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Category: Volleyball

  • PVL: Universities That Produced the Most Players in the League this Conference 

    PVL: Universities That Produced the Most Players in the League this Conference 

    The Premier Volleyball League isn’t just a battleground for the country’s best—it has become a reflection of where they were built.

     

    And in 2026, one thing is unmistakable: the UAAP remains the league’s most powerful talent engine.

     

    Across all 10 teams in the PVL All-Filipino Conference, the fingerprints of UAAP programs are everywhere. From star scorers to defensive anchors, from seasoned veterans to rising standouts, the collegiate league continues to dictate the rhythm of the professional game.

     

    At the center of it all is De La Salle Lady Spikers—not just producing talent, but sustaining a system that keeps feeding the pro ranks year after year.

     

    Built on a foundation shaped by Ramil de Jesus and his 12 championships, La Salle’s presence in the PVL goes beyond numbers. It’s about continuity. From established names like Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Ara Galang, and Kim Fajardo, Mika Reyes, and Kianna Dy to the next wave featuring Erika Santos and Alas standouts in Fifi Sharma, Julia Coronel, and Thea Gagate, the program continues to reload without losing its identity.

     

    What sets La Salle apart isn’t just volume—it’s the ability to evolve while staying dominant.

    But the story doesn’t end there.

     

    Adamson Lady Falcons have quietly built one of the most reliable pipelines in the modern era. Without a UAAP title to their name, they’ve instead carved out a reputation for producing adaptable, pro-ready players. Names like Jema Galanza, Eli Soyud, and Mylene Paat highlight a program that thrives on development over accolades.

     

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    Meanwhile, FEU Lady Tamaraws continue to supply the league with versatility. Led by veterans such as Rachel Daquis and supported by players like Bernadeth Pons and Gel Cayuna, FEU products are known for their ability to fit into any system—an invaluable trait in the ever-evolving pro game.

     

    The dominance of NU Lady Bulldogs at the collegiate level has also translated seamlessly into the pros. With stars like Bella Belen and Ivy Lacsina, alongside veterans such as Myla Pablo, the program has built a reputation for producing players who arrive in the PVL ready to contribute immediately.

     

    And then there’s UST Golden Tigresses—a program that continues to endure. Even without recent championships, UST remains a steady source of high-impact players. From icons like Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure to emerging contributors, the Tigresses prove that relevance isn’t always measured in titles alone.

     

    Beyond the UAAP, other pathways still exist.

     

    The NCAA Philippines, provincial schools, and even overseas institutions have carved out their own presence in the PVL. But in terms of scale, consistency, and influence, no system comes close to matching what the UAAP continues to produce.

     

    What the PVL shows today is not just a collection of teams—it’s a continuation of rivalries, systems, and cultures first forged in college gyms.

     

    And as long as that pipeline remains intact, the future of Philippine volleyball will continue to run through the UAAP.

     

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  • “We want to show who we are”: Alyssa Valdez sends strong message as Creamline returns to PVL Finals 

    “We want to show who we are”: Alyssa Valdez sends strong message as Creamline returns to PVL Finals 

    The Creamline Cool Smashers once again underscored their dynasty status in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), punching their ticket to yet another finals appearance after outlasting the Farm Fresh Foxies, 25-23, 14-25, 25-23, 25-19, in the All-Filipino Conference semifinals on Thursday, April 16, at a jampacked FilOil EcoOil Centre.

     

    In a match that showcased both resilience and championship pedigree, Creamline leaned on its core veterans to overcome a spirited challenge from the upstart Foxies. Tots Carlos spearheaded the attack with 15 points, delivering in crucial stretches, particularly in the tightly contested first and third sets. She was ably supported by Jema Galanza and Jeanette Panaga, who chipped in 13 markers apiece to keep the offense balanced and unpredictable.

