Spikers stunned the local volleyball community by announcing a leave of absence from the league. The decision, revealed only days after their runner-up finish, immediately alters the competitive balance of the PVL and raises questions about the team’s future.

     

    “This is to officially announce that the Cignal Super Spikers – Women’s Volleyball Team has filed a Leave of Absence in the Premier Volleyball League. This difficult decision was taken under careful review of Cignal’s strategic direction,” the team said in an official statement.

     

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    No timeline was given for a possible return, leaving uncertainty not only for the players and coaching staff but also for a league that had just enjoyed one of its most tightly contested seasons.

     

    Cignal now joins a growing list of teams that have stepped away from the PVL in recent years, following the moves of the Chery Tiggo Crossovers and the Petro Gazz Angels. While the trend has raised eyebrows among fans, league organizers remain confident in the stability and direction of the competition.

     

    “It all boils down to economics all over the world. We are saddened, but not alarmed because we know those teams are not dissatisfied at how the league is being run,” said Rhea Navarro, a founding member of Sports Vision Management Group, which operates the league.

    With Cignal stepping away, attention now turns to the fate of its talented roster. The absence of a formal dispersal draft system in the PVL opens the door for a free-for-all in the transfer market, as rival teams look to secure some of the league’s top players.

     

    Among the most sought-after names is reigning All-Filipino Conference MVP Vanie Gandler, along with key contributors Erika Santos and Gel Cayuna. Their availability is expected to trigger intense competition among PVL clubs eager to strengthen their rosters ahead of the next conference.

     

    One team that could benefit significantly from the situation is Cignal’s sister squad, the PLDT High Speed Hitters. The franchise has precedent in absorbing talent from affiliated teams, similar to when key players from Petro Gazz found new homes with the Nxled Chameleons. A similar scenario could unfold, potentially reshaping PLDT into an even stronger contender.

     

    Despite the setback, the PVL remains open to expansion. Navarro emphasized that the league is willing to welcome new teams, provided they demonstrate long-term commitment and financial capability.

     

    “It’s about us confirming their capability to maintain a team and their commitment to long-haul participation,” she added.

     

    Cignal’s abrupt exit serves as a reminder of the financial and structural challenges that continue to shape professional volleyball in the Philippines. While their absence creates a void in the league—particularly after a breakthrough Finals appearance—it also opens new opportunities for player movement and competitive reshuffling. 

     

    As the PVL looks ahead, the focus now shifts to maintaining stability, attracting committed franchises, and ensuring that the momentum built in recent seasons continues despite the loss of one of its rising contenders.

     

     

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  • PNVF absent in initial NLRC talks with former Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge Souza de Brito 

    PNVF absent in initial NLRC talks with former Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge Souza de Brito 

    The dispute between the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and former Alas Pilipinas Women head coach Jorge Souza de Brito took an unexpected turn after the federation failed to appear at a scheduled conciliation-mediation conference on Tuesday at the National Labor Relations Commission.


    For de Brito and his camp, the morning was meant to open dialogue. Instead, it ended in silence.

     

    Arriving as early as 9:30 a.m., the Brazilian coach and his legal counsel, Atty. Rex Enrico Cruz III, waited at the NLRC’s Single Entry Approach (SeNA) office with hopes of addressing claims involving alleged unpaid salaries and bonuses tied to his tenure with the national team.

     

    But no representative from the federation showed up.

     

    “Unfortunately, the PNVF and/or representatives are absent in the Mediation Hearing before the SENA NLRC this morning,” Cruz said.

     

    “Coach Jorge is very optimistic this morning. He arrived early and hoped that PNVF or Mr. Liao will heed the recommendation of PSC chair to settle this the soonest,” he added.

     

    The absence not only delayed proceedings but also cast doubt on earlier signals of willingness to resolve the issue. 

     

    Just days prior, PNVF secretary-general Otie Camangian publicly stated that the federation intended to honor its obligations to the former coach.

     

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    “Hindi po tatalikuran ng PNVF kung anuman ‘yung obligasyon na nararapat sa ating foreign coach, precisely because ‘yun naman talaga ang dapat,” Camangian said in a radio interview.

     

    Tuesday’s development, however, told a different story—one that now threatens to push the dispute beyond mediation.

     

    The case had already drawn attention after Pato Gregorio urged both sides to settle the matter promptly. Instead, the lack of attendance has effectively reset the timeline, with a new mediation date set for May 4.

