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Category: Volleyball

  • Cignal chases redemption as years of heartbreak fuel finals breakthrough bid

    Cignal chases redemption as years of heartbreak fuel finals breakthrough bid

    For Cignal, the finals is no longer unfamiliar territory—it’s unfinished business. The Super Spikers have been here before, close enough to feel the weight of a championship, yet never quite able to hold it. Each return trip has carried the same promise, and each exit has left the same sting. But this time, the story feels different—not because the stakes have changed, but because the team has.

     

    Their journey to this moment hasn’t been defined by a single loss, but by a pattern of near-breakthroughs. A straight-sets defeat in the 2022 Reinforced Conference. A painful five-set collapse against Creamline in the 2024 Invitationals. These weren’t just missed opportunities—they became chapters in a longer narrative of growth, frustration, and persistence.

     

    At the center of that journey is Gel Cayuna, one of the few constants through the highs and lows. As a playmaker, she has seen matches slip away point by point. As a teammate, she has felt the emotional toll that comes after.

     

    “Ang dami na rin talagang pinagdaanan namin. Ang dami nang iyak,” said setter Gel Cayuna, who was part of both runner-up finishes.

     

    “Umaabot naman sa finals pero hindi talaga nanalo. This time, ‘yung opportunity na ibibigay ni Lord, talagang iga-grab namin at pagtatrabahuan namin.”

     

    Her words don’t just reflect hope—they carry the exhaustion of repeated heartbreak, and the quiet determination to finally move past it.

     

    On the sidelines, head coach Shaq delos Santos has been piecing together this version of Cignal for years. The process hasn’t been linear. It’s been a constant cycle of adjustments—rotations, systems, roles—all in search of something that works not just on paper, but under pressure.

     

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    “Ako, bilang head ng team, ang dami ko nang ginawang way para makuha ‘yung tamang timpla, ‘yung pwedeng gawing adjustments, even ‘yung players, ‘yung adjustments na ginagawa nila sa’kin and kung paano nila i-absorb ‘yung system na ginagawa namin every day,” he said.

     

    “Sobrang dami nang sakit na naramdaman namin for how many years and conferences na talagang hindi kami nainip at tinanggap lang namin ‘yung mga bagay. Sobrang natuto kami du’n. Hindi kami nag-give up.”

     

    What sets this Cignal team apart isn’t just talent—it’s perspective. The repeated failures haven’t hardened them into a desperate group chasing validation. Instead, it has shaped them into a team that understands the process behind winning, even without having experienced it firsthand.

     

    “To be honest, ‘di pa naman kami nagcha-champion talaga, pero may idea naman kami kung paano dapat mag-act nang tama, based na lang din sa experiences namin,” Delos Santos said.

     

    “‘Yung championship kasi, nandiyan lang naman siya lagi. Ang pinaka-importante is kung paano mo siya tinatrabaho every day and kung paano ka mag-act as a champion din.”

     

    There’s a quiet shift in that mindset. The goal is no longer just to win—it’s to become the kind of team that deserves to.

     

    Now, as they step back onto the finals stage, the Super Spikers carry more than ambition. They carry memory. Every loss, every adjustment, every lesson learned has led them back here.

     

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  •  PVL All-Star rosters complete, showdown set

     PVL All-Star rosters complete, showdown set

    The spotlight on the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Star Showcase just got brighter—and deeper.

     

    With the announcement of the final reserve selections, the event evolves from a simple gathering of star starters into a true showcase of the league’s depth and diversity of talent. Team Heart and Team Hustle now head into the exhibition with complete rosters, each stacked not just with headline names, but with players capable of shifting momentum at any moment.

     

    While starters often command the early attention, the reserves bring a compelling narrative of their own—one built on consistency, impact, and recognition from within the volleyball community itself. The selection process, which involved head coaches, players, team managers, league officials, referees, broadcast staff, and media, ensured that every addition carries weight and credibility.

     

    For Team Heart, the second unit could easily pass as a starting lineup anywhere else. Three-time MVP Alyssa Valdez leads the charge, anchoring a group that blends veteran leadership with reliable production. Surrounded by key contributors from Cignal, Nxled, and Galeries Tower, the squad gains not only depth but also versatility across positions. 