     

    The victory marked the 15th finals appearance in franchise history for Creamline, further solidifying its reputation as the league’s gold standard. Even more impressive is their sustained dominance in the All-Filipino Conference, where this latest berth represents their ninth consecutive trip to the championship round—a testament to the organization’s consistency, depth, and winning culture.

     

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    Despite their storied success, the Cool Smashers entered the conference with something to prove. The team experienced a rare dip in form over the past year, falling short in their title defense in the previous All-Filipino Conference and missing the finals in the three succeeding tournaments. For a team accustomed to competing for championships, the drought served as both a humbling experience and a source of motivation.

     

    Team captain Alyssa Valdez, one of the most recognizable faces in Philippine volleyball, acknowledged the significance of their return to the finals. Speaking to reporters after the match, Valdez emphasized that the journey back has been as meaningful as the result itself.

    “Coming into the Finals, we just want to show and even see for ourselves who the Creamline Cool Smashers really are after everything we have been through,” Valdez shared. “Of course, we are really happy. It feels so good to be back in the Finals. It’s been a while, right? Almost a year, three conferences without getting here. Honestly, it’s hard to put into words what we are feeling right now.”

     

    Beyond the statistics and accolades, Valdez highlighted the importance of rediscovering team identity and chemistry. The Cool Smashers’ campaign in this conference has been bolstered by the return and reintegration of key players, including playmaker Jia De Guzman, versatile spiker Bernadeth Pons, and Galanza, giving the squad a sense of completeness that had been missing in previous tournaments.

     

    “I think for this conference, our mindset has really been about getting to know ourselves better as Creamline,” Valdez explained. “This is the first time in a while that we are complete, so our growth and journey have been different. We have gotten to know each other on a deeper level because of all the challenges we went through. We are very thankful for that experience.”

     

    That renewed cohesion was evident against Farm Fresh, particularly in how Creamline responded after dropping the second set convincingly. Instead of unraveling, the Cool Smashers regrouped, tightened their defense, and executed more efficiently in transition to regain control of the match.

     

    Awaiting them in the finals is another formidable opponent in the Cignal HD Spikers, setting up a highly anticipated championship showdown between two of the league’s most competitive squads. Game 1 is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, at the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum, where a large and passionate crowd is expected to witness the opening salvo of the series.

     

    For Valdez and the Cool Smashers, the mission is clear: reclaim their place at the top of Philippine volleyball. With their core intact, confidence restored, and momentum on their side, Creamline now stands just steps away from adding another chapter to its already illustrious legacy.

     

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Women at risk of disbandment over allowance issues ahead of AVC Nations Cup 

    Alas Pilipinas Women at risk of disbandment over allowance issues ahead of AVC Nations Cup 

    The challenge for the Alas Pilipinas Women is no longer confined to the court. What was supposed to be a period of rebuilding has instead turned into a moment of reckoning, as concerns from both former and prospective players cast doubt on the stability of the national program.

     

    At the center of the uncertainty are issues that go beyond systems and rotations—questions of trust, welfare, and commitment. Reports indicate that several athletes have grown hesitant about joining or returning to the program, not because of competition, but because of unresolved matters behind the scenes.

     

    Among the most pressing concerns are delays in allowances, with some players allegedly waiting months without compensation. For athletes weighing the decision to represent the country, financial clarity has become just as important as the opportunity itself.

     

    Alongside this are concerns about player welfare, particularly in areas related to health and safety—factors that are increasingly shaping how modern athletes evaluate national team commitments.

     

    These issues come at a critical time for the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, which had been preparing for a fresh start under newly appointed head coach Anusorn Bundit.

     

    Part of that plan included a proposed special draft tied to the PVL rookie selection process, designed to give the coaching staff a structured way to build the next core of the national team.

     

    The idea, on paper, offered direction. Selected players would commit to a two-year stint under the national program while remaining under contract with the federation—an arrangement meant to ensure continuity and long-term development.

     

    But the hesitation surrounding the draft reflects a deeper issue.

