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Category: Volleyball

  • PNVF names 27 invited players for Alas Pilipinas Women pool ahead of 2026 AVC Women’s Cup 

    PNVF names 27 invited players for Alas Pilipinas Women pool ahead of 2026 AVC Women’s Cup 

    A new phase of national team preparation is underway as the Philippine National Volleyball Federation released an initial list of 27 invited players for Alas Pilipinas, marking the early stage of its buildup for the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup. The federation clarified that the roster is not yet final and remains subject to confirmation, availability, and final program alignment. 

     

    The list immediately drew attention for its fresh infusion of collegiate talent, with several standout names from the UAAP women’s volleyball scene earning their first major national team look. 

     

    Among them are National University rookie Sam Cantada and teammate Shaira Jardio, along with Far Eastern University’s Jaz Ellarina and Tin Ubaldo, plus University of the Philippines’ Nina Ytang.


    They are joined by proven Premier Volleyball League contributors such as Kianna Dy of PLDT, Erika Santos of Cignal, Jean Asis of Galeries Tower, and Riza Nogales of ZUS Coffee, strengthening the pool with professional league experience.

     

    At the core of continuity, 16 players from previous Alas Pilipinas Women lineups have been retained pending availability. 

     

    Leading the group is captain Jia De Guzman, who continues to anchor the program alongside seasoned names like Eya Laure, Maddie Madayag, Mars Alba, Fifi Sharma, Justine Jazareno, Jen Nierva, Alleiah Malaluan, Vanie Gandler, and Bella Belen.

     

    The collegiate backbone remains strong as well, with De La Salle’s Angel Canino and Amie Provido, Adamson’s Shaina Nitura, NU’s Arah Panique, and DLSU’s Shevanah Laput all included.

     

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    Internationally active hitter Alyssa Solomon also returns to the fold, while NCAA standouts Zam Nolasco and Vanessa Sarie round out the developmental core.

     

    Beyond roster construction, the federation also underscored its ongoing commitment to athlete welfare and program support. 

     

    The PNVF acknowledged recent concerns raised within the system and reiterated efforts to improve conditions, resources, and overall support structures for players in the national pool as preparation intensifies.

     

    While the roster is still subject to final adjustments depending on availability and program alignment, early indications point to a carefully curated mix of youth and experience designed to elevate competitiveness ahead of a demanding international campaign.

     

    With Pool A of the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup set to include South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Kyrgyzstan, Australia, and Uzbekistan, the Philippines enters its home campaign in Candon City with a carefully structured roster aimed at balancing immediate competitiveness and long-term growth. 

     

    Defending champion Vietnam headlines Pool B alongside Kazakhstan, Iran, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Lebanon, setting the stage for a highly competitive continental tournament.

     

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  • “Creamline will always be Creamline”: Jia De Guzman highlights team’s identity after another PVL title 

    “Creamline will always be Creamline”: Jia De Guzman highlights team’s identity after another PVL title 

    The Creamline Cool Smashers reclaimed their place at the pinnacle of Philippine volleyball, securing a record-extending 11th championship in the Premier Volleyball League after surviving a dramatic five-set thriller against the Cignal HD Spikers in Game 2 of the All-Filipino Conference Finals on Thursday, April 23, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    In front of a packed and energized crowd, the Cool Smashers showcased their trademark composure and championship pedigree, weathering relentless resistance from Cignal in a match that stretched nearly two hours and embodied the high-level intensity of a title-deciding clash. The final scoreline—25-23, 22-25, 25-16, 16-25, 15-11—reflected just how evenly matched the two sides were throughout the contest.

     

    Creamline drew first blood in a tightly contested opening set, relying on late-set execution and defensive stability to edge ahead. However, Cignal quickly answered back in the second frame, tightening its floor coverage and capitalizing on Creamline’s miscues to level the match. The Cool Smashers then reasserted control in the third set, producing their most dominant stretch of volleyball in the match, highlighted by efficient attacking combinations and disciplined net defense.