     

    This added layer complements an already star-heavy core bannered by some of the league’s most established playmakers and scorers. With PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort at the helm, Team Heart appears built on structure, chemistry, and steady execution.

     

     

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    Team Hustle, meanwhile, embraces a more high-octane identity. The addition of three-time MVPs Brooke Van Sickle and Tots Carlos to its reserve pool injects even more firepower into a lineup already known for its offensive punch.

     

     Alongside them are players who thrive in fast-paced systems and bring defensive grit, giving the team multiple ways to dictate tempo. Combined with a starting unit loaded with championship experience and crowd favorites, Team Hustle shapes up as a squad that can sustain pressure from the first serve to the last. 

     

    Guiding them is Cignal head coach Shaq delos Santos, who will look to maximize a roster designed for constant intensity.

     

    With both teams now fully assembled, the All-Star Showcase becomes more than just a celebration—it turns into a battle of identity. Team Heart leans on cohesion and control, while Team Hustle banks on speed and explosiveness. 

     

    And with depth now playing an equally important role as star power, the stage is set for a matchup where every substitution could tell its own story.

     

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  • Former Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge de Brito takes legal action against PNVF

    Former Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge de Brito takes legal action against PNVF

    Former Alas Pilipinas head coach Jorge Souza de Brito has escalated his dispute with the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), formally filing a labor complaint over alleged unpaid salaries and bonuses—marking a dramatic turn in what had been a quietly brewing conflict.

     

    De Brito confirmed on Monday, April 20, that he has initiated legal proceedings before the National Labor Relations Commission, citing what he described as repeated delays and a lack of resolution from the federation. The Brazilian tactician, who spent more than four years at the helm of the national program, expressed both disappointment and frustration over how the situation unfolded.

     

    “It is with profound sorrow, accompanied by a blend of confusion and outrage, that I must inform you of my decision to commence legal action against PNVF today,” De Brito said in a statement.

     

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    According to De Brito, a key meeting with PNVF officials on March 24 failed to produce a mutually acceptable settlement. While the federation initially sent a proposal via email after the discussions, he claimed that the offer was later withdrawn through a text message—an act he interpreted as a sign of unwillingness to resolve the issue in good faith.

     

    “Following our meeting, PNVF sent a proposal via email, which was subsequently withdrawn through a text message last week, clearly indicating an intention to delay any resolution. This marks a disappointing conclusion after four and a half years of dedicated effort and notable accomplishments for the volleyball community in the Philippines,” he added.

     

    The dispute, however, is far from one-sided.

    PNVF president Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara—often associated with federation leadership—has not been the primary voice on this issue. Instead, it was federation figure Tonyboy Liao who earlier pushed back against De Brito’s claims, asserting that the coach had violated specific provisions in his contract. Among the alleged breaches was a restriction prohibiting him from handling a private club team while serving as head coach of the national squad.

     

    During his tenure with Alas Pilipinas, De Brito simultaneously coached the Akari Chargers in the Premier Volleyball League and has since taken on a role with the Capital1 Solar Spikers—a point the federation claims complicates his contractual standing.

     

    “If only he did not have contract violations, we would have been easy to deal with. ‘Here is everything you are claiming.’ But he had contract violations,” Liao said at the time.

     

    Despite the off-court controversy, De Brito’s impact on Philippine volleyball is difficult to dispute. Under his leadership, Alas Pilipinas experienced a period of steady growth and increased competitiveness on the international stage. The program enjoyed a breakthrough in 2024, securing three bronze medals across the Asian Volleyball Confederation Nations Cup and the Southeast Asian Volleyball League legs in Vinh Phuc and Nakhon Ratchasima.

     

    The upward trajectory continued into 2025, when the national team captured a silver medal in the Nations Cup and added two more bronze finishes in the V.League—results that underscored the program’s growing stature in the region.

     

    Now, what began as a contractual disagreement threatens to cast a shadow over those achievements. As the case heads to the National Labor Relations Commission, both parties appear set for a prolonged legal battle—one that could have broader implications for governance, contractual enforcement, and professional standards within Philippine volleyball.