     

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    With reports of nearly six months of delayed allowances and unclear contractual terms, players are now approaching the opportunity with caution, weighing not just the honor of wearing the national colors, but the realities that come with it.

     

    All of this uncertainty comes as the national team approaches a major international test. Alas Pilipinas Women has been drawn into a challenging Pool A alongside South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Kyrgyzstan, Australia, and Uzbekistan for the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup set from June 6 to 14 in Candon City.

     

    Instead of focusing solely on preparations and matchups, however, the program now finds itself balancing external expectations with internal stability.

     

    What emerges is a team at a crossroads.

     

    On one side is the opportunity to compete on home soil against some of the region’s toughest squads. On the other is the urgent need to resolve issues that could determine whether the team takes the court at full strength—or at all.

     

    Until those concerns are addressed, the future of Alas Pilipinas Women remains uncertain—not because of a lack of talent, but because of questions that still need answers.

     

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  • Erika Santos embraces pressure in Cignal’s breakthrough PVL finals run

    Erika Santos embraces pressure in Cignal’s breakthrough PVL finals run

    For Erika Santos, the long wait has only made the moment more meaningful. After years of building, adjusting, and growing into her role, Santos now finds herself on the brink of something new—a first-ever Finals appearance with the Cignal Super Spikers in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

     

    “Like I always say talaga na masarap maglaro under pressure. So, nasa iyo na talaga kung paano mo laruin and kung paano mo, ‘yon, gagawin yung best mo para ma-outplay yung kalaban,” Santos said, embracing the weight that comes with the biggest stage.

     

    “For sure, yung uhaw kasi ang tagal na nito eh. Parang ilang years din in the making tapos finally andito na sa finals. So ‘yon, gutom na gutom na para, ‘yon, kunin yung medal and yung trophy.”

     

    That mindset was already evident as early as the qualifying round. In a heart-stopping five-set showdown against the Creamline Cool Smashers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Santos powered Cignal through one of its toughest tests of the conference. 

     

    She erupted for 26 points built on 23 attacks, two blocks, and an ace—delivering in crucial moments as the Super Spikers outlasted Creamline, 21-25, 26-24, 25-18, 22-25, 15-17.

     

    Her ability to rise in high-pressure situations kept Cignal within striking distance in a match that constantly swung between two elite squads—and ultimately pushed them forward.

     

    They carried that resilience into the semifinals, opening with a strong statement win over the Farm Fresh Foxies. After dropping the first set, Cignal dominated the rest of the match, with Santos leading the charge with 21 points built on 20 attacks and a block.

     

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    “Hindi naging madali yung transition kasi, um, kailangan mag-adjust sa new system. Pero a good thing talagang tyinaga nila Coach Shaq (delos Santos). So, ‘yan nabubuo naman, nagiging okay naman yung outcome. So, hopefully mabuos pa lahat sa finals,” she shared, reflecting on the team’s evolution.

     

    By April 14, Cignal’s growth was undeniable.

     

    The Super Spikers delivered an emphatic four-set victory over Creamline, 25-13, 13-25, 25-16, 25-16, to punch their ticket back to the Finals. Santos once again played a key role, finishing with a double-double of 14 points and 14 excellent digs in a composed, all-around effort.

     

    It marked Cignal’s return to the championship stage since the 2024 Invitational Conference—but for Santos, it represents something even more personal.

     

    “Nag-a-align na yung mga pinagtrabahuan ng bawat isa and yung goals namin. Pero syempre uhaw ho yung bawat isa and lalo na ako, lalo na first time kong mag-final so gagawin ko yung best ko.”

     

    Beyond the moment, Santos’ rise has been backed by consistency.

     

    The 2025 PVL On Tour MVP has emerged as one of the league’s top attackers, currently ranking as the third-best spiker in the All-Filipino Conference—proof that her impact goes beyond single-game performances.