     

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    Just when it appeared Creamline might close out the series in four sets, the HD Spikers mounted a spirited response in the fourth, overwhelming the defending champions with aggressive serving and sustained pressure to force a deciding fifth set. The momentum swing set the stage for a tense finale, with both squads fighting for every point in a high-stakes finish.

     

    In the end, Creamline’s experience proved decisive. The Cool Smashers steadied themselves in the fifth set, minimizing errors and executing in clutch situations to pull away late and secure the championship, denying Cignal a chance to extend the series to a deciding Game 3.

     

    Leading the charge was Bernadeth Pons, who delivered one of the most complete performances of the finals. Pons tallied 22 points while anchoring Creamline’s back row with 25 excellent digs and 15 receptions, producing a rare triple-double display that earned her Finals Most Valuable Player honors. Her two-way brilliance proved crucial in stabilizing the team during Cignal’s surges.

     

    She was ably supported by Tots Carlos, who added 18 points through consistent attacking, while Jema Galanza and Pangs Panaga contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively. Their balanced offensive production allowed Creamline to spread the floor and avoid becoming overly reliant on any single scorer, a key factor in surviving the pressure-packed encounter.

    The victory further cemented Creamline’s dominance in the PVL landscape and added another milestone to one of the league’s most successful dynasties. It also extended the remarkable legacy of veteran setter Jia De Guzman, who has now been instrumental in all but three of Creamline’s 11 championships. De Guzman missed the team’s 2024 Grand Slam run due to her two-season stint with Denso AiryBees in Japan’s V.League but has since returned to orchestrate the squad’s championship resurgence.

     

    Prior to this title, De Guzman’s most recent finals appearance came in the 2023 Invitational Conference, where Creamline fell short against Japanese guest team Kurashiki Ablaze. Despite the contrasting results in recent seasons, the veteran playmaker emphasized continuity over comparison when reflecting on Creamline’s evolution.

     

    “I can’t categorize talaga Creamline then and Creamline now, pero para sa’kin, with Creamline, we have this culture kasi na kahit anong ilagay sa harapan namin, we will do our best to come together talaga and work towards a bigger goal,” De Guzman said in a media interaction.

     

    She further highlighted the stability of the team’s identity despite roster changes and player movement over the years.

     

    “Kahit sinuman ang pumasok sa team namin, kahit sinuman ang umalis, the culture stays strong. Like for me na matagal din nawala, it’s not that hard to jell back into the team because of that culture that we have formed ever since Creamline started,” she added.

     

    For De Guzman, the defining strength of Creamline has never been physical attributes, but rather collective discipline and mental toughness—qualities that once again proved decisive in the championship round.

     

    “Creamline will always be Creamline, kahit anong mangyari. With Creamline kasi, we are not the tallest team. We are not the fastest team. We are not the most amazing team. Every team in this tournament may kanya-kanyang strength talaga, and we give respect to every team that we have to prepare for regardless of round kasi that’s how you play volleyball. You give respect to whoever you’re facing.

     

    “We just really had to take it game by game kasi nakita naman natin na hindi ganun ka-smooth ‘yung eliminations namin, hindi ganun ka-smooth ‘yung semis namin. Yung finals, thank God naman na at the right time rin kami lahat kumapit. With us, with Creamline, kahit sinumang malagay sa harapan namin, pagtatrabahuan namin at hindi namin hahayaan lang na basta-bastang makuha lang kami ng panalo,” De Guzman concluded.

     

    With another championship secured, Creamline once again underlined its status as the league’s benchmark franchise, proving that experience, cohesion, and culture remain just as vital as talent in sustaining a winning dynasty.

     

     

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  • UST Golden Tigresses knocks out FEU Lady Tamaraws to seal Final Four cast 

    UST Golden Tigresses knocks out FEU Lady Tamaraws to seal Final Four cast 

    When the pressure peaked and elimination loomed, the championship pedigree of University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses surfaced once again.


    The Golden Tigresses carved out a hard-earned 16-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-16 victory over Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in their do-or-die playoff clash on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, securing the final spot in the UAAP Season 88 Final Four and extending their streak to six consecutive semifinal appearances.