     

    For De Brito, the move signals a firm stand after months of impasse. For the PNVF, it presents a challenge that extends beyond the court—into the realm of accountability and organizational credibility.

     

     

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  • “We have to play like champions”: Vanie Gandler sets the tone as Cignal eye maiden PVL title 

    “We have to play like champions”: Vanie Gandler sets the tone as Cignal eye maiden PVL title 

    For the Cignal HD Spikers, the road back to the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Finals has been anything but abrupt. It’s a return shaped by patience—two years of recalibration, system tweaks, and steady internal growth rather than headline-grabbing overhauls. The result is a squad that looks more complete, more mature, and far more dangerous than in its previous title bids.

     

    At the heart of that evolution is Vanie Gandler, whose rise from a complementary option to the team’s focal point has mirrored Cignal’s own climb. Once regarded as a promising piece with upside, Gandler has now fully embraced the role of franchise cornerstone—delivering when it matters most and elevating those around her.

     

    Her latest performance served as the clearest statement yet.

     

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    In Cignal’s finals-clinching victory over the Creamline Cool Smashers at the Mall of Asia Arena, Gandler put together an all-around masterclass. She poured in 24 points while anchoring the backcourt with 10 digs and 10 excellent receptions, showcasing not just scoring prowess but complete two-way impact. Against one of the PVL’s most decorated dynasties, it was the kind of performance that signaled a shift in balance—and perhaps, a changing of the guard.

     

    But for Gandler, the job is far from finished.

     

    “Our focus isn’t just making it to the finals, we pray for a championship. But that comes with challenges, and we have to play like champions,” Gandler said in a media interaction.

    That mindset reflects a deeper hunger within the Cignal camp. Since joining the PVL five years ago, the franchise has flirted with glory but has yet to capture its first title. They came agonizingly close twice—first in the 2022 Reinforced Conference and again in the 2024 Invitational Conference—only to fall short at the final hurdle.

     

    Those near-misses now serve as both motivation and fuel.

     

    With another finals appearance secured, the stakes feel different this time. The roster is more battle-tested, the chemistry more refined, and the leadership—both vocal and by example—more pronounced. For Gandler, the opportunity carries personal and collective significance.

     

    “It means the world to me because I see the qualities of a champion in each one of my teammates, they have made me a better player and person,” she added.

     

    Cignal’s return to the championship stage sets up yet another high-stakes showdown with Creamline, a team synonymous with winning in the PVL era. Game 1 is slated for Tuesday, April 21, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where experience and legacy will collide with hunger and momentum.

     

    The question now is whether Gandler’s emergence—and Cignal’s long, methodical buildup—will finally translate into a breakthrough title, or if Creamline’s championship pedigree will once again prove too steep a climb.

     

    Either way, the stage is set for a defining chapter.

     

     

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  • Creamline eyes 11th crown as Cignal chases breakthrough in PVL Finals

    Creamline eyes 11th crown as Cignal chases breakthrough in PVL Finals

    Familiar dominance meets unfinished business. That is the tension surrounding the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Finals, where Creamline returns to its comfort zone and Cignal arrives with something far more urgent—a chance to finally rewrite its story.

     

    For the Cool Smashers, the Finals have long been routine. For the Super Spikers, they remain the ultimate test.

     

    Cignal’s journey to this stage has been less about arrival and more about persistence.

     

    This marks the franchise’s third trip to the championship round, but unlike previous runs, this one carries a different edge—built on lessons from years of falling just short. The memory of their five-set loss to Creamline in the 2024 Invitational Conference still lingers, a defining moment that underscored how close they were, yet how far they still needed to go.

     

    Now, they return not just as contenders—but as a team that has learned how to stay in the fight. Creamline, on the other hand, enters from a place it knows well—but through a path it doesn’t.

     

    This Finals appearance comes after a rare stretch of inconsistency, a three-conference absence that broke the rhythm of a dynasty accustomed to dominance. Injuries, national team duties, and roster gaps once disrupted their continuity.

     

    Now, nearly at full strength, they are back within reach of an 11th title—but without the overwhelming aura that once made their runs feel inevitable.