     

    “Hopefully, PNVF will be there. Otherwise, we proceed to the NLRC proper already before the Labor Arbiter,” Cruz warned.

     

    If unresolved, the case could escalate to formal litigation, moving from mediation into a full labor dispute that may eventually reach the courts.

     

    Beyond the immediate issue of unpaid wages, the conflict has also begun to widen. De Brito’s camp is now preparing an additional complaint, alleging that the federation violated terms of a contract that, according to the coach, was meant to remain confidential.

     

    He is seeking compensation for salaries and bonuses tied to his stint with the national team across multiple international tournaments. The PNVF, for its part, has maintained that de Brito himself breached provisions of that same agreement.

     

    The dispute comes months after his tenure with the Philippine women’s volleyball team ended without renewal following the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

     

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  • UST Golden Tigresses, Adamson Lady Falcons open UAAP Season 88 stepladder semis showdown

    UST Golden Tigresses, Adamson Lady Falcons open UAAP Season 88 stepladder semis showdown

     At the heart of the stepladder semifinals, the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament enters its most unforgiving phase as the Adamson Lady Falcons and UST Golden Tigresses collide in a do-or-die first-step clash on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.


    For UST, the matchup carries a familiar frustration. The España -based squad has yet to solve Adamson this season, dropping both elimination meetings in straight but tightly contested fashion—27-25, 25-22, 25-12 on March 7, and a closer 27-25, 25-20, 26-24 battle on April 11.

     

    Those games also highlighted the emergence of Adamson’s Season MVP Shaina Nitura, who consistently found ways to tilt momentum, averaging 21.0 points, 10.0 receptions, and 6.5 digs across their six combined sets.

     

    Yet despite the season-long struggle, UST is far from conceding the narrative. A hard-fought playoff win over Far Eastern University gave the Tigresses renewed life, and head coach Shaq delos Santos believes the earlier losses may serve as the blueprint for adjustment rather than a verdict.

     

    “We’ll probably draw strength from our two games against Adamson, and we’ll study more what we need to improve. In those two games, we really struggled on our side, aside from Adamson performing very well, especially knowing how strong their ace players are,” coach Delos Santos said.

     

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    UST now enters the stepladder with nothing to protect and everything to prove.

     

    On the other side, Adamson arrives with momentum and history finally bending in its favor. The Lady Falcons secured their first Final Four appearance in three years after defeating FEU, 25-20, 25-22, 25-23, closing the eliminations at 9-5 with a three-game winning streak.

     

    For Nitura, however, the achievement is only a checkpoint, not a destination.

     

    “Grateful lang ako kasi ‘yong gusto naming makuha (Final Four) is now in our hands, we hold it, and now we focus. Our focus is kung ano ‘yong pinaghirapan ng team… eyes on the prize,” the 21-year-old outside hitter said.

     

    “Now that we’re in the Final Four, it will be harder because these are the best teams. But we won’t back down. We’ll keep working and respond to whatever comes,” Nitura said.

     

    The winner of Wednesday’s opener moves one step closer to an even steeper climb—against defending champion NU Lady Bulldogs in the second phase of the stepladder.

     

    Waiting at the very top, already locked into the Finals after a flawless 14-0 sweep, are the De La Salle Lady Spikers, setting up a rare postseason path where every match is an elimination and every set carries championship weight.

     

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  • Cignal takes leave of absence from PVL campaign after breakthrough finals run 

    Cignal takes leave of absence from PVL campaign after breakthrough finals run 

    Just as Cignal Super Spikers appeared to be closing in on a long-awaited breakthrough, the momentum came to an abrupt pause.


    Days after reaching the Finals of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference—their deepest run yet—the franchise announced it would step away from the league, opting for a leave of absence that immediately reshapes the competitive landscape.

     

    “This is to officially announce that the Cignal Super Spikers – Women’s Volleyball Team has filed a Leave of Absence in the Premier Volleyball League,” the team said in a statement.

     

    “This difficult decision was taken after careful review of Cignal’s strategic direction.”

     

    No timeline was provided for their return, leaving uncertainty not just for the team, but for a league that had just witnessed one of its most competitive seasons.

     

    The timing stands out.