     

    FEU struck first, stealing the opening set and briefly threatening to extend UST’s season. But once the Tigresses found their rhythm, the match shifted sharply in their favor as they controlled the next three frames with improved defense and a steadier offensive flow.

     

    Leading the turnaround was Angge Poyos, who delivered a commanding all-around performance with 26 points built on 22 attacks and four blocks, alongside seven excellent receptions and five digs. 

     

    Her timely scoring and defensive presence anchored UST’s recovery after a disappointing reverse sweep loss to defending champion National University just days earlier.

     

    “Sobrang saya lang din talaga kasi pinaghandaan namin ‘tong game na ‘to. Masakit man yung pagkatalo namin nung last Wednesday pero nag move-on kaagad kami, talagang tinrabaho namin, and yung effort ng bawa’t isa talaga nakita naman…Grateful na nakuha namin yung panalo today and sana magtuloy-tuloy na sa Final Four,” Poyos, Season 86 Rookie of the Year said.

     

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    The support cast also stepped up in a balanced team effort. Reg Jurado added 11 points and 12 digs, while Xyza Gula contributed nine points with steady floor defense of 11 digs and seven receptions. 

     

    Meanwhile, setter Cassie Carballo kept the offense steady with 21 excellent sets, two points, and seven digs, ensuring UST maintained control in the latter stages of the match.

     

    Captain Detdet Pepito once again provided defensive stability, tallying 15-of-17 excellent receptions and 18 digs out of 27 attempts.

     

    “Alam naman nating ngayong season, sobrang unpredictable — lahat kayang manalo. Grateful lang ako sa coaches na grabe yung tiyaga sa amin, at saka sa teammates ko na iniyakan ko kagabi pa lang na, please ayaw ko pang mag pro,” Pepito said.

     

    With the win, UST now shifts its focus to a stepladder showdown against third-seeded Adamson University on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

     

    A victory would send them to face defending champion National University, with the winner earning a Finals clash against unbeaten La Salle in a best-of-three championship series.

     

    For FEU, the defeat marked the end of its campaign in fifth place, missing the Final Four for the first time in two seasons. Gerzel Petallo led the Lady Tamaraws with 14 points, while Tin Ubaldo closed her collegiate stint with 15 excellent sets in her final game.

     

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  • “Ito ‘yung happiest”: Jema Galanza cherishes Creamline’s hardest-earned title

    “Ito ‘yung happiest”: Jema Galanza cherishes Creamline’s hardest-earned title

    For a team that has grown accustomed to winning, the Creamline Cool Smashers found themselves navigating unfamiliar territory in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference. 

     

    Their journey to the championship was anything but smooth, shaped by losses, injuries, and repeated encounters with teams that had previously gotten the better of them. In the end, however, those very struggles became the foundation of what Jema Galanza considers their most meaningful title yet.

     

    “Para sa’kin, ito ‘yung happiest and [most] memorable na championship na napanalunan namin kasi ‘yung mga teams na natalo kami, naka-bawi kami ngayong conference,” said Galanza, who delivered 12 points, 19 excellent digs, and 16 excellent receptions in the title-clinching Game 2 win.

     

    The Cool Smashers’ campaign opened on a difficult note after absorbing a loss to the PLDT High Speed Hitters, immediately putting their form into question. They responded with a five-game winning streak that restored some stability, but the consistency they were searching for remained elusive. A loss to the Akari Chargers exposed cracks in their system, and a crucial defeat to the Farm Fresh Foxies tightened the standings and put their campaign under pressure.

     

    Despite the challenges, Creamline managed to stay afloat. They secured a key victory over the Cignal HD Spikers to advance, even while missing Galanza and Bernadeth Pons. The win highlighted the team’s depth and ability to adjust, but their momentum was short-lived as they fell again to Cignal in the qualifying round, dropping them to the play-in stage.

     

    That setback ultimately became the turning point of their campaign. Instead of breaking their rhythm, it reshaped their mindset. From that point forward, every match carried added meaning, as the Cool Smashers faced teams that had previously dealt them setbacks earlier in the conference. 