     

    What makes this matchup compelling isn’t just history—it’s how that history has shifted. Creamline still holds a 14-6 edge since Cignal entered the professional era, but the gap has tightened significantly. The Super Spikers have won three of the last four meetings, including two crucial victories this conference that reshaped the balance of power.

     

    Each encounter this season has carried weight—and each has revealed something new. Their first clash was a survival test.

     

    Creamline escaped with a five-set win, 25-19, 25-20, 15-25, 26-28, 16-14, leaning on composure after nearly letting the match slip. Alyssa Valdez and Dij Rodriguez delivered triple-doubles, while Cignal, led by Vanie Gandler’s all-around brilliance, showed it could push the league’s most decorated team to the brink.

     

    It was a win that stabilized Creamline—but also exposed vulnerability. Cignal responded not with noise, but with growth.

     

    In their next meeting, with higher stakes, the Super Spikers flipped the script in another five-set battle, 25-21, 24-26, 18-25, 25-22, 17-15. This time, they didn’t fold under pressure—they absorbed it.

     

    Erika Santos led the charge with 26 points, while Gandler anchored both ends of the floor. More importantly, Cignal held steady in the defining moments, closing out a match that once would have slipped away.

     

    “For sure, yung uhaw kasi ang tagal na nito eh, parang ilang years din in the making,” said Santos. “Tapos finally nandito na sa Finals so ayun, gutom na gutom kunin yung medal at yung trophy.”

     

    That hunger has become their identity. By the time they met again in the semifinals, the shift was undeniable.

     

    Cignal imposed its rhythm in a four-set win, 25-13, 13-25, 25-16, 25-16, controlling momentum and refusing to let Creamline’s trademark comebacks take shape. It was their second straight win over the Cool Smashers in the round—and the one that sent them straight to the Finals.

     

    Years of studying Creamline had finally turned into belief.

     

    “Happy ako kasi du’n sa mga players namin sa kung paano nila ma-handle ’yung sitwasyon kapag Creamline ’yung kalaban,” said head coach Shaq Delos Santos. “Mas nagkaroon na rin kami ng kumpiyansa sa sarili namin at ini-embrace din talaga namin ’yung every encounter namin.”

     

    Still, the Finals reset everything. “It’s back to zero since the finals series is a completely new competition,” Gandler emphasized.

     

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    And that reset may be where Creamline finds its edge. Despite recent struggles, the Cool Smashers remain one of the most battle-tested teams in the league. Their ability to navigate pressure, adjust mid-series, and deliver in championship moments is unmatched.

     

    “Ine-embrace lang namin ’yung pressure… pero ’yung goal namin is talagang mag-champion,” said head coach Sherwin Meneses.

     

    Setter Jia de Guzman echoed that sentiment, acknowledging the challenge ahead while keeping the focus forward.

     

    “The past games we went up against Cignal, grabe rin talaga ’yung nilaro nila… But the finals is a different story.”

     

    And that’s what makes this series compelling. One team is chasing history—an 11th title that would reaffirm its dynasty.

     

    The other is chasing something more personal—a first championship that would validate years of pursuit.

     

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  • New generation rises as Premier Volleyball League opens 2026 Rookie Draft 

    New generation rises as Premier Volleyball League opens 2026 Rookie Draft 

    A transition is underway in Philippine volleyball—one that signals both an ending and a beginning.

    As collegiate careers wind down, a new opportunity has officially taken center stage with the opening of the 2026 Rookie Draft of the Premier Volleyball League. 

     

    More than just an application process, it marks the gateway for the country’s top amateur standouts to step into the professional spotlight.

     

    This year’s draft isn’t just about filling team rosters, it’s about ushering in the next wave of stars shaped by years of UAAP and collegiate competition.

     

    Prospects now face a structured path to the pros. Applications are being accepted online through the league’s official portal, with hopefuls required to submit complete documentation before the May 22 deadline. 

     

    Eligibility rules remain firm. Applicants must be female at birth as indicated in a PSA-issued birth certificate, and must be at least 21 years old by the end of 2026—unless they have already earned a college degree, which offers an alternate route to qualification.

     

    What follows is a critical stretch that could define careers.

