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Category: Volleyball

  • PVL showdowns loom as Holy Week break sets stage for do-or-die battles

    PVL showdowns loom as Holy Week break sets stage for do-or-die battles

    The race to the PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals is about to hit its most crucial stage, but not before a brief and timely pause.


    As the league intensifies, four teams on the brink of either breakthrough or heartbreak have been given a rare window to reset during the Holy Week break — a moment to regroup before everything is decided on April 7 at the FilOil Centre.

     

    For Farm Fresh, Nxled, Creamline, and Akari, the stakes could not be clearer. Two matches, two winners, and only two tickets to the semifinals remain. 

     

    Waiting on the other side are PLDT and Cignal, already seated and watching closely as they prepare to face whoever survives the coming battles.

     

    The break may be brief, but its impact could be defining. Beyond physical recovery, it offers teams a chance to recalibrate mentally, to correct lapses, refine systems, and brace for the pressure of do-or-die.

     

    Farm Fresh and Creamline enter with something to prove after falling short in the Qualifying Round, while Nxled and Akari arrive battle-tested, having fought their way through the Play-In knockout phase by eliminating Galeries Tower and Choco Mucho, respectively. 

     

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    The first clash at 4 p.m. pits Farm Fresh against Nxled in what shapes up as a high-powered offensive duel. 

     

    Trisha Tubu who is currently a runner up for best scorers is expected to lead the Foxies, backed by a veteran core that includes Ces Molina, Royse Tubino, Riri Meneses, Mylene Paat, and Ara Galang.

     

    Across the net, Nxled counters with Brooke Van Sickle, whose scoring brilliance is complemented by a deep and versatile lineup featuring Myla Pablo, MJ Phillips, Jonah Escamillan, and Chiara Permentilla. 

     

    But if the opener promises intensity, the 6:30 p.m. showdown between Creamline and Akari may carry even heavier narrative weight.

     

    Creamline’s dynasty speaks for itself. The Cool Smashers have not missed the semifinals since 2017 and have captured championships. Yet past dominance offers no guarantees in a win-or-go-home scenario.

     

    Signs of resurgence are there with their star-studded players, Bernadette Pons, Alyssa Valdez, and Jema Galanza. And If everything clicks, Creamline could once again look like a title contender — not just a semifinalist.

     

    Akari, however, refuses to be cast as the underdog. Fresh off a gritty escape in the Play-In stage, the Chargers enter with growing confidence and cohesion. Ivy Lacsina is peaking at the right time, while Eli Soyud, Grethcel Soltones, Fifi Sharma, and Ced Domingo provide a balanced attack capable of challenging even the league’s most decorated squad.

     

    What awaits at the FilOil Centre is more than just two matches, it’s a test of resilience, preparation, and nerve. Stats and history may set the stage, but in knockout games, execution under pressure writes the ending.

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  • La Salle extends dynasty to 16 straight seasons with Final Four berth

    La Salle extends dynasty to 16 straight seasons with Final Four berth

    The De La Salle University Lady Spikers are proving once again why they remain a powerhouse in Philippine collegiate volleyball. 


    After sweeping the UP Lady Maroons in three sets last Sunday, La Salle not only extended their winning streak to a flawless 10-0 but also punched their ticket to the Final Four of UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball.

     

    This milestone adds another chapter to the Lady Spikers’ remarkable legacy under head coach Ramil de Jesus, who has guided the team to a 16-season postseason streak. 

     

    De Jesus first ignited the Final Four streak back in Season 71 in 2009, demonstrating a system capable of consistently molding championship-level talent for nearly two decades.

     

    Sustaining such dominance, however, requires more than just winning games. Each season brings the challenge of roster turnover, with graduating players leaving gaps that must be filled by rising talent. 

     

    “Every batch naman kasi, may mga mawawala. ‘Yun ‘yung dilemma ng mga coach eh sa college. Every four years, may nawawalang players, so may papasok tapos ite-train mo ulit,” de Jesus said.