     

    They eliminated Akari in the play-in stage to keep their hopes alive, then defeated PLDT to regain momentum. Another loss to Cignal followed in the semifinals, but Creamline responded with a crucial victory over Farm Fresh in a virtual knockout match to secure a place in the Finals.

     

    “I mean, bago kami nakapasok talaga sa Finals, talagang dinaan namin lahat nung tumalo sa amin. And alam mo, ‘yun pa lang, parang nakaka-proud na. And na-prove din namin sa self namin na kaya talaga namin na mag-champion basta sama-sama kami.”

     

    Awaiting them in the Finals was Cignal, the team that had consistently challenged them throughout the conference. This time, however, the Cool Smashers left no room for doubt. They completed a sweep to capture the championship, finally overcoming the very team that had repeatedly disrupted their run and sealing a redemption story that defined their season.

     

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    Beyond the team’s journey, the championship also marked a personal triumph for Galanza. She entered the conference coming off a lengthy recovery from a serious injury and was gradually working her way back into form during the preliminaries. Just as she began to regain her rhythm, a knee injury sidelined her again, forcing her to miss key games late in the elimination round and in the qualifiers.

     

    “Yung injury kasi, well, di naman natin inaasahan yun eh. Parang buong off-season naman nag-prepare ka nang maayos. ‘’Yung nagpa-condition ka, tapos magugulat ka, or hindi mo ini-expect talaga na magkakaroon ng gano’n,” she said.

     

    Despite her absence, Creamline continued to find ways to win, something Galanza credited to the collective effort of the team.

     

    “Pero, ‘yun nga, sabi ko nga, kahit nawala ako, di naman na-feel ng team na may kulang eh, kasi lahat talaga nag-contribute sa team. So, thankful lang ako na meron akong coaches and teammates na umiintindi din.”

     

    Galanza emphasized that the title was not just about overcoming opponents, but also about enduring internal challenges, including injuries and lineup disruptions that tested the team’s chemistry throughout the conference.

     

    “Sabi ko, sobrang pasasalamat talaga sa mga teammates ko, coaches kasi, alam mo, may mga times, may mga games na si coach eh nawala, ako nawala. I mean, alam mo yun, hindi kami nakukompleto sa ibang games. Pero, nagpe-perform sila, binibigay nila yung best nila.”

     

    In the end, Creamline’s latest championship stood out not because it added to their growing collection, but because of how it was won. It was a title forged through adversity, defined by resilience, and completed through redemption—qualities that made it, in Galanza’s words, their happiest and most memorable one yet.

     

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  • “I still have it”: Alyssa Valdez sends a strong message after winning 11th PVL title 

    “I still have it”: Alyssa Valdez sends a strong message after winning 11th PVL title 

    The Creamline Cool Smashers returned to the summit of Philippine volleyball, capturing their 11th championship in the Premier Volleyball League after surviving a grueling five-set battle against the Cignal HD Spikers in Game 2 of the All-Filipino Conference Finals, 25-23, 22-25, 25-16, 16-25, 15-11, on Thursday, April 23 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Backed by a packed and roaring crowd, the Cool Smashers leaned on their championship experience to weather a determined challenge from Cignal, which pushed the defending powerhouse to the limit in a match that showcased the intensity, grit, and high-level execution expected from a title decider.

     

    Both teams traded blows from the opening set, with momentum swinging wildly throughout the contest. Creamline drew first blood in a tightly contested opening frame before Cignal responded with composure to even the match. The Cool Smashers then surged ahead with a dominant third-set performance, only for the HD Spikers to answer back in the fourth, forcing a winner-take-all fifth set that had the crowd on edge.

     

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    When it mattered most, Creamline’s poise and championship pedigree came to the fore. The Cool Smashers executed with precision in the deciding frame, capitalizing on crucial points and minimizing errors to close out the match and seal the title, denying Cignal any chance of extending the series.