     

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  • UAAP Final Four race goes down to the wire as Adamson, FEU, and UST battle for last two spots 

    UAAP Final Four race goes down to the wire as Adamson, FEU, and UST battle for last two spots 

    Clarity has finally arrived at the top—but chaos still reigns below. With the elimination of the UP Fighting Maroons, the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball Final Four race has been trimmed to three teams fighting for the last two slots.

     

    Already through are the DLSU Lady Spikers and the defending champion NU Lady Bulldogs, leaving the rest to sort things out in the final stretch of the elimination round.

     

    The Adamson Lady Falcons, UST Golden Tigresses, and FEU Lady Tamaraws now find themselves locked in a race where every match carries weight and every result could shift the standings.

     

    Adamson holds the clearest path among the contenders. At 8-5, the Lady Falcons are in a “win and you’re in” scenario heading into their final game against FEU, a direct showdown that could settle the race outright.

     

    A victory would lift Adamson to 9-5 and secure its first Final Four appearance since Season 85. But with that simplicity comes pressure, knowing one slip could open the door for the chasing pack.

     

    FEU, meanwhile, faces a more delicate situation at 7-5. The Lady Tamaraws must navigate two final games with different stakes—first against Adamson, then against the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

     

    If FEU wins both, it advances outright. But a split could drag them into playoff scenarios, while two losses would leave their fate dependent on other results, highlighting just how thin the margin for error has become.

     

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    UST finds itself in a similarly precarious spot, also holding a 7-5 record but facing arguably the toughest road. The Golden Tigresses must take care of business against UP before facing NU in their final assignment.

     

    Two wins would secure their place in the semifinals, but anything less could push them into a playoff—or potentially out of contention depending on how the other results unfold.

     

    While the race for the remaining spots intensifies, the battle at the top presents its own stakes. La Salle and NU are set for a crucial meeting that will determine the format of the semifinals.

     

    A win by NU ensures a traditional Final Four, while a La Salle victory would trigger a stepladder format and grant the Lady Spikers a direct ticket to the Finals.

     

    As the elimination round winds down, the picture is clear in one sense and wide open in another. Two teams are already in, but the final composition of the Final Four remains undecided.

     

    With only a handful of games left, the race has shifted from chasing wins to managing pressure—where every point could ultimately decide who moves forward and who gets left behind.

     

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  • Savi Davison powers PLDT sweep, High Speed Hitters shift focus to bronze 

    Savi Davison powers PLDT sweep, High Speed Hitters shift focus to bronze 

    It was too late for a Finals push—but not too late to make a statement. Savi Davison who led the High Speed Hitters and delivered a commanding performance to a straight-sets win over the Cignal Super Spikers, 25-17, 25-22, 25-23, in their final semifinal match in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

     

    The victory, while no longer enough to keep their championship hopes alive, served as a strong response after back-to-back semifinal losses. 


    The 2025 PVL Invitational Conference MVP paced her squad with 21 points and added 11 excellent receptions, anchoring both ends of PLDT’s game in a morale-boosting finish to their semis run.

     

    “I think everyone coming in today, knowing that we had to bawi, I think that was the most important task today. So, I’m just glad that we came and were able to handle it,” she said after winning against their sister team, Cignal.

     

    Rather than dwelling on missed opportunities, PLDT used the match to rediscover its rhythm—something that had eluded them earlier in the round. 

     

    The High Speed Hitters showed composure in tight stretches, particularly in the second and third sets, where Cignal threatened but ultimately fell short against PLDT’s steadier execution.

    Still, the result carried a sense of what could have been.

     

    “Hirap talaga kasi capable tayo. We’re super capable of being in the Top 3.” The Fil-Canadian said. 

     

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    That belief remains central to PLDT’s mindset heading into the final stretch of the conference and despite falling short of a Finals berth, the team is intent on proving that its semifinal stumble does not define its overall campaign.

     

    “Our journey isn’t done, but I just wish that we were in the Top 2, Top 1 seed,” the 27-year-old Open Hitter for PLDT said.

