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Category: Volleyball

  • Bella Belen laughs off fan vote surge, embraces growing star power ahead of PVL All-Star Showcase

    Bella Belen laughs off fan vote surge, embraces growing star power ahead of PVL All-Star Showcase

    Bella Belen has spent most of her volleyball life winning matches, collecting awards, and proving she belongs on the biggest stage.

     

    Now, she is learning what comes with that kind of rise: a fanbase that shows up just as hard as she does.

     

    As voting intensifies for the upcoming PVL All-Star Showcase, the Capital1 rookie has become one of the most talked-about names in the race for a starting spot — and in typical Bella fashion, she chose to meet the moment with humor first.

     

    “Malay niyo ako po yun. Charot! Nag-create ako ng accounts (Who knows, maybe it’s me. I created those accounts. Just kidding),” Belen said.

     

    The joke landed the way many things involving Belen usually do — naturally, lightly, and with the kind of charm that has helped make her one of the easiest stars in Philippine volleyball to root for.

     

    But behind the playful answer is a reality that has become harder to ignore: Belen’s popularity is no longer just a reflection of what she did in college.

     

    It is now following her into the pros.

     

    After building one of the most decorated careers in UAAP women’s volleyball history with National University, Belen entered the Premier Volleyball League carrying enormous expectations. Instead of shrinking under them, she turned her rookie conference into a statement.

     

    The No. 1 overall pick of Capital1 finished the preliminary round as the league’s Best Scorer with 218 points, powered by 199 attacks, eight blocks, and 11 aces — numbers that quickly validated why the Solar Spikers chose to build around her.

     

    Capital1’s campaign ultimately ended in the Play-In against Galeries Tower, but Belen’s individual impact was already impossible to miss.

     

    That is what makes her current All-Star push feel less like a popularity spike and more like the natural next step of a player whose profile has only continued to grow.

     

    She may no longer be eligible for the conference MVP race due to the league’s long-standing rule limiting consideration to players from the top four teams, but Belen remains a strong contender for Rookie of the Conference — another sign that her first PVL run was not just promising, but highly productive.

     

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    Still, for Belen, the strongest takeaway from all the support is personal.

     

    “I’m really happy because people are seeing how I’ve been playing this conference in the PVL, what I can contribute and share with the fans,” Belen said in Filipino.

     

    That appreciation has shown up clearly in the All-Star returns.

     

    The 23-year-old remains firmly in the mix for a starting outside hitter role for Team Heart in the May 1 showcase at Candon City, sitting at 16.03 percent of the vote and staying on track to claim the second open spiker spot.

     

    Creamline veteran Jema Galanza has surged into the top position with 27.15 percent, while fellow three-time UAAP MVP Alyssa Valdez trails just behind Belen at 15.48 percent.

     

    Even in a field packed with established names and fan favorites, Belen has managed to hold her ground — another reflection of how quickly she has earned both respect and visibility at the pro level.

     

    And while the fan voting has brought another layer of excitement, Belen’s anticipation for the All-Star event goes beyond the recognition.

     

    For her, the bigger draw is the chance to share the court with players she has long admired from afar.

     

    “I’m also very excited to be teammates with players I haven’t played with before, especially my idols. It’s a different feeling when you actually get to share the court with them, even for a short time,” said Belen.

     

    “I just want to absorb as much as I can from them. So I’m really excited to see what the final tally of the votes will be.”

     

    That outlook says as much about her as the numbers do.

     

    Even after winning three UAAP titles, three MVPs, becoming the first rookie MVP in league history, having her No. 4 jersey retired by National University, and being named the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s Miss Volleyball after a standout 2025, Belen is still approaching moments like this with the curiosity of someone who feels she still has more to learn.

     

    That mindset may be one reason why her rise has felt so sustainable.

     

    She already has the résumé. She clearly has the game. And now, more than ever, she also has the crowd behind her.

     

    The PVL All-Star Showcase may only be an exhibition.