     

    The draft on May 25 will determine which teams hold the power to shape their future rosters. Days later, the Draft Combine from May 28 to 29 becomes the proving ground, where aspiring professionals showcase their skills in front of coaches, scouts, and decision-makers. 

     

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    By June 1, the official list of candidates will be finalized, setting the stage for one of the league’s most anticipated offseason events.

     

    Already, familiar names from the collegiate scene are stepping forward. University of the Philippines standout Nina Ytang has declared for the draft after completing five seasons, signaling her readiness to take the next leap. She won’t be alone, with teammate Irah Jaboneta also entering the pool, while Joan Monares continues to weigh her options.

     

    Their decisions reflect a larger shift, the steady movement of collegiate talent into the professional ranks.

     

    Last year’s draft offered a glimpse of what’s possible. Bannered by top pick Bella Belen, the 2025 class saw 29 players selected, including Far Eastern University’s Jean Asis at No. 2 and Alohi Robins-Hardy, who found her way to Farm Fresh as the third overall pick.

     

    Those who go unselected—28 aspirants in the previous class—enter free agency, where opportunities still exist for late signings across the league’s 12 teams. It’s a reminder that in the PVL, the journey to becoming a professional doesn’t always follow a straight line.

     

    As the 2026 draft process unfolds, one thing is clear: this is more than recruitment—it’s the next chapter of Philippine volleyball taking shape, one player at a time.

     

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  • “We will play, let’s see”: PNVF president keeps Alas Pilipinas expectations measured ahead of AVC Cup

    “We will play, let’s see”: PNVF president keeps Alas Pilipinas expectations measured ahead of AVC Cup

    The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks amid growing concerns over athlete welfare, program structure, and its proposed draft system for the Alas Pilipinas Women.

     

    At the center of the debate is the reported draft mechanism for the national women’s program, which includes provisions requiring invited players to commit exclusively to the national team pool. The proposal has sparked discussion across the local volleyball community, with stakeholders raising questions about player autonomy, eligibility, and long-term athlete welfare.

     

    PNVF president Ramon “Tonyboy” Liao has moved to address the issue while steering attention back to competition, emphasizing that the immediate focus remains on preparation for the upcoming 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation Women’s Volleyball Cup. The continental tournament will be hosted in the Philippines in June, with Alas Pilipinas Women entering the competition following a silver-medal finish in the 2025 edition.

     

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    Liao stressed that while expectations are naturally elevated due to the team’s recent success and home-court advantage, the federation is not imposing rigid targets on the squad.

     

    “I don’t want to maybe say na we will copy what was garnered the last time. So ang amin is, we will play, and let’s see from then kung anong magiging resulta ng ating games,” Liao said in a press conference.

    The Philippines has been placed in a highly competitive Group A alongside Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Australia, and Uzbekistan. Liao acknowledged the difficulty of the draw, noting that all participating teams bring strong credentials into the tournament.

     

    “If you look at it, kahit saan ka mapunta, Pool A or Pool B, parang mabigat. Looking at it, parang the four teams are really, like in our pool, we have Korea and Chinese Taipei, and then Australia. The other side naman, you have Vietnam, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan.

     

    “So these are really countries na malalakas din ang women’s team. Pero siyempre, yung atin naman Alas Women’s Team, we always prepare for these kind of events. So hopefully, pagdating ng tournament sa Candon, this coming June, maganda na maging preparation,” he added.

     

    Liao also addressed the transition in leadership, particularly the appointment of head coach Tai Bundit following the departure of Brazilian tactician Jorge de Brito. Known for his intense coaching style and high expectations, Bundit is expected to begin shaping the team’s system in the coming training phase.

     

    “Coach Tai Bundit is sabihin nating he hates losing, as you know. So talagang ang preparation niya will be especially ngayon, ang tinitingnan kasi niya na past performance was silver. So parang challenge na kagad siya. Sabi ko, huwag muna iisipin yan. Banuin muna natin yung team at saka tayo mag-training ng mga ano,” Liao said.

     

    Despite the ongoing controversy, the PNVF has already begun assembling its training pool, sending out invitations to potential Alas Pilipinas Women prospects. The federation is awaiting confirmations from clubs and universities, with national team training expected to begin in the coming weeks.