     

    Cignal had just completed a campaign that re-established them as a legitimate contender, powered by the rise of Vanie Gandler, who delivered a breakout conference worthy of MVP honors. Around her, a steady core that included Erika Santos, Gel Cayuna, Dawn Catindig, Rose Doria-Aquino, Jackie Acuña, and Tine Tiamzon formed a lineup that could match up with the league’s best.

     

    Their Finals appearance, though ending in a sweep at the hands of the Creamline Cool Smashers, was still widely seen as a sign that the Super Spikers were on the verge of finally breaking through.

     

    Instead, the team steps away at what could have been the start of something bigger. The move mirrors an earlier decision within the same organization. Cignal’s men’s team had already taken a leave of absence from Spikers’ Turf earlier this year, citing a similar internal reassessment.

     

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    Once again, the franchise pointed to a broader evaluation of its direction—one that goes beyond on-court results.

     

    Since joining the professional ranks in 2021, Cignal has built one of the most consistent resumes in the PVL. The team reached the podium in eight of 15 conferences, collecting three silver medals and five bronze finishes.

     

    That consistency, however, came with a lingering gap—the elusive championship.

     

    Despite multiple deep runs, the Super Spikers leave as the most decorated team in the league without a title, a distinction that underscores both their competitiveness and the narrow margins that defined their campaigns.

     

    Cignal’s exit adds to a growing list of changes within the league. The departure follows the disbandment of the Chery Tiggo Crossovers and the earlier leave of absence taken by the Petro Gazz Angels, reducing the number of active teams and signaling a period of transition for the PVL.

     

    For now, the Super Spikers step away not as a fading team, but as one that had just rediscovered its form.

     

    And in that sense, their absence may be felt even more—because it comes not after decline, but right at the moment they seemed ready to finally win it all.

     

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  • Bella Belen shines individually, eyes team breakthrough after missed playoffs 

    Bella Belen shines individually, eyes team breakthrough after missed playoffs 

    For most of her career, winning wasn’t something Bella Belen had to chase—it simply followed.

    From her dominant run with National University to her historic rise in the UAAP, the Finals had always felt like familiar territory. But in the pros, things changed quickly.

     

    Now with Capital1 Solar Spikers, Belen found herself watching the postseason from the outside for the second straight conference in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference—a position she had rarely experienced before.

     

    And yet, even without a playoff stage, she still managed to make her presence felt.

    Belen emerged as one of the brightest spots of the conference, claiming both Rookie of the Conference and Best Outside Spiker honors. It wasn’t the kind of success she had grown used to—this time, it came without a deep team run—but it spoke volumes about her ability to adapt and stand out regardless of circumstance.

     

    “Very unexpected siya for me,” Belen admitted.

     

    “Hindi ko naman na-expect na magkaka-awards ako pero siyempre, thankful and I’m very happy.”

    For a player who has already achieved so much at a young age, the recognition carried a different meaning. It wasn’t about validation—it was about reflection.

     

    “These awards parang bonus sa lahat ng paghihirap na ginagawa ko for my team,” Belen uttered.

    That mindset reveals where she is in her journey now—caught between personal milestones and the bigger goal she has always been used to chasing: team success. 

     

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    Because while the awards highlight her individual impact, they also serve as a reminder of what’s missing.

     

    “Hopefully, it turns to team success next conferences. Mas nakaka-motivate na magtrabaho pa ng triple, hindi lang special awards yung makuha ko kundi buong team,” said the 2025 No. 1 overall pick.

     

    It’s a different kind of hunger for Belen, one shaped not by maintaining dominance, but by trying to build it again in a new environment.

     

    Watching from afar only added to that drive. Seeing former teammates like Jennifer Nierva and others compete on the biggest stage reminded her of what she’s working toward.

     

    “Ang saya talaga maglaro lalo na ‘pag yung game is for finals,” she shared.

     

    “Hopefully, maranasan ko naman siya dito.”

     

    There’s no frustration in her words—only patience and determination. Because for Belen, this phase isn’t a setback. It’s a reset.

     

    And if her rookie season proved anything, it’s that even in unfamiliar territory, she continues to find ways to rise—this time, not just for herself, but for something bigger still waiting to be built. 

     

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  • Kianna Dy, Erika Santos lead new wave in Alas Pilipinas pool for AVC Women’s Cup 

    Kianna Dy, Erika Santos lead new wave in Alas Pilipinas pool for AVC Women’s Cup 

    FA new chapter is quietly taking shape for the Alas Pilipinas Women—and this time, it’s built on both fresh energy and familiar leadership.