     

    Now, the focus shifts from chasing a title to securing a podium finish. PLDT is set to face the Farm Fresh Foxies in the best-of-three series for the bronze medal, opening on April 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Aside from Davison, Alleiah Malaluan also chipped in 11 points and 14 digs while veterans Mika Reyes, Kim Kianna Dy, and Majoy Baron contributed seven points each. Kim Fajardo also delivered an orchestrated offense with 23 excellent sets and two points.

     

    For Davison, the motivation is clear and that is to end strong and leave no doubts about the team’s potential.

     

    “Like coach said, it’s not over yet and we still have the job to do,” she said. “Take one game at a time and finish the season off with a win.”

     

    With confidence restored and one final goal in sight, the High Speed Hitters are aiming to turn a bittersweet semifinal exit into a meaningful closing chapter of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference. 

     

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  • Creamline, Cignal set for rivalry showdown in PVL AFC Finals

    Creamline, Cignal set for rivalry showdown in PVL AFC Finals

    The stage is set for a rivalry that has come to define the Premier Volleyball League’s biggest moments.

     

    The Creamline Cool Smashers are back where they have so often thrived—under the brightest lights of the Finals. But this time, waiting on the other side is a familiar challenger that has steadily turned the tide in their favor: the Cignal Super Spikers.

     

    This will be the fourth meeting between the two teams this conference—and fittingly, each clash has come at a pivotal moment.

     

    Creamline struck first in a gripping five-set battle, 25-19, 25-20, 15-25, 26-28, 16-14, a result that secured their place in the Final Four and reinforced their championship pedigree.

     

    But Cignal responded when the stakes rose. The Super Spikers claimed a crucial 25-21, 24-26, 25-18, 25-22, 17-15 victory that reshaped the semifinal landscape—earning the upper bracket advantage while sending Creamline down the tougher path.

     

    And when they met again, with a Finals berth on the line, Cignal delivered its most convincing statement yet.

     

    The Super Spikers punched their way into the championship round after dispatching Creamline, 25-13, 13-25, 25-16, 25-16. But beyond the numbers, what stood out was how they got there—steady, connected, and unshaken by the momentum swings that had undone them in past campaigns.

     

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    That evolution now sets the tone for the Finals. Creamline, meanwhile, had to take the long road back.

     

    Facing the Farm Fresh Foxies in a do-or-die semifinal, the Cool Smashers leaned on experience to survive a 25-23, 14-25, 25-23, 25-19 victory and secure their 15th Finals appearance.

     

    It wasn’t a dominant showing—it was a test of composure. A comfortable lead in the third set vanished as Mylene Paat sparked a Farm Fresh rally, erasing a 19-14 deficit and forcing a tense deadlock. But Creamline responded with poise, as Bernadeth Pons, Michele Gumabao, Jema Galanza, and Tots Carlos delivered in key moments to regain control.

     

    From there, they never let go. A strong finishing run in the fourth set turned a slim 19-17 edge into a decisive close, showcasing the Cool Smashers’ ability to execute when it matters most.

     

    Carlos led with 15 points and 14 digs, while Galanza and Pangs Panaga added 13 each. Jia De Guzman orchestrated the offense, and Jen Nierva anchored the defense—pieces that will be crucial in the Finals rematch.

     

    Farm Fresh, for its part, exits with momentum despite the loss. Trisha Tubu once again led the charge, supported by Ces Molina, Royse Tubino, and Paat, as the Foxies now shift their focus to a bronze medal duel against the PLDT High Speed Hitters.

     

    And after a series of high-stakes encounters that have swung both ways, the Finals will serve as the ultimate tiebreaker in a rivalry that has only grown sharper with every meeting.

     

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  • PLDT eyes one last shot for podium finish against finals-bound Cignal 

    PLDT eyes one last shot for podium finish against finals-bound Cignal 

    What once looked like a clear path to the Finals has now turned into a fight to finish with something to show. The PLDT High Speed Hitters enter their final match of the PVL All-Filipino Conference carrying the weight of missed opportunities, but also a chance to redefine how their campaign ends.