     

    But for Bella Belen, it is also becoming another reminder that her reach in Philippine volleyball is getting bigger by the day.

     

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  • Tina Salak urges focus as Akari rides emotional high into Creamline semifinals clash

    Tina Salak urges focus as Akari rides emotional high into Creamline semifinals clash

    Akari’s breakthrough victory over Choco Mucho in the PVL All-Filipino Conference play-in round left the team buzzing with adrenaline, but head coach Tina Salak is determined to keep her squad grounded.

     

    The Chargers survived a grueling five-set thriller, 25-15, 23-25, 25-16, 15-25, 21-19, on March 28 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, a win that punched their ticket to a play-in duel with powerhouse Creamline for a semifinals berth.

     

    Despite the euphoria, Salak emphasized the need for her players to reset, both physically and mentally, before the next challenge. “Hindi kami pwede mag-settle lang,” she said. “Ito yung naging result namin [against Choco Mucho]. It’s a win, yes, but, we have to work hard kasi ‘yung next step namin is semifinals. Ang main goal naman is to go on top.”

     

    The veteran mentor also acknowledged the importance of rest and regaining focus ahead of their April 7 showdown at the Filoil Centre in San Juan. 

     

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    “May rest naman sila. May rest period. Kailangan lang ulit namin makakuha ng inspiration and then para maka-refresh na ‘yung mindset namin towards Creamline,” Salak explained.

     

    Even in the most tense moments, the coach’s confidence in her squad never wavered. “Hindi ako pwede sumuko sa kanila kasi sila lumalaban para sa amin. Marami pang ganitong mangyayari,” she said, underscoring the team’s resilience and unity on the court.

     

    Salak also highlighted the team’s ability to stay connected despite occasional miscommunication during the match. “Although may mga instances na hindi kami nagkakaintindihan, pinipili pa rin namin mag-stick together,” she noted.

     

    With the play-in clash looming, Akari now shifts its attention to Creamline, ready to channel the momentum from their emotional victory into a statement performance that could secure their place in the semifinals.

     

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  • Nxled leans on veteran poise as franchise-first PVL semis berth comes into view

    Nxled leans on veteran poise as franchise-first PVL semis berth comes into view

    Nxled is now staring at the biggest opportunity in its young franchise history, with just one more play-in win separating the Chameleons from a breakthrough semifinal berth in the Premier Volleyball League.

     

    A victory over Farm Fresh would finally send Nxled to the semifinals for the first time, a milestone that once seemed far off for a team still carving out its place in the league during only its third year.

     

    The Chameleons’ path to this point has hardly been straightforward, which may be exactly why they now appear more dangerous than ever.

     

    They looked like a legitimate contender early in the conference, opening their campaign with three straight wins and immediately showing signs that they could be more than just an emerging side trying to keep pace.

     

    That momentum, however, did not last long. A four-game losing streak suddenly threw Nxled off course and placed its campaign in serious danger, forcing the team into the kind of pressure stretch that often reveals whether a squad is truly ready to compete for something bigger.

     

    Instead of fading, Nxled found a way to respond at the right time.The Chameleons recovered with two crucial wins to close the preliminary round, preserving their season and forcing their way into the play-in phase with renewed confidence and a second chance to keep their breakthrough hopes alive.

     

    They made the most of that opportunity before the Holy Week break, dispatching Galeries Tower in four sets and avenging an earlier defeat in the process.

     

    That result not only kept Nxled moving forward, but also brought the team within one win of reaching territory it has never touched before.

     

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    For Myla Pablo, this kind of situation is nothing new.

     

    The former league MVP has spent much of her career navigating tight playoff races and pressure-filled games, and she now hopes that same experience can help steady a younger Nxled side trying to take the next step.

     

    “‘Yung kapit namin before sa Petro Gazz, sanay kami na naghahabol sa mga crucial games kasi ‘yung standing namin, laging nasa No. 6 o No. 7,” she said.