     

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    La Salle has managed to keep their dynasty intact through careful recruitment and player development. This season, the rookies are already making their mark, with Eshana Nunag seamlessly fitting into de Jesus’ system. 

     

    “Para sa’kin kasi, every year, nag-e-evolve ‘yung volleyball. Kailangan mong humabol sa kung anuman ‘yung meron kasi hindi pwedeng du’n ka lang at maiwan ka du’n,” the veteran coach added. 

     

    “Kung hindi ka hahabol sa ganung klaseng level, maiiwan ka. ‘Yun ang para sa’kin na kailangan lang talaga na kung ito lang ‘yung materials mo, ilabas mo ‘yung talent ng mga bata.”

     

    For de Jesus, maintaining a dynasty isn’t about standing still—it’s about evolving with the game and maximizing the talent at hand. With another batch of players, patience remains key as the Lady Spikers look to replicate their past successes, including the next three-peat from Seasons 78 to 80.

     

    Currently sitting atop the standings with a perfect 10-0 record, La Salle is eyeing a repeat of their undefeated campaigns from Seasons 67 and 68. Yet, the focus remains firmly on preparation and respect for their opponents. 

     

    “Pero kami, kung ano man yung dumating, basta sabi ko sa mga bata, maghanda lang tayo. Bigyan ng respeto yung bawat kalaban. Although nadaan natin nung first round ito, ‘yun—lahat sila mag-a-adjust, so dapat ready lang tayo,” de Jesus said.

     

    The Lady Spikers now turn their attention to facing the third-place FEU Lady Tamaraws on April 8 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, hoping to extend their streak.

     

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  • UST skipper Detdet Pepito urges Golden Tigresses to rediscover its heart as Final Four race tightens

    UST skipper Detdet Pepito urges Golden Tigresses to rediscover its heart as Final Four race tightens

    For all the talent, depth, and optimism that surrounded University of Santo Tomas entering UAAP Season 88, the Golden Tigresses have reached the stretch of the season still searching for the one thing they thought they already had figured out—who they are when the pressure rises.

     

    Ten games into the women’s volleyball tournament, UST remains alive in the Final Four race, but not in the way many expected. Instead of firmly planting itself among the top contenders, the Golden Tigresses head into the Holy Week break clinging to position, caught in a three-way tie for third to fifth place with Adamson and FEU at 6-4.

     

    That standing alone does not tell the full story. UST did not enter the season as a team simply hoping to stay in the semifinal conversation. It entered believing this was its clearest path to a title in years.

     

    The pieces were all there. The core remained intact, key players Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula returned healthy, and the team added promising young frontcourt help in high school standouts Avril Bron and Lianne Penuliar. On paper, it looked like the kind of lineup built not just to compete, but to seriously threaten the traditional powers.

     

    And yet, through 10 games, UST has looked less like a finished contender and more like a team still trying to convince itself that it belongs where it once expected to be.

     

    That internal battle was perhaps most painfully exposed in its showdown against unbeaten De La Salle last March 25. The Golden Tigresses had the defending standard-bearers where they wanted them, with the match tied at one set apiece and UST surging to a commanding 20-12 lead in the third. It felt like the moment the Tigresses had been waiting for—the chance to make a statement, perhaps even reshape the season.

     

    Instead, it became a collapse that still lingers. La Salle stormed all the way back to steal the third set, 25-23, before rolling through the fourth to complete a 25-12, 18-25, 25-23, 25-14 victory. What could have been UST’s defining breakthrough instead became another reminder of how fragile the team can still look when momentum shifts.

     

    To its credit, UST did not let that loss spiral into another stumble. The Golden Tigresses responded with a four-set win over FEU, 25-17, 25-17, 18-25, 25-17, at the Quadricentennial Pavilion on Sunday, a result that kept them afloat and forced the crowded tie in the middle of the standings. But even that bounce-back win felt less like a full reset and more like a team buying itself time.