     

    Leading the charge was Bernadeth Pons, who delivered a sensational all-around performance. Pons tallied 22 points while anchoring the defense with 25 excellent digs and 15 receptions, completing a rare triple-double effort that earned her Finals Most Valuable Player honors.

     

    She was ably supported by Tots Carlos, who contributed 18 points, while Jema Galanza and Pangs Panaga added 12 and 10 points, respectively, in a balanced offensive display that proved crucial in outlasting their opponents.

     

    The victory also added another chapter to the storied career of Alyssa Valdez, widely regarded as the face of Philippine volleyball. The Cool Smashers captain secured her 11th PVL championship, further cementing her legacy as one of the sport’s most influential figures.

     

    Despite an already decorated career, Valdez emphasized that her motivation continues to come from within.

    “At this point in my career, I want to prove not to other people, but to myself that I’m here because I still want it and I still have it,” Valdez said after the match.

     

    Creamline’s title run was particularly meaningful given the adversity the team faced in the previous season, where they failed to secure a championship—an unusual drought for the league’s most dominant franchise. Entering the All-Filipino Conference, the team found itself in unfamiliar territory, forced to rediscover its identity and hunger.

     

    Valdez acknowledged the challenges that shaped their journey back to the top.

     

    “Yung Creamline ngayon, I would say seasoned talaga kasi throughout the conference, ang daming struggles. Honestly, parang bumalik kami sa first-ever time kasi ang hirap din. Tagal naming hindi nakakuha ng championship. Ang gusto lang namin is one, makilala namin yung sarili namin. And two, ibalik lang namin yung joy sa paglalaro ng volleyball,” she shared.

     

    That renewed sense of purpose translated into a resilient campaign, with the Cool Smashers navigating tough matches and growing stronger as the tournament progressed—hallmarks of a championship team.

     

    For Cignal, the loss was a heartbreaking end to an impressive finals run. The HD Spikers displayed remarkable grit and refused to be intimidated, pushing Creamline to the brink and proving they are a legitimate contender moving forward.

     

    As for Valdez, even with her legacy firmly secured, the passion for the game remains as strong as ever.

     

    “I just really wanna enjoy playing volleyball,” she said.

     

    With the title reclaimed and their dynasty reaffirmed, Creamline once again stands atop the PVL, a testament to its enduring excellence and the winning culture that continues to define the franchise.

     

     

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  • Bella Belen bags two awards in PVL AFC Awards Night

    Bella Belen bags two awards in PVL AFC Awards Night

    It was supposed to be a night celebrating the best of the league—but in the end, it felt like the arrival party of Bella Belen.

     

    The young star stamped her class in her very first professional conference, walking away with not one but two major honors in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Awards Night—Rookie of the Conference and Best Outside Spiker.

     

    And she didn’t win them quietly. Belen finished third in scoring with 218 points built on 199 attacks, eight blocks, and 11 aces, immediately proving she could carry a heavy offensive load. But what made her campaign stand out even more was her versatility.

     

     She ranked fourth in both spiking efficiency (35.16%) and serving (0.31 aces per set), while also showing elite floor instincts—second in receiving efficiency (40.84%) and sixth in digging (3.06 per set).

     

    For a rookie, those numbers don’t just impress—they shift expectations. Her rapid rise gives the Creamline Cool Smashers another dangerous dimension moving forward, adding youth and all-around reliability to an already stacked roster.

     

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    While Belen headlined the night, several other standouts carved their own moments.

     

    Vanie Gandler emerged as the conference’s Most Valuable Player, leading the Cignal Super Spikers with steady, high-level play throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, Bernadeth Pons delivered when it mattered most, earning Finals MVP honors after steering Creamline to the championship.

     

    The league’s best in each position also reflected its growing depth: Gel Cayuna controlled the tempo as Best Setter, Brooke Van Sickle joined Belen as Best Outside Spiker, while Mikaela Panaga and Riza Nogales anchored the middle. Trisha Tubu and Kath Arado rounded out the honors as Best Opposite Spiker and Best Libero, respectively. 

     

    Belen’s breakout isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a signal to the rest of the league.