     

    “Kaya nu’ng lumipat kami sa Nxled, ngayon with coach Ettore [Guidetti], kailangan ‘yung mga nangyari sa’min sa Petro Gazz is ma-apply namin.”

     

    That perspective carries weight for this group, especially with several players on the roster having already experienced what it takes to survive deep playoff runs.

     

    Just last year in the Reinforced Conference, the now-defunct Petro Gazz Angels found themselves in a similarly difficult position, finishing only fifth at the end of the preliminaries before suddenly catching fire in the postseason.

     

    That veteran core then strung together three straight knockout wins to complete a remarkable championship run, a title charge that ultimately became the fourth and final crown in the franchise’s history.

     

    Now, some of those same players are being asked to bring that same composure and toughness to Nxled, which is now facing its own defining stretch.

     

    The stakes are different, but the demands are familiar: stay calm, communicate, and deliver when the season is on the line.

     

    Pablo believes that is where this team can be at its strongest.

     

    “Kami naman, in crucial games talaga, lumalabas naman ‘yung communication namin, ‘yung leadership ng bawat isa, at ‘yung tapang namin,” she said.

     

    That belief will now be tested against Farm Fresh in a match that could change the direction of the franchise.

     

    For Nxled, this is no longer just about extending a conference run or staying alive for another round. It is about proving that the Chameleons are ready to belong among the league’s final four.

    If they can get through one more pressure game, they will not just be a team with promise.They will be a team that has finally broken through.

     

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  • PVL Draft applications open April 20 as spotlight turns to where top young stars will go

    PVL Draft applications open April 20 as spotlight turns to where top young stars will go

    The Premier Volleyball League is opening its doors again to the next wave of homegrown talent, but this year’s rookie draft feels like more than a routine offseason event.

     

    Applications for the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft will officially open on April 20, with the selection proceedings expected in early June as the league stages the third edition of a system that has quickly become one of its most important equalizers. The draft continues to serve as the league’s primary pipeline for new talent, offering clubs a structured way to strengthen their rosters while giving top collegiate and amateur standouts a direct path to the professional game.

     

    That alone already makes the coming draft significant.

     

    But what gives this year’s edition a little more weight is the growing sense that the next generation of stars may soon have to choose not just which team they want to play for, but which path they want to take.

     

    In only two years, the PVL Draft has already shown how quickly one pick can alter a franchise’s direction.

     

    ZUS Coffee made the first major splash in 2024 when it selected Thea Gagate at No. 1 overall, securing a long-term answer in the middle. A year later, Capital1 made its own franchise-defining gamble by taking Bella Belen with the top pick, betting on one of the country’s most decorated all-around talents to become the face of its rebuild.

     

    Those selections did more than just fill roster holes. They signaled how seriously teams are now treating the draft as a long-term investment rather than a ceremonial offseason exercise.

    That is why the opening of the 2026 application window matters.

     

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    For many aspiring pros, this is the moment where collegiate stardom starts to turn into career decisions. It is where standout players begin weighing whether to turn pro immediately, stay longer in school if eligible, explore opportunities abroad, or finally test themselves against the country’s best in the PVL.

     

    And hovering over all of that is the unresolved question of the proposed Alas Pilipinas draft.

    The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) had earlier floated the idea of a separate draft system for the national team, one designed to organize player selection and create a clearer development track for Alas Pilipinas.

     

    Under that proposal, players who choose to enter the Alas draft would effectively close the door on the PVL Rookie Draft, at least for the time being. They would be required to commit to the national program for a minimum of two years before becoming eligible to pursue a PVL route.

     

    If implemented, that setup would create a genuine fork in the road for elite young players: go pro now, or dedicate the next phase of your career to the national team setup first.

     

    That possibility adds another layer of intrigue to this year’s PVL draft cycle.