     

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    For captain Detdet Pepito, the issue now goes beyond tactics or rotations. For her, what UST still needs to recover is something deeper.

     

    “I think ‘yung puso. Kasi nakita natin na ‘yung puso ng La Salle nung time na yun, until now parang hindi pa rin kami makapaniwala na nahabol kami up 20-12,” said Pepito, pointing to the emotional edge she believes remains missing from their game.

     

    “Kailangan pang mas mahalin ‘yung ginagawa, kailangan mas laliman pa ‘yung reason kung bakit kami naglalaro.”

     

    That kind of reflection says a lot about where UST currently stands. This is not a team lacking in talent or skill. If anything, that may be what makes its uneven campaign more frustrating. The Golden Tigresses have shown flashes of how dangerous they can be when everything clicks, but they have not yet shown they can sustain that level long enough to truly separate themselves from the rest of the pack.

     

    And in a season where De La Salle University has looked untouchable at 10-0, the rest of the field has been left fighting for position, consistency, and belief.

     

    Pepito, however, is not ready to let her team lose sight of its own ceiling.“Sinasabi ko sa kanila kung gaano kami kalakas as individuals and as a team. Doon lang po talaga kami lagi tumitingin kasi iniiwasan naming tingnan kung gaano kalakas yung kalaban kasi di ba doon kami minsan natatalo na namamangha kami kung anong kaya ng kalaban pero hindi namin alam kung hanggang saan din yung kaya naming gawin,” said the two-time UAAP Best Libero.

     

    “Sana mas madala pa po namin yung ganoong mindset na UST pa rin kami, hindi pa rin kami dapat basta-basta nagpapatalo.”

     

    That may now be UST’s biggest challenge over its final four elimination games—not simply winning enough to reach the Final Four, but finally playing with the identity of a team that believes it belongs there.

     

    The path remains open. The Golden Tigresses still have games left against University of the East, Adamson University, University of the Philippines, and National University. Those matches will likely decide whether UST’s season becomes the breakthrough many predicted—or a year defined by what it could never quite hold together.

     

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  • Alyssa Solomon to leave Osaka Marvelous after first season in Japan

    Alyssa Solomon to leave Osaka Marvelous after first season in Japan

    Alyssa Solomon’s first professional stop overseas may be nearing its end, but the chapter 

    appears to have given her exactly what she came to Japan for—growth, perspective, and a taste of life at the next level.

     

    The former National University star is set to part ways with Osaka Marvelous at the end of the season this April, closing the curtain on her debut campaign in the SV.League. At just 24 years old, Solomon made a bold jump last year by skipping the local route and taking her talents straight to Japan, a move that now stands as one of the more intriguing early career decisions among the newest wave of Filipina volleyball stars.

     

    When she arrived in September, Solomon stepped into a team that was already stacked with proven talent and championship expectations. She was brought in following the departure of Jaja Santiago, but unlike the high-usage role she enjoyed back home, Solomon entered a far more competitive and demanding environment—one where minutes had to be earned in a crowded and battle-tested rotation.

     

    That meant her opportunities often came in short bursts. For much of the season, the 6-foot-2 opposite hitter was used sparingly, usually entering as part of a double substitution or seeing action late in sets. 

     

    She spent most of the campaign working behind Osaka’s established starters, making the most of whatever floor time she could get. It was not the kind of breakout overseas debut that some may have expected from a reigning collegiate champion, but it may have been the kind of experience that matters more in the long run.

     

    Rather than headline the offense, Solomon had to learn how to stay ready without rhythm, how to contribute without extended touches, and how to grow inside a system where patience was just as important as talent. For a player transitioning from being a featured scorer in college to a role player in one of Asia’s stronger leagues, the adjustment was never going to be simple.