     

    The turning point came in a loss that felt within reach until it wasn’t. Against the Farm Fresh Foxies, PLDT found itself caught in a match of shifting momentum—one where control never fully settled on either side. In the end, it was Farm Fresh that capitalized, handing the High Speed Hitters a 25-23, 18-25, 25-19, 25-23 defeat that pushed them to the brink.

     

    More than the scoreline, it was what followed that revealed the team’s state of mind.

     

    “We have one more game to work on and the conference is not yet over for us. We have a chance to finish strong so we are gonna continue working on sa mga kulang namin. PLDT Opposite Hitter Kianna Dy said.

     

    “We are still gonna give our all. The conference is not yet over for us and it’s still an important game. We are gonna see how do we bounce back from this kasi we can’t be satisfied with where we are now. Obviously, kulang kasi talo,” Dy concluded.

     

    It’s not denial—it’s acknowledgment. PLDT knows the Finals are slipping away, but the response now becomes just as important as the run that brought them here. This final outing is no longer about advancing—it’s about identity.

     

    And that identity will be tested by a team that has already found its rhythm. 

     

    The Cignal Super Spikers arrive on the opposite end of the spectrum, fresh off a statement win over the Creamline Cool Smashers that secured their place in the Finals.

     

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    Yet it wasn’t dominance that defined that victory—it was composure.In a matchup where momentum swings were expected, Cignal refused to be shaken. They absorbed runs, responded with precision, and maintained a level of control that has often separated contenders from champions.

     

    That version of Cignal now presents a different kind of challenge. For PLDT, it’s not just about stopping a hot team—it’s about rediscovering the form that once made them one. The pieces are still there, but the consistency has wavered at the most crucial stage.

     

    Meanwhile, for Cignal, this match is less about stakes and more about sustaining standards, with the Finals already secured, the focus shifts to sharpening execution and preserving the chemistry that has fueled their surge. 

     

    In their lone matchup this conference, Cignal swept PLDT in three sets, 25-21, 25-19, 25-23. Giving the Super Spikers an edge against the salvaging High Speed Hitters. 

     

    Two teams, two different paths—but one shared moment. PLDT fights to salvage. Cignal prepares to conquer.

     

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  • Adamson nears Final Four berth as Shaina Nitura leads sweep of UP

    Adamson nears Final Four berth as Shaina Nitura leads sweep of UP

    With one game left in the eliminations, the Adamson Lady Falcons tightened its grip on Final Four contention after a dominant straight-sets win over the UP Fighting Maroons, 25-19, 25-18, 25-16.


    The victory lifted the Lady Falcons to an 8–5 record, allowing them to break free from a previous three-way tie with the UST Golden Tigresses and FEU Lady Tamaraws for solo third place. 


    But despite the favorable position, nothing is secured yet—Adamson still needs one more win to officially clinch a Final Four berth.

     

    Leading the charge once again was Shaina Nitura, who delivered 26 points on 23 attacks and three blocks, alongside six digs and six receptions in a composed all-around effort with a 55% attack rate.

     

    Yet even as she continues to anchor Adamson’s late-season surge, Nitura insists the team’s mindset remains inward-looking.

     

    “We’re focused talaga sa sarili namin, ‘yung gagawin ng team on how we win, how we’re gonna respond sa challenges na ihaharap sa amin. We focus on ourselves na magrespond well at manalo,” Nitura said.

     

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    Her performance reflected that approach—steady, efficient, and anchored on discipline rather than urgency. For Nitura, the difference-maker isn’t just talent, but how a team responds under pressure.

     

    “Siguro God’s will eh, hindi ko rin alam. Siyempre gusto rin ng kabila. So siguro nagma-matter talaga sinong mas may gusto, and kung sino yung mas nagre-respond ng tama at applicable doon sa sitwasyon na yun,” the outside hitter Player of the Game said.