     

    For now, however, the PVL remains the more immediate and tangible destination. With applications opening on April 20 and the draft proper looming in early June, attention now turns to who will declare, who will wait, and who could emerge as the next franchise-changing name to hear her name called first.

     

    Because while the PVL Draft was created to distribute talent more fairly across the league, this year it may also end up revealing something bigger — where the country’s best young volleyball players believe their future is brightest.

     

    The PVL’s rookie draft has become a key roster-building tool since its launch in 2024, while the proposed Alas Pilipinas draft remains under discussion and has yet to be formally rolled out. 

     

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  • “Healthy competition all the way”: Alyssa Valdez opens up on the growing rivalry between Creamline and Cignal

    “Healthy competition all the way”: Alyssa Valdez opens up on the growing rivalry between Creamline and Cignal

    The rivalry between the Creamline Cool Smashers and the Cignal Super Spikers has quickly emerged as the marquee storyline of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, captivating fans with high-intensity matches that have gone down to the wire.

     

    Both meetings between these two PVL heavyweights so far in the conference have extended to five-set thrillers, highlighting the evenly matched nature of the contest. In the preliminary round, Creamline drew first blood with a dramatic 25-19, 25-20, 15-25, 26-28, 16-14 victory over Cignal, showcasing their ability to maintain composure in tense moments. Yet, in a rematch that carried semifinal implications, Cignal exacted revenge, eking out a 25-21, 24-26, 18-25, 25-22, 17-15 win to secure a place in the semifinals, further intensifying the growing rivalry.

     

    Amidst the back-and-forth battles, PVL icon Alyssa Valdez, who captains Creamline, has expressed appreciation for the competitive environment, noting that it pushes both teams to elevate their game.

     

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    “Alam mo, parang lagi pala kami halos five-setter games and we didn’t even realize it. But I guess that’s when you know both teams are really having that healthy competition. And it’s just so nice to see na parehong teams nagpapakita at nag-i-step up,” Valdez said during a media interaction.

     

    The veteran superstar also highlighted the learning opportunities provided by facing Cignal, underlining the importance of carrying lessons from tough matches into future contests.

    “Sa totoo lang, grabe ‘yung mga learnings namin sa Cignal. Dadalhin namin ‘yun sa future games namin. And yeah, congratulations to them,” she added.

     

    Valdez herself has been enjoying a career resurgence in the current All-Filipino Conference. Even in the recent loss to Cignal, the 32-year-old standout delivered an all-around performance, finishing with 18 points, 19 excellent digs, and 20 excellent receptions, proving that she remains a central figure for Creamline both offensively and defensively.

     

    Despite her impressive individual showing, Valdez stressed the importance of moving past the defeat and refocusing on upcoming challenges.

     

    “I guess at some point, siyempre, andun ‘yung panghihinayang. Pero we don’t have time to dwell on it kasi may mga games agad-agad. Titingnan namin yung mga pagkakamali namin, correct them, learn from this, then move forward and focus on the next game,” she said.

     

    Looking ahead, Creamline will aim to return to winning ways when they face the Akari Chargers in a must-win encounter on Tuesday, April 7, at the FilOil Centre. With the semifinal race tightening, Valdez and her teammates understand the urgency of bouncing back, while continuing to build on the lessons learned from their intense duels with Cignal.

     

    The Creamline-Cignal rivalry has not only delivered some of the most exciting volleyball of the season but has also showcased the growth of the league, with both teams pushing each other to new heights. Fans can expect more high-stakes clashes in the coming weeks, as these PVL titans continue to battle for supremacy in the All-Filipino Conference.

     

     

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  • Cignal standout Erika Santos reveals the PVL stars shaping her rise with the Super Spikers  

    Cignal standout Erika Santos reveals the PVL stars shaping her rise with the Super Spikers  

    As Erika Santos continues to carve out her place as one of Cignal’s emerging stars, the rising opposite spiker made it clear that her game has been built as much on observation as it has on talent.