     

    The 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup is scheduled from June 6 to 14 in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, where Alas Pilipinas Women will aim to build on their recent podium finish while navigating both heightened expectations and internal program challenges.

     

     

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  • UAAP standout Irah Jaboneta keen on entering 2026 PVL Draft

    UAAP standout Irah Jaboneta keen on entering 2026 PVL Draft

    The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) is set to usher in a new wave of talent as it officially opens applications for the 2026 PVL Draft on Monday, April 20. With the league continuing to grow in popularity and competitiveness, this year’s draft is expected to feature a strong pool of collegiate standouts, particularly from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

     

    Among the most notable early entrants is Nina Ytang, the three-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker from the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. Ytang recently confirmed her intention to take her talents to the professional ranks, marking the end of a decorated collegiate career defined by consistency and dominance at the net.

     

    She may soon be joined by teammate Irah Jaboneta, who has also expressed a strong desire to enter the draft. Jaboneta, one of UP’s most reliable scorers in recent seasons, spoke candidly about her decision to move on from the collegiate level and embrace the next chapter of her volleyball journey.

     

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    “It’s time to take the next step na talaga and magpa-draft. Tanda na rin’ eh. It’s time for the kids and the remaining players to show what they have got. Kasi kumbaga, ako, I have served my purpose na talaga for UP. And sana talaga nakita nila at na-appreciative nila kasi every game, hindi naman kaming lahat ng players, and alam ko kaming tatlo every game talaga binubuhos namin kung ano kaya namin,” Jaboneta said in a media interaction.

     

    Jaboneta’s UAAP career came to a close on Sunday, April 19, following UP’s four-set loss to the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses in the Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament. Despite a spirited effort, the Fighting Maroons bowed out with a 23-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-19 defeat, signaling the end of an era for one of the program’s key leaders.

    While Ytang and Jaboneta appear poised to take the leap, team captain Joan Monares remains undecided about her immediate future. The veteran setter hinted at taking time off before making a final decision on whether to pursue a professional career.

     

    “Ako, magbe-beach muna ako. Titingnan ko kung saan ako dadalhin ng hangin,” Monares shared, suggesting a more reflective approach after years of intense collegiate competition.

     

    Monares and Jaboneta, along with Ytang, have been instrumental in the Fighting Maroons’ rise over the past five years. The trio endured a challenging rebuilding period that saw the program transition through five different head coaches, while steadily helping restore pride and competitiveness to the UP women’s volleyball team.

     

    Reflecting on their journey, Jaboneta emphasized the significance of their shared experience and the transformation they witnessed firsthand.

     

    “I would say since kaming tatlo, parang same same kami nag-start, we entered UP, and we played in UP parang sabay, hindi ‘yon madali. We witnessed seeing the crowd empty coming to now, seeing the UP crowd filling up the arena. Ako, kasi masasabi ko na my chest is gonna explode kasi somehow nandoon kami nung binubuo ang UP ngayon at kung ano UP na meron ngayon,” she concluded.

     

    As the PVL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on this new generation of UAAP standouts looking to make their mark on the professional stage. For players like Ytang and Jaboneta, the transition represents not just a career move, but the continuation of a journey that began in the collegiate ranks and now heads toward a bigger spotlight.

     

     

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  • La Salle completes 14-0 sweep, punches finals ticket in controversial classic

    La Salle completes 14-0 sweep, punches finals ticket in controversial classic

    History doesn’t always arrive clean. For the De La Salle Lady Spikers, their return to perfection came wrapped in drama, resilience, and just a touch of controversy—fitting for a team that has made a habit of living at the edge of big moments.

     

    In front of a roaring 19,419 crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena, La Salle completed a flawless 14-0 elimination round sweep in UAAP Season 88, outlasting defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs in a gripping five-set battle, 27-25, 15-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13.

     

    But this wasn’t a straight path to history—it was a climb.

     

    For long stretches, National University dictated the pace, even pushing La Salle to the brink late in the fourth set. Down 20-23, the Lady Spikers needed not just execution, but belief. They found both, clawing their way back to force a deciding fifth set.

     

    “Ginusto ng mga bata manalo. Ever since (sa Set 4), lamang ang NU e, pero pinusuan ng mga bata,” said assistant coach Noel Orcullo.