     

    “I think everyone naman pag may gusto, talagang ipilit gagawa ng paraan, kaliwa, kanan, baba at taas kung gusto mo talaga,” she added.

     

    Adamson’s supporting cast also delivered, with Joy Aseo contributing 10 points and Eloi Dote adding seven. Fhei Sagaysay orchestrated the offense with 21 excellent sets while scoring four markers.

     

    Still, Nitura emphasized that individual output takes a backseat to the team’s collective goal.

     

    “I think sa ginagalawan namin, pinapaboran kami on how we respond talaga as a team, and talagang sineset aside namin yung mga individual, yung mga selfish desires na gusto namin, or yung pansarili. So talagang naka-focus kami on helping the team to get into Final Four, and the same goes with the coaching staff.”

     

    On the other side, UP saw its Final Four hopes officially slip away. Now at 5–8, the Fighting Maroons were eliminated from contention, extending their drought to eight straight seasons without a semifinal appearance. Kianne Olango led the team with 13 points, while Irah Jaboneta and Nina Ytang chipped in five and four, respectively.

     

    For Adamson, the path is now simple—but not easy as the final elimination-round showdown against FEU awaits at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. One more win, and the Lady Falcons finally complete their return. 

     

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  • La Salle one win away from season sweep and outright finals berth after straight-sets rout of UE 

    La Salle one win away from season sweep and outright finals berth after straight-sets rout of UE 

    The De La Salle Lady Spikers continued their methodical march through UAAP Season 88, dismantling the UE Lady Warriors in straight sets, 25-20, 25-18, 25-15, on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

     

    It wasn’t just another win. It was another step toward something far more significant.

     

    At 13-0, La Salle now stands on the brink of completing an elimination-round sweep—a feat the program hasn’t achieved since Season 76. More importantly, finishing the job would mean an outright ticket to the Finals and a stepladder advantage, bypassing the chaos of the semifinals altogether.

     

    But inside the team, the message remains grounded. “Siguro, hindi naman mawawala yung pressure pagdating sa amin. Siyempre, nandoon yung pressure na kailangang manalo, pero lagi namang pinapaalala ni coach na score at number lang ’yan,” said assistant coach Gian de Jesus.

     

    “Kailangan mag-focus pa rin sa kung ano yung nasa harapan mo, which is yung NU ngayon, at one game at a time lang. Sana, hopefully, maganda pa rin yung mapakita namin na game against NU.”

    That next step is anything but simple. Waiting for them is the defending champion NU Lady Bulldogs—a familiar rival and the final hurdle between La Salle and a perfect elimination round. Their upcoming showdown carries more than just playoff implications; it’s a preview of what could be a championship collision.

     

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    Against UE, however, La Salle showed why it has remained untouched this season. The match turned decisively in the third set. Locked at 4-all, the Lady Spikers flipped the switch, unleashing a scoring run that turned the frame into a runaway. Shane Reterta ignited the surge with three straight attacks, setting the tone for a finish that never wavered.

     

    From there, execution took over. Angel Canino led the balanced attack with 12 points while anchoring the floor defense with 10 excellent digs and seven receptions. At the net, Lilay del Castillo and Amie Provido controlled the middle, combining for blocks and quick hits that kept UE from finding rhythm.

     

    Even the second unit delivered. Bench players like Mikee Santos, Ella de Guzman, and Mikole Reyes made the most of their minutes, reflecting the depth that has become one of La Salle’s biggest strengths.

     

    For UE, the story continues to be a search for answers. The loss dropped the Lady Warriors to 0-13, extending a losing streak that now spans 27 matches. Despite the numbers, there were still efforts worth noting, with Khy Cepada leading the way and support coming from Bangayan and Angge Reyes.

     

    But the gap remains clear. As La Salle sharpens itself for a defining clash, UE is left trying to salvage something from a difficult campaign, with another opportunity looming against Ateneo.

     

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