     

    For a young player still finding new layers to unlock in the PVL, growth has not only come from training sessions and match reps, but also from watching the veterans she hopes to learn from and eventually stand alongside.

     

    That is why when asked about the players whose style has influenced her the most, Santos did not point to just one kind of athlete.

     

    Instead, she named a group that reflects the many parts of the game she is still trying to master — from composure and intelligence to competitiveness and control.

     

    At the top of her list is Farm Fresh veteran Ara Galang, a player Santos clearly sees as the complete package when it comes to experience and feel for the game.

     

    For Santos, Galang’s value goes beyond scoring or star power. What stands out most is the way she continues to thrive despite the years, relying on smart decisions and refined instincts that younger players are still trying to develop.

     

    “Ate Ara kasi kahit na matagal siya naglalaro, nandun pa rin ‘yung gulang. ‘Yung skills nandiyan eh, so matalino. Sobrang idol siya.”

     

    That choice says a lot about where Santos sees the next step in her own evolution.

     

    Already known for her attacking punch and her ability to take over stretches offensively, Santos appears to be looking beyond physical tools now and toward the subtler qualities that help players last and lead in the professional game.

     

    Another player who left a strong impression on her is former PLDT star Savi Davison, whose edge and intensity clearly resonated with the young Cignal hitter.

     

    While Davison’s game is often defined by power and production, Santos singled out something deeper — the competitive fire that seems to shape every point she plays.

     

    “Tapos top 3 si Savi. Competitive siya and gusto kong ma-adapt din kung paano siya maglaro.”

    That kind of competitiveness is something Santos has already begun showing more often in her own game.

     

    Her rise with Cignal has not just been about talent translating to the pro level, but also about learning how to assert herself more consistently in pressure moments and bigger matches.

     

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    Santos also made sure to mention someone she sees every day in training and competition — Cignal setter Gel Cayuna.

     

    If Galang represents experience and Davison represents edge, then Cayuna represents structure, rhythm, and the ability to make an offense breathe. For a scorer like Santos, that influence matters just as much.

     

    “Top 4, si Gel. Setting distribution and ‘yung style niya, which is okay naman ngayon.”

     

    That answer also quietly reflects the chemistry Cignal has been building this conference. With Cayuna steering the offense and Santos becoming one of its most reliable finishers, the Super Spikers have started to look like a team whose pieces are not just talented individually, but increasingly aligned in how they want to play.

     

    Rounding out Santos’ list is veteran middle blocker Mika Reyes, whose impact she admires not for flair, but for steadiness.

     

    In a sport where momentum can swing quickly and emotions can shift from set to set, Santos pointed to Reyes’ calm and control as qualities worth emulating.

     

    “Tapos last si ate Yeye. ‘Yung blockings and kung paano siya maging composed all throughout the game.”

     

    Taken together, Santos’ choices paint a fuller picture of the player she is trying to become.

     

    She is not only studying scorers or stars who mirror her position. She is drawing from smart veterans, fiery competitors, composed defenders, and elite playmakers — a sign that her development is rooted in becoming more complete, not just more explosive.

     

    That makes sense for a player whose own rise has already started to gain real momentum.

    Santos has quickly become one of the key names in Cignal’s climb, and her breakout performances — including the run that earned her MVP honors during the PVL on Tour — have shown that she is no longer simply a promising talent, but someone beginning to establish a real presence in the league.

     

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  • Angel Canino, La Salle stay locked in despite Holy Week break

    Angel Canino, La Salle stay locked in despite Holy Week break

    For most teams, the Holy Week break offers a chance to step away and breathe. For Angel Canino and the unbeaten La Salle Lady Spikers, it is simply another part of the process.

     

    Even with a Final Four berth already secured and a spotless 10-0 record in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament, La Salle has made it clear that the work is far from done. The Lady Spikers may be in control of the standings, but inside the team, there is little appetite to slow down while the bigger goal remains unfinished.