    With her ability to score, defend, and receive at a high level, she’s already playing like a seasoned pro. If her trajectory continues, she could quickly become one of the central figures in the PVL’s next era.

     

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  • Vanie Gandler admits “she fought through many failures” after winning maiden PVL MVP honor

    Vanie Gandler admits “she fought through many failures” after winning maiden PVL MVP honor

    The Cignal Super Spikers saw their championship hopes come to a crushing end in Game 2 of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Finals, falling to the defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers in a gripping five-set battle, 25-23, 22-25, 25-16, 16-25, 15-11, on Thursday, April 23 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    In front of a packed and electric crowd, both teams traded momentum swings in a match that encapsulated the intensity and drama of a championship series. PLDT showed resilience throughout, refusing to back down against the league’s most decorated squad, but Creamline’s composure in the deciding fifth set ultimately proved to be the difference as they closed out the series and denied PLDT a chance to extend the finals.

     

    Despite the heartbreaking defeat, one of the brightest storylines of the conference belonged to Vanie Gandler, whose stellar performance throughout the tournament culminated in her first Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. The 25-year-old delivered 26 points in the do-or-die Game 2, doing everything she could to will her team to victory, only to see her efforts fall just short in the end.

     

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    Gandler’s individual brilliance was a defining feature of PLDT’s campaign. By the end of the semifinals, she ranked fourth in total scoring with 209 points, built on 182 attacks, 17 kill blocks, and 10 service aces. Her all-around game was equally impressive—she placed ninth in spiking efficiency at 31.93 percent, seventh in serving with 0.23 aces per set, and seventh in receiving at 36.59 percent, underscoring her ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.

     

    Her MVP recognition marks a significant milestone in what has been a career defined by perseverance and steady growth. Once viewed as a polarizing figure during her collegiate days with the University Athletic Association of the Philippines while playing for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, Gandler faced intense scrutiny early in her career. Questions about her consistency and ability to translate potential into production followed her into the professional ranks.

     

    This conference, however, served as a turning point.

    “This is very meaningful to me because I fought really hard to be where I am today. I fought through so many failures. I fought through so much doubt. But I’m pretty grateful for those that were with me,” Gandler said after being named MVP.

     

    Her journey from criticism to recognition has resonated with many, especially as she emerged not just as a scorer, but as a leader and stabilizing presence for PLDT. Night after night, Gandler delivered under pressure, showcasing improved decision-making, defensive discipline, and a renewed confidence that elevated her overall game.

     

    “I really hold that purpose now. I want to show people now with hard work and dedication, you can reach your goals, that you can get to where you want. It doesn’t matter what people say as long as you keep working and you bring the result,” she added.

     

    For PLDT, the loss will undoubtedly sting, particularly after pushing one of the league’s most dominant teams to the limit. Yet, the conference also provided a glimpse into the team’s future, with Gandler at the forefront of its evolution into a legitimate title contender.

     

    As for the MVP, the recognition is both validation and motivation. Gandler’s story is no longer just about potential—it is now about fulfillment, growth, and resilience in the face of adversity.

     

    “I’m proud of myself. I’m definitely a player, a person that keeps trying, keeps pushing forward. It doesn’t matter what people say. I have a great career. I have a great team. I’m blessed to have this career. I have a great family and a great support system. So that’s what matters to me,” Gandler concluded.

     

    While the Creamline Cool Smashers continue their pursuit of yet another championship, the 2026 All-Filipino Conference will be remembered as the tournament where Vanie Gandler fully arrived—transforming from a once-scrutinized talent into one of the league’s brightest and most complete stars.

     

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  • Shaina Nitura makes UAAP history as Adamson’s first MVP while Josh Ybañez seals men’s three-peat MVP run 

    Shaina Nitura makes UAAP history as Adamson’s first MVP while Josh Ybañez seals men’s three-peat MVP run 

    Shaina Nitura did not just headline a breakthrough season for Adamson University—she rewrote the program’s history.