     

    The Philippine National Volleyball Federation has unveiled a 27-player wishlist for the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup, offering an early glimpse of a national team that blends rising collegiate standouts with proven names from the pro ranks.

     

    Among those drawing attention are new additions Kianna Dy and Erika Santos, who headline a group of reinforcements expected to inject depth and versatility into the pool. They are joined by fellow Premier Volleyball League performers Jean Asis and Riza Nogales, signaling a stronger pro presence in the national setup.

     

    The collegiate ranks also made a strong case for inclusion, with standouts like Sam Cantada, Shaira Jardio, Jaz Ellarina, Tin Ubaldo, and Niña Ytang earning spots in the expanded pool. Their inclusion reflects a clear direction—building a pipeline that bridges the college and professional levels.

     

    At the core of the group remains leadership and continuity. Veteran playmaker Jia De Guzman is set to captain the pool once more, joined by familiar names such as Eya Laure, Maddie Madayag, Mars Alba, Fifi Sharma, Justine Jazareno, Jen Nierva, Alleiah Malaluan, Vanie Gandler, and Bella Belen—a group that ensures stability amid the influx of new talent.

     

    The mix extends further with collegiate holdovers like Angel Canino, Amie Provido, Shaina Nitura, and Arah Panique, alongside additional reinforcements such as Shevanah Laput and Alyssa Solomon, who is currently seeing action overseas.

     

    Rounding out the pool are NCAA standouts Zam Nolasco and Vanessa Sarie, further emphasizing the federation’s effort to widen its talent search.

     

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    0px;”>Beyond the names, however, the announcement also carried a different tone—one focused on rebuilding trust and improving player conditions.

     

    “The PNVF reaffirms its commitment to the welfare of all national team athletes. We have heard the voices of our players and take their concerns seriously. The federation is actively addressing outstanding financial obligations and is committed to ensuring timely compensation and transparent financial processes going forward,” the federation said.

     

    “Athletes joining the training pool will be entitled to clearly defined support structures, including competitive allowances, insurance coverage, and a communicated training and competition calendar that respects their club and personal schedules. PNVF commits to maintaining open dialogue channels with player representatives throughout the duration of the national team program.”

     

    The final composition of the training pool will depend on player availability, with preparations expected to begin in early May. Hosting the tournament from June 6 to 14 in Candon adds another layer of motivation, especially after the team’s silver-medal finish in the previous edition.

     

    This time, the goal is clear—not just to compete, but to complete the climb.

     

    And with a refreshed pool led by both rising stars and seasoned leaders, Alas Pilipinas is positioning itself for a stronger push toward gold on home soil.

     

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  • Alyssa Solomon wraps up SV.League debut with silver as Osaka Marvelous settles for runner-up finish 

    Alyssa Solomon wraps up SV.League debut with silver as Osaka Marvelous settles for runner-up finish 

    For Alyssa Solomon, the finish line in Japan wasn’t defined by confetti or a championship trophy—but by something quieter, and perhaps more telling: growth forged in the background of a title chase.


    Her first season in the SV.League ended with Osaka Marvelous settling for silver after being swept in the Finals by Saga Hisamitsu Springs. 

     

    The series itself was a contrast of resistance and unraveling. Game 1 stretched into a gripping five-set battle—21-25, 26-28, 25-19, 25-22, 10-15—before Osaka’s challenge faded in Game 2, 20-25, 23-25, 14-25.

     

    Solomon, however, watched both matches from the sidelines.

     

    It’s a detail that might seem like a footnote, but it reflects the reality of her season. Arriving in September to a roster already loaded with veterans and expectations, she wasn’t handed the spotlight—she had to orbit around it. Her role came in fragments, in rotations earned rather than given.

     

    Across 30 regular season games, she quietly built a total of 140 points from 116 attacks, 27 blocks, and four aces. Not headline-grabbing numbers, but enough to show she could contribute within a system that didn’t revolve around her.

     

    Her journey to Osaka itself came with context. She stepped in following the exit of Jaja Santiago, a towering presence whose departure left both opportunity and pressure. 

     

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    But instead of inheriting a starring role, Solomon found herself adapting—learning spacing, timing, and patience in a league where every possession is contested and every minute is earned.