     

    Still, Solomon made it clear that the season gave her more than numbers ever could.

     

    “As I approach the end of my journey with Osaka Marvelous, I would like to sincerely thank everyone for the support throughout this season. This journey has been particularly meaningful to me as it marks my first experience playing professionally and a big step in my career,” Solomon said in a statement posted on the team’s official website. 

     

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    “It wasn’t an easy decision [to turn pro in Japan], but it turned into one of the most rewarding chapters of my life. I’m truly grateful for everything I’ve learned and for the moments shared with my teammates, coaches and fans. Let’s make this final stretch of the season special, and I hope you continue to support the team until the very end.”

     

    Her departure also comes as part of what appears to be a significant roster reset for Osaka. Solomon headlines a list of outgoing players that also includes Samantha Francis, Lise Van Hecke, Airina Ogawa, Fuka Inoue, Nana Sakakibara, and Amayo Miyabe—suggesting that the club could be headed for a major offseason reshuffle once the campaign ends.

     

    For Solomon, though, the bigger question now is what comes next. Her move to Japan came fresh off a championship run with National University in UAAP Season 87, where she helped cement her status as one of the top young volleyball talents in the country. 

     

    Unlike fellow NU star Bella Belen, who entered the Premier Volleyball League and immediately became the go-to scorer for Capital1 Solar Spikers, Solomon chose a different route—one that offered fewer guarantees, but perhaps greater long-term upside.

     

    Now, after one season abroad, she leaves Japan with a clearer understanding of the pro game and a more experienced version of herself.

     

    Whether her next step brings her back home or sends her to another overseas opportunity, Solomon’s first year in Japan may ultimately be remembered less for how much she played—and more for how much it prepared her for what’s ahead. 

     

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  • PVL All-Filipino Conference: Savannah Davison, Mhicaela Belen head early projected Individual Award winners

    PVL All-Filipino Conference: Savannah Davison, Mhicaela Belen head early projected Individual Award winners

    As the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference heads into the semifinals, the race for individual honors is heating up. Among the frontrunners, Savannah Davison of the PLDT High Speed Hitters stands out not only for her scoring and spiking prowess but also for her team’s dominance. 

     

    Davison ranks third in total points with 185, and her spiking efficiency of 34.23% has powered the No. 1 team in the conference. Her combination of elite production and playoff relevance makes her the early favorite for Conference MVP.

     

    Right alongside her in the award conversation is Mhicaela Belen of Capital1 Solar Spikers, who led the league in total points with 218. While her team’s early elimination in the play-in round weakens her MVP chances, Belen’s statistical dominance cannot be ignored. 

     

    Her high-volume scoring and consistent output put her in contention for positional honors, particularly Best Outside Spiker, where production and impact matter most.

     

    Cherry Ann Rondina of Choco Mucho Flying Titans rounds out the early frontrunners in the outside spiker category. Rondina tallied 178 points, ranking fourth in total scoring, and contributed significantly in serving and reception efficiency. 

     

    Despite her team bowing out early, Rondina’s all-around stats ensure she remains a strong candidate for positional awards.

     

    Cignal Super Spikers, the conference’s second-best team, also injects star power into the mix with Vanessa “Vanie” Gandler and Erika Santos. Gandler ranks sixth in scoring with 166 points, seventh in spiking efficiency at 31.60%, and sixth in reception efficiency, anchoring Cignal’s two-way game. 

     

    Meanwhile, Santos has delivered 139 total points, ranked third in spiking efficiency at 35.53%, and contributed with 124 attacks, showing she can be counted on in both front- and back-row situations.

     

    Their combined performance has propelled Cignal to the top tier of the conference highlighted by a combined 46-point effort to push their team past Creamline in the early qualifying round, making both players serious contenders for Best Outside Spiker and even MVP consideration should their team reach the finals.