     

    That mindset was evident even before the break officially began. La Salle still trained on Holy Tuesday and Holy Wednesday before taking a short three-day pause, with the team set to resume practice on Easter Sunday. It is a brief window to recover, but not one the Lady Spikers are treating as a vacation.

     

    “We’re not treating this as a vacation. It’s more of an active rest because our bodies really need to recover,” said Canino in Filipino. “As athletes, recovery is important. So we’ll recover but still stay active even when we’re away from the court.”

     

    That approach has been a major part of why La Salle has remained steady all season. The Lady Spikers have now won 10 straight matches, most recently sweeping the University of the Philippines, 25-15, 25-18, 25-20, last Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. The win not only kept their unbeaten run alive, but also formally extended La Salle’s streak of reaching the UAAP women’s volleyball Final Four to 16 straight seasons.

     

    Still, Canino said the team is not allowing itself to be distracted by record talk or postseason implications.

     

    “We’re not stopping there,” said Canino. “We still have a lot of games ahead, and we need to stay focused on whomever we’re facing next.”

     

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    That has become one of the defining traits of this La Salle campaign — a team that has looked dominant on paper, but continues to operate with the urgency of a group still chasing something rather than protecting something.

     

    For Canino, that mentality starts with how the Lady Spikers frame the season internally.

     

    “I think what’s good about our team is we don’t focus too much on the big goal. We take it one game at a time and focus on what we can improve as a team and individually. That’s been working for us, and we’ve been able to apply it in our games,” she said.

     

    So while the standings show La Salle sitting comfortably at the top, the team’s approach suggests there is no room yet for satisfaction.

     

    The Lady Spikers remain on track for an elimination round sweep and an outright Finals berth, but their focus remains fixed on the next step rather than the bigger picture.

     

    That next step comes on April 8, when La Salle returns to action against fellow Final Four contender Far Eastern University at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    And if Canino’s words are any indication, La Salle plans to return from the break exactly the same way it entered it — still working, still sharp, and still chasing more.

     

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  • Brooke Van Sickle commends team effort as Nxled keeps PVL semis bid alive

    Brooke Van Sickle commends team effort as Nxled keeps PVL semis bid alive

    The Nxled Chameleons may not have fully found their rhythm in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, but they continue to show resilience and composure when it matters most—keeping their semifinal hopes alive with a crucial victory.

     

    Nxled booked their spot in the next phase of the Play-In round after sweeping the Galeries Tower Highrisers, 25-23, 25-18, 25-23, on Saturday, March 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. While the straight-sets result suggested control, the contest itself was far from straightforward, as the Chameleons had to fend off multiple surges from a determined Galeries side that refused to back down.

     

    From the opening set, Nxled was forced to stay sharp against a Highrisers squad that had already proven capable of pulling off upsets earlier in the conference. The Chameleons leaned on their experience in the closing moments of each set, particularly in the first and third frames where execution in crunch time spelled the difference.

     

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    Leading the charge was team captain Brooke Van Sickle, who once again anchored Nxled with her leadership and steady presence on the court. Beyond her on-court contributions, Van Sickle emphasized the importance of composure and unity, especially against an opponent that had previously tested them.

     

    “Early in the preliminaries, Galeries upset some teams, especially us. I already knew they were going to be tough and come out firing. Even in the third set, they were still battling until the end, so we just stayed calm and collected,” Van Sickle said.

     

    Despite some inconsistencies throughout the conference, the Chameleons showed flashes of cohesion and mental toughness—qualities that could prove crucial as the competition intensifies. Van Sickle highlighted the team’s ability to stay together through adversity, pointing to their collective effort rather than individual brilliance.

    “There were a few road bumps, but I’m proud of all the girls for sticking together and working as a team, whoever was on the court. I’m really proud of everyone,” she added.

     

    The win not only keeps Nxled in contention but also reinforces their identity as a team capable of grinding out results even without playing at peak form. Contributions came from across the roster, with different players stepping up in key moments to maintain control whenever Galeries threatened to swing momentum.