    In a campaign defined by consistency and two-way dominance, Adamson’s outside hitter is set to become the Lady Falcons’ first-ever Most Valuable Player in UAAP Collegiate Women’s Volleyball history, capping a season where she led from the front and lifted Adamson back into the Final Four spot.

     

    Nitura once again paced the league in scoring for the second straight year, finishing Season 88 with 284 points built on 248 attacks, 24 blocks, and 12 aces. 

     

    Her production went beyond offense, as she emerged as one of the most complete players on the floor—ranking third in spiking efficiency at 38.15 percent, fourth in receptions at 44.48 percent, and eighth in digging with 2.11 digs per set.

     

    That all-around impact translated into separation in the MVP race. Nitura finished with a league-best 98.511 statistical points (SP), comfortably ahead of teammate Frances Mordi, who ended with 82.766 SP. The margin highlighted not just volume, but control of the game on both ends of the court.

     

    Her dominance also extends to the awards podium, where she is set to claim her first Best Outside Spiker recognition with 303 ranking points (RP), alongside De La Salle University’s Angel Canino, who earned the other slot with 272 RP. 

     

    Adamson, meanwhile, continues its postseason push, waiting in the stepladder quarterfinals for the winner of the University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University matchup which will be held on Saturday, April 24 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    While Nitura’s rise signals a new era for Adamson, the men’s side saw a familiar name return to the top.

     

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    Josh Ybañez reclaimed his place as the UAAP’s most dominant force, capturing his third Most Valuable Player award in the Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament. 

     

    The UST senior roared back in Season 88 to lead the league with 90.192 SP, becoming the first men’s volleyball player in UST history to complete a three-MVP haul.

     

    Ybañez’s numbers reflected a player back at full command of the game. He ranked fourth in spiking efficiency at 45.19 percent, second in aces with 0.35 per set, and second in receptions at 65.68 percent, all while finishing as the league’s second-leading scorer with 278 points from 244 spikes, 16 blocks, and 18 aces.

     

    He is also set to secure his third Best Outside Spiker award after finishing with 329 RP, reinforcing his all-around impact on both ends of the floor. 

     

    National University’s Michaelo Buddin earned the other outside hitter spot with 269 RP after leading the league in aces at 0.48 per set and ranking eighth in spiking at 41.27 percent.

     

    Ybañez and his squad are still vying for the second seed in the Final Four and will face NU after both teams finished tied at a 10-4 win-loss record in the men’s division playoffs for the No. 2 spot. 

     

    In a season defined by comebacks, breakthroughs, and sustained excellence, Nitura and Ybañez stood at opposite programs but shared the same outcome—proof that dominance in UAAP volleyball still belongs to those who can carry it across every facet of the game.

     

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  • Hard road led PLDT to bronze as Rald Ricafort highlights grit in tough season 

    Hard road led PLDT to bronze as Rald Ricafort highlights grit in tough season 

    It wasn’t the ending they initially chased, but for PLDT, the road to bronze in the PVL All-Filipino Conference became a defining chapter shaped by resilience and survival in what head coach Rald Ricafort described as one of the toughest fields in recent memory.


    The High Speed Hitters closed their campaign the hard way, overpowering the Farm Fresh Foxies in a grueling five-set duel, 25-14, 21-25, 25-21, 21-25, 15-5, to sweep their best-of-three bronze series. 

     

    It was their second straight five-set victory over the Foxies, underscoring not just depth but a growing identity as a team that thrives under pressure.

     

    For Ricafort, the bronze medal represented more than a podium finish. It was validation of growth after falling short in the semifinal round. 

     

    “Napakalakas ng lahat ng kalaban, lalo this conference. Napakalakas na nagbalikan ‘yung mga national team [members] at naka-merge nila ‘yung ibang teams,” Ricafort said.

     

    PLDT entered the playoffs as one of the favorites after finishing the elimination round on top with a 7-2 record. But the semifinals proved unforgiving, as the High Speed Hitters stumbled to a 1-2 slate and were pushed to the brink before even reaching the battle for bronze.