     

    In the middle blocker category, Mary Joy Baron of PLDT and Jeannette Panaga of Creamline remain the leading choices. Baron’s defensive presence and blocking average of 0.79 per set anchor PLDT’s front line, while Panaga balances blocking and serving, providing one of the most versatile middle blocker résumés in the league. 

     

    Meanwhile, Trisha Tubu of Farm Fresh Foxies continues to dominate as Best Opposite Spiker with 189 total points, a league-leading spiking efficiency of 40.99%, and 0.71 blocks per set.

     

    Setter honors appear to be heading toward Jia De Guzman of Creamline, whose 5.44 excellent sets per set top the league, though Kim Fajardo of PLDT could mount a late challenge if her team’s strong finish continues. 

     

    The libero race is still led by Tonnie Rose Ponce of Choco Mucho, with 4.71 digs per set, but Alyssa Eroa of ZUS Coffee is close behind with elite back-row efficiency at 43.37%, making this category one of the most open.

     

    As the semifinals unfold, voters will weigh not just raw statistics but team success and playoff relevance. At this stage, Savannah Davison, Mhicaela Belen, Cherry Rondina, Vanessa Gandler, and Erika Santos are shaping up as the leading projected award winners, blending individual brilliance with the impact of being key players on the conference’s top-performing squads.

     

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    Projected PVL Individual Awards Leaderboard – 2026 All-Filipino Conference

     

    Most Valuable Player (MVP) – best overall player of the conference

    • Savannah Davison (PLDT High Speed Hitters) – 185 points, 34.23% spiking efficiency, No.1 team
    • Vanessa Gandler (Cignal Super Spikers) – 166 points, 31.60% spiking efficiency, 2nd-best team
    • Mhicaela Belen (Capital1 Solar Spikers) – 218 points (league leader), team eliminated early

    Best Outside Spikers – the top wing scorers / all-around OHs

    • Mhicaela Belen (Capital1 Solar Spikers) – 218 points, high-volume attacker
    • Cherry Ann Rondina (Choco Mucho Flying Titans) – 178 points, strong serve & reception
    • Savannah Davison (PLDT High Speed Hitters) – 185 points, spiking efficiency 34.23%
    • Vanessa Gandler (Cignal Super Spikers) – 166 points, 31.60% spiking efficiency
    • Erika Santos (Cignal Super Spikers) – 139 points, 35.53% spiking efficiency

    Best Middle Blockers – best net defenders / quick attackers

    • Mary Joy Baron (PLDT High Speed Hitters) – 26 blocks, 0.79 avg per set
    • Jeannette Panaga (Creamline Cool Smashers) – 26 blocks, versatile front-row stats

    Best Opposite Spiker – top opposite / right-side hitter

    • Trisha Tubu (Farm Fresh Foxies) – 189 points, 40.99% spiking efficiency, 0.71 blocks per set

    Best Setter – top playmaker

    • Julia Melissa De Guzman (Creamline Cool Smashers) – 5.44 excellent sets per set
    • Kim Fajardo (PLDT High Speed Hitters) – 4.88 excellent sets per set

    Best Libero – best defensive specialist

    • Tonnie Rose Ponce (Choco Mucho Flying Titans) – 179 digs, 4.71 digs per set
    • Alyssa Eroa (ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles) – 97 receptions, 43.37% reception efficiency

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  • Gel Cayuna earns PVL Player of the Week honors as Cignal barges into semis 

    Gel Cayuna earns PVL Player of the Week honors as Cignal barges into semis 

    Gel Cayuna proved once again why she is one of the most reliable floor generals in Philippine volleyball, guiding the Cignal Super Spikers past the Creamline Cool Smashers and into the semifinals of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference. 

     

    Her blend of steady playmaking and scoring aggression turned what could have been a tense matchup into a showcase of poise and leadership, reminding fans why the veteran setter continues to command respect in the league.