     

    Van Sickle, who holds the distinction of being the first-ever Most Valuable Player in PVL history, also took time to acknowledge the growth and potential of their opponents. The Galeries Tower Highrisers, one of the younger squads in the league, showed significant promise throughout the conference and pushed Nxled to stay disciplined until the final point.

     

    “I thought Galeries had a really good run. They are going to be very lethal in the future. They already did well,” Van Sickle concluded.

     

    With the victory, Nxled now turns its attention to an even tougher challenge ahead. The Chameleons will face the Farm Fresh Foxies on Tuesday, April 7, at the FilOil Centre, with a coveted semifinal berth on the line. As the stakes rise, Nxled will need to elevate its level of play and maintain the composure that carried them through this latest test if they hope to extend their campaign deeper into the conference.

     

     

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  • Jia De Guzman praises rise of modern setters in Philippine volleyball

    Jia De Guzman praises rise of modern setters in Philippine volleyball

    After a two-year hiatus from the domestic scene, Jia De Guzman has finally made her much-anticipated return to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), once again donning the colors of the Creamline Cool Smashers in the ongoing 2026 All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Widely regarded as one of the greatest volleyball players in Philippine history—and arguably the finest setter the PVL has ever seen—De Guzman resumes her domestic career with an already decorated résumé. The 30-year-old playmaker owns eight PVL Best Setter awards and holds the league’s all-time record for most excellent sets in a single match with 71, a testament to her consistency, court vision, and leadership.

     

    Her return comes after a successful stint overseas with the Denso Airybees in the V.League, where she further refined her craft against top international competition. Now back in the Philippines as captain of Alas Pilipinas, De Guzman brings with her a wealth of experience—and a fresh perspective on how the local game has evolved during her absence.

     

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    In her recent outing, De Guzman tallied 31 excellent sets in Creamline’s tough loss to the Cignal HD Spikers, a performance that highlighted her steady playmaking despite the defeat. However, the spotlight was shared with opposing setter Gel Cayuna, who delivered an impressive 35 excellent sets to help deny Creamline an outright semifinal berth.

    Following the match, De Guzman spoke candidly about the noticeable transformation among setters in the league, particularly their growing role as offensive contributors rather than just facilitators.

     

    “It’s a huge thing when setters are also part of the offense. It leaves the opponent guessing. Gel played very well today, with the help of her teammates. I love seeing the evolution of setters here in the Philippines. The league gets more excited. I am excited to see the upcoming games,” De Guzman said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    Her remarks reflect a broader shift in Philippine volleyball, where modern setters are now expected to be more dynamic—capable of scoring, attacking on second balls, and dictating tempo beyond traditional playmaking duties. For De Guzman, who has long been a standard-bearer at the position, this evolution signals a promising future for the sport.

     

    Despite Creamline’s setback, De Guzman continues to lead the league in the Best Setter race, amassing 196 excellent sets for an average of 5.44 per set—numbers that reaffirm her elite status even after time spent competing abroad.

     

    As the conference enters a crucial stretch, the Cool Smashers now turn their attention to a high-stakes Play-In matchup against the Akari Chargers on Tuesday, April 7, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. With their championship aspirations hanging in the balance, Creamline will once again rely on De Guzman’s leadership, composure, and playmaking brilliance to guide them forward.

     

    Her return not only strengthens Creamline’s bid for another title but also adds another compelling chapter to her already storied career—one that continues to shape and elevate Philippine volleyball.

     

     

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  • PVL All-Star: Erika Santos, Jema Galanza emerge as new favorites in latest All-Star fan voting returns 

    PVL All-Star: Erika Santos, Jema Galanza emerge as new favorites in latest All-Star fan voting returns 

    The 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase is beginning to look less like a popularity contest dominated by familiar stars and more like a snapshot of where fan energy is shifting across the sport.