     

    “Ugly win, but a win is a win.”

     

    The final point, however, ensured this match would be remembered beyond the record books.

     

    With La Salle ahead 14-13 in the fifth, an initial four-touch violation was called against them. Head coach Ramil de Jesus challenged for a block touch—unsuccessful at first glance. But a closer review revealed contact on the net by a NU player’s forearm.

     

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    What followed was a rare referee’s discretionary challenge, ultimately reversing the call and handing La Salle the match—and the sweep.

     

    Messy or not, the result stood. And so did La Salle’s dominance.

     

    The victory secured an outright Finals berth, marking their 14th appearance in the last 16 seasons and putting them on track for a 13th title. More importantly, it grants them a crucial advantage: rest and preparation, while the rest of the field battles through a stepladder semifinal.

     

    Leading the charge was Shane Reterta, who delivered 21 points along with 18 receptions and 15 digs in an all-around masterclass. Angel Canino added a triple-double of 15 points, 16 receptions, and 12 digs, while Shevana Laput and Amie Provido combined for 31 points—most of them coming when the match hung in the balance.

     

    On the other side, NU proved why it remains a contender. Vange Alinsug led the Lady Bulldogs with 22 points, backed by Arah Panique and Chammy Maaya, while rookie Sam Cantada and libero Shaira Jardio anchored the defensive stand.

     

    Yet in the end, it was La Salle that found a way. Not perfect in execution—but perfect where it mattered most.

     

    And now, while the rest of the league fights for survival, the Lady Spikers wait—one step closer to turning a flawless run into another championship chapter.

     

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  • Vanie Gandler emerges as Cignal’s voice as she is named PVL Press Corps Player of the Week 

    Vanie Gandler emerges as Cignal’s voice as she is named PVL Press Corps Player of the Week 

    For the Cignal Super Spikers, the journey back to the Finals wasn’t defined by a single moment—it was built over time.

     

    Two years of recalibration, adjustments, and quiet progress have finally led them back to the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference championship stage. But within that steady climb, one transformation stood out: the evolution of Vanie Gandler from promising piece to undeniable centerpiece.

     

    Gandler’s rise didn’t happen overnight. Once seen as an emerging talent, the Ateneo de Manila University product has grown into both the emotional anchor and primary scoring option for a team now chasing its first All-Filipino crown.

     

    And when the moment demanded it, she delivered.

     

    In Cignal’s finals-clinching win over the Creamline Cool Smashers at the Mall of Asia Arena, Gandler produced a statement performance—24 points, 10 digs, and 10 excellent receptions—powering her side past one of the league’s most decorated squads.

     

    It wasn’t just production. It was control. Against a team known for its depth and experience, Gandler held her ground, dictating tempo and providing stability on both ends of the floor. 

     

    The performance not only sealed Cignal’s return to the Finals—it also earned her the final PVL Press Corps Player of the Week honors for the conference.

     

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    Yet for Gandler, the story has never been about individual recognition. “We can’t explain how deep this is for us, kasi we know how hard we worked for this. I just have so much gratefulness for the team, kasi the player I am today is because of them,” she shared.

     

    “The way the team is performing is because we just want the best for each other. It’s really not for ourselves, it’s for each other.”

     

    That collective mindset has become the identity of this Cignal squad. Even in their final semifinal outing—a loss to the PLDT High Speed Hitters in a non-bearing match—the Super Spikers stayed focused on the bigger picture. Gandler saw limited action, scoring just one point, as the team opted to rest its core and give its bench valuable minutes ahead of the championship series.

    It was a decision rooted in confidence—and preparation.

     

    “Our focus isn’t that we go to the championship. Our focus is that we train like champions every day. So that’s what we do. We ask God for a championship. He’s gonna give us challenges, but we need to play like we’re champions,” Gandler said.

     

    “It means the world because I see the qualities of a champion in each one of them. And it’s made me a better person and player.”

     

    Now, the rebuild has come full circle. Cignal heads into a best-of-three Finals against Creamline at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, armed not just with momentum—but with a clearer identity shaped by growth, patience, and belief.

     

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