     

    The pivotal moment came in a five-set thriller against the defending champions at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where Cayuna delivered 34 excellent sets and 11 points to fuel Cignal’s 25-21, 24-26, 18-25, 25-22, 17-15 win. 

     

    Facing off against the Cool Smashers’ celebrated setter Jia Morado-De Guzman, Cayuna didn’t just keep pace—she dictated the tempo, orchestrating her team’s offense while also contributing crucial points at key moments. The performance earned her the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week award for March 24 to 28, a nod to her ability to rise when it matters most.

     

    “Sa ensayo kasi tinanong kami ni coach kung ano ‘yung goal namin na points and excellent sets, so sabi ko kasi 30 plus—’yung sinabi ko [sa sets] and double digits sa score. 

     

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    So talagang nagawa ko,” said Cayuna, reflecting on her remarkable effort. The 27-year-old four-time PVL Best Setter emphasized that her performance was a result of preparation and commitment, not just natural skill, highlighting the synergy between her vision and her teammates’ execution.

     

    Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos noted that Cayuna set a standard for the team that became both motivation and blueprint in their victory over the 10-time champion. “Nag-commit naman sila kasi sabi ko kailangan ‘yung intention natin. Ano ba ‘yung gusto nating gawin para manalo, which is ‘yung mga binitawan nila sa amin doon sa huddle namin,” he said. 

     

    The veteran setter’s leadership allowed the team to channel past frustrations and come back stronger, scoring a statement win over the squad that had previously defeated them in a five-set clash during the preliminary round.

     

    Delos Santos also pointed to the growth of the Cignal core as a key factor in their success. “I think may factor siya [mga hirap na pinagdaanan ng team] plus siguro ‘yung core rin nung team, kung paano sila nag-grow and nag-improve, kung paano nila ginugusto ‘yung ginagawa nila, plus ‘yung binibigay namin na mga skills, at mga situational, kung ano kailangang maramdaman, kung ano ‘yung kailangang gawin,” he said. 

     

    The combination of tactical execution and mental toughness, anchored by Cayuna’s leadership, gave the Super Spikers the edge in high-pressure situations, ultimately propelling them into the semifinals.

     

    With a couple of weeks to prepare before the Final Four begins on April 11 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Cayuna and Cignal now shift focus to the next challenge. The message is clear: under her guidance, the Super Spikers are not just content to reach the semis—they are determined to go further.

     

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  • Eya Laure embraces the long view as Choco Mucho’s first chapter ends in heartbreak

    Eya Laure embraces the long view as Choco Mucho’s first chapter ends in heartbreak

    Eya Laure did not leave Choco Mucho’s season-ending loss talking like someone weighed down only by disappointment. Even after a painful five-set defeat to Akari ended the Flying Titans’ run in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, her words carried more patience than frustration.

     

    For Laure, the sting of elimination was real, but so was the understanding that this chapter with Choco Mucho is still in its earliest stages. What hurt in the moment, she seemed to suggest, may eventually become part of something more meaningful if the lessons are taken the right way.

     

    That perspective mattered even more considering how much this conference represented for her personally. After sitting out for nearly a year before finally returning to competitive action this season, Laure entered Choco Mucho not only trying to help a contender, but also trying to rediscover rhythm, confidence, and comfort in a new environment.

     

    That kind of transition was never going to be measured by one match alone, even if the ending arrived sooner than expected.

     

    Laure still delivered the kind of all-around performance Choco Mucho needed in an attempt to stay alive, finishing with 20 points, 11 digs, and 12 receptions in a demanding outing that asked her to contribute on both ends of the floor. But rather than dwell on her individual numbers or the narrowness of the loss, she quickly turned the conversation toward what still needs to be built.

     

    “Madami-dami pang dapat matutunan, I would say,” Laure admitted to reporters after the match. “I think maging patient lang talaga ako sa sarili ko kasi unang conference pa lang.

     

    “Mahaba-haba pa ‘yung pagsasamahan natin, and nandiyan naman silang