     

    When the second fan vote returns were released, the biggest takeaway was not just who remained on top—it was how many new challengers forced their way into the conversation.

     

     Across both Team Heart and Team Hustle, several races tightened, a few established names were pushed down the ladder, and a wave of momentum from rising or resurgent players suddenly changed the complexion of the event.

     

    Nowhere was that shift more obvious than in the outside hitter race for Team Heart, where injured Jema Galanza still managed to surge to the top. Despite being sidelined, the Creamline Cool Smashers star climbed past Bella Belen and teammate Alyssa Valdez, claiming 27.15 percent of the votes and proving that fan loyalty can remain strong even without recent on-court visibility.

     

    Belen, one of the most productive players of the conference, still held firm in a starting spot with 16.03 percent, while Valdez dropped to third at 15.48 percent. That trio alone shows how crowded and competitive the wing race has become, with star power, current form, and fanbase strength all colliding in one category.

     

    But if one player truly made a statement in the latest tally, it may have been Erika Santos. The Cignal Super Spikers standout made one of the sharpest climbs in any category, taking command of the Team Heart opposite hitter race with 44.57 percent of the vote. In doing so, she overtook Ara Galang of Farm Fresh Foxies, who slipped to second with 27.11 percent.

     

    That rise feels especially notable given how Cignal’s recent surge has translated into stronger fan support. Santos is not just benefiting from name recall—she is being rewarded for relevance, and the voting reflects that.

     

    A similar trend emerged in the middle blocker race, where Jeanette Panaga of Creamline continued to anchor the top spot with 33.39 percent. But the more eye-catching development was the jump made by MJ Phillips of Nxled Chameleons, who rose all the way from fifth in the first returns to second with 21.56 percent.

     

    That kind of leap suggests fans are not simply voting based on established hierarchy anymore. Strong stretches, breakout performances, and timely visibility are beginning to carry more weight, making the All-Star race feel more fluid than usual.

     

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    Elsewhere on Team Heart, some categories have remained more stable. Justine Jazareno of Akari Chargers continues to dominate the libero race with 50.48 percent, while Jia De Guzman remains the runaway leader at setter with a commanding 79.91 percent.

     

    Over on Team Hustle, however, the reshuffling may have been even more dramatic.

     

    The biggest mover there was Alyssa Eroa, who pulled off one of the most impressive jumps in the latest returns. After sitting in fourth place with just 10.55 percent in the first tally, the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles libero vaulted to first with 35.22 percent, overtaking Kathleen Arado of PLDT High Speed Hitters, who now sits second at 23.33 percent.

     

    That swing alone may be one of the clearest examples of how quickly All-Star momentum can change once fan campaigns and recent performances begin to sync.

     

    The outside hitter race on Team Hustle has also tightened into one of the event’s most compelling battles. Bernadeth Pons of Creamline still holds the slimmest of leads with 32.89 percent, but Eya Laure of Choco Mucho Flying Titans is now right behind her with 32.08 percent.

     

    That razor-thin margin makes it one of the few categories where the next update could easily flip the order again, especially with both players carrying strong support and wide visibility.

     

    At opposite spiker, Tots Carlos has created more breathing room than anyone else in her bracket. The Creamline scorer widened her advantage to 54.08 percent, while Kim Kianna Dy of PLDT remained in second with 21.81 percent.

     

    Meanwhile, the Team Hustle middle blocker race remains split between two proven frontcourt names, with Mika Reyes of PLDT at 26.24 percent and Fifi Sharma of Akari at 30.23 percent. At setter, Kim Fajardo continues to hold firm control with 59.42 percent.

     

    What the second returns make clear is that this year’s All-Star voting is no longer being shaped by reputation alone.

     

    The stars are still there, and many of them remain in strong positions. But increasingly, the board is being pushed by players whose recent form, visibility, and momentum have made them impossible for fans to ignore.

     

    And if these latest numbers are any indication, the race for the final starting spots is only getting more unpredictable. 

     

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