     

    Now, just as she seemed to be settling into that rhythm, the chapter closes. Solomon is among seven players set to leave Osaka at the end of the 2025–26 season, signaling what looks like a broader roster reset for the club. 

     

    Her next step remains unclear, wherein she could stay in Japan, test other overseas waters, or return home for the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft.

     

    Meanwhile, she remains in the national team conversation—but nothing is set in stone. Solomon is part of the 27-player pool invited by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation for Alas Pilipinas ahead of the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup, scheduled from June 6 to 14 in Candon. 

     

    Inclusion in that list does not guarantee a final roster spot, as selections will still be trimmed down closer to the tournament. 

     

    If her stint in Japan lacked a defining breakout moment, it may have offered something less visible but equally valuable—a recalibration. Removed from the comfort of being a focal point, Solomon experienced the grind of fitting into a winning system, of contributing without guarantees.

     

    The medal she leaves with may be silver, but the experience suggests something still in progress—a player reshaping her game.

     

     

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  • Jema Galanza calls latest Creamline title “most memorable” and “happiest” after grueling run 

    Jema Galanza calls latest Creamline title “most memorable” and “happiest” after grueling run 

    For Jema Galanza, the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference championship was more than just another title—it was a testament to resilience, growth, and the ever-increasing competitiveness of Philippine volleyball.

     

    A long-time cornerstone of the Creamline Cool Smashers dynasty, Galanza has witnessed the franchise’s journey from rising contender to dominant powerhouse. But this latest triumph, she admits, stands apart from the rest—not because winning has become unfamiliar, but because the path to the championship has never been more difficult.

     

    In a league that continues to evolve with deeper rosters and stronger competition across the board, Galanza has found herself navigating new challenges. No longer can Creamline rely solely on experience and chemistry; every match now demands peak performance, adaptability, and mental toughness.

     

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    The veteran outside hitter’s journey in this conference has also been shaped by personal adversity. After dealing with a minor knee injury that limited her minutes during the 2025 season, Galanza returned determined to contribute meaningfully to Creamline’s title push. Her presence proved vital as the Cool Smashers battled through a demanding schedule and a series of high-pressure encounters.

     

    Reflecting on the campaign, Galanza emphasized just how grueling the road to the championship had been.

     

    “This is the toughest conference so far. For me, this is the happiest and most memorable championship we have won because we were able to get redemption against the teams that beat us this conference. Before we even reached the finals, we really had to go through every single team that had defeated us earlier,” Galanza said in a media interaction.

    Her words capture the essence of Creamline’s journey this season. Unlike previous conferences where the team often dominated from start to finish, this campaign tested their resolve at every stage. The Cool Smashers absorbed setbacks in the preliminary round, falling to the Cignal HD Spikers, PLDT High Speed Hitters, and the NXLED Chameleons, finishing with a 6–3 record.

     

    Those early losses forced Creamline into a tougher playoff path, where they had to dig deep and survive multiple elimination scenarios. The team endured two do-or-die matches just to secure a spot in the finals, a journey that ultimately hardened their mentality and strengthened their unity.

    “And you know, it’s something to be proud of. We also proved to ourselves that we really can become champions as long as we stay together,” she added.

     

    For Galanza, the championship was not just about reclaiming the title, but about reaffirming the team’s identity in a more competitive era. It underscored the importance of cohesion and trust—qualities that have long defined Creamline but were tested like never before this season.

     

    As one of the team’s leaders, Galanza’s ability to overcome injury setbacks and contribute in crucial moments highlighted her enduring value to the squad. Her experience and composure provided stability, particularly during the most pressure-filled stretches of the conference.

     

    With the championship secured, Galanza and several of her teammates will have little time to rest as they quickly shift focus to the upcoming 2026 PVL All-Star festivities. The Creamline star is set to suit up for Team Heart, joining a star-studded lineup that includes Bella Belen, Jia De Guzman, Erika Santos, Pangs Panaga, Majoy Baron, and Justine Jazareno.

     

    They will face off against Team Hustle in what promises to be a showcase of the league’s top talent—a fitting celebration of a conference that, as Galanza described, may well be the most competitive in PVL history.

     

    For now, however, the moment belongs to Galanza and the Cool Smashers—a championship hard-earned, deeply felt, and perhaps more meaningful than any that came before.

     

     

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