     

    What followed was a pair of physically and mentally taxing wins. PLDT not only secured the series but reinforced its dominance over the Foxies, winning 10 of their 11 meetings in the 2026 All-Filipino conference, including all three five-set encounters.

     

    “Napakahirap. ‘Yun nga, hindi man namin nakuha ‘yung pinaka-goal na mag-Finals, pero ibibigay ko sa players ang commendation na nilaban ’to kahit papaano. Thankful kami, milestone pa rin na nakuha namin ‘yung third this time. Napakahirap nitong ginagawa namin, at least kahit papaano nakuha namin ‘yung bronze,” the veteran coach said.

     

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    The final match showcased PLDT’s balance. Libero Kath Arado anchored the defense with 28 excellent digs and 21 receptions, even chipping in a point to earn Best Player of the Game honors along with her sixth Best Libero Award in the PVL.

     

    At the net, Kim Kianna Dy powered through with 21 points, highlighted by six blocks, while Savi Davison delivered across all fronts with 20 points and 10 digs.

     

    Meanwhile, Farm Fresh leaned on Trisha Tubu’s 23 points, with Ces Molina adding 12 and support from Riri Meneses, Mylene Paat, and Royse Tubino, who contributed nine points each—but ultimately fell short in the decisive fifth set.

     

    Beyond the numbers, Ricafort pointed to a deeper takeaway: cohesion remains a work in progress, even for a team that just reached its best finish.

     

    “Marami pang kailangang makilala sa isa’t isa. Happy ako na kahit papaano may natuntong kami this conference,” he said. 

     

    In a season defined by parity, returning stars, and reshaped rosters, PLDT didn’t just survive—it adapted. And in doing so, the High Speed Hitters turned what could have been a disappointment into a benchmark for what they can build on next.

     

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  • PSC urges swift resolution in PNVF–Jorge de Brito dispute

    PSC urges swift resolution in PNVF–Jorge de Brito dispute

    With Philippine volleyball gearing up for bigger roles on the global stage, a brewing dispute off the court is drawing concern at the highest level.

     

    Patrick Gregorio made it clear that the ongoing legal conflict between the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and former national team coach Jorge Souza de Brito cannot be allowed to linger.

     

    The Brazilian mentor has taken his complaints to the National Labor Relations Commission, citing unpaid bonuses, salary issues, and what he described as illegal deductions during his tenure with Alas Pilipinas Women. While the case now moves through formal channels, Gregorio emphasized that its impact extends far beyond paperwork.

     

    “Dapat ayusin nila ‘yan,” Gregorio said. “Kasi alam mo, ang focus natin is ‘yung 2029 World [Championship] hosting natin. Ang focus natin, ‘yung mga marami nating hosting. You cannot afford any internal conflict.”

     

    Speaking on the sidelines of the Asian Beach Games, the PSC chief framed the issue as one that could affect the country’s broader sporting ambitions—particularly as the Philippines positions itself as a host for major international events.

     

    While de Brito was originally brought in during the leadership of former federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, Gregorio stressed that the responsibility now lies with the current administration under Tony Boy Liao.

     

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    “I encourage President Tony Boy [Liao], he’s the head of the federation, to really just fix this kasi mahirap ‘yung ma-negative publicity pa tayo sa ibang bayan,” he said.

     

    Beyond the immediate dispute, Gregorio pointed to a deeper concern: credibility.

     

    As Philippine sports increasingly taps foreign expertise, unresolved issues like this could cast doubt on the country’s ability to uphold agreements and protect professionals working within its programs.

     

    “Otherwise, how can we welcome foreign coaches in the future? Naniniwala ako, maaayos ni President Tony Boy, at sana sa lalong madaling [panahon] pa rin,” he said. “Ang dami nating foreign coaches na magagaling ngayon. Kung ano ‘yung pinagkasunduan, dapat lang masunod, and I will make sure na matulungan rin natin ‘yung PNVF in solving this.”

     

    For Gregorio, the message is simple but urgent: settle the issue, protect the program, and keep the focus where it belongs—on growth, not conflict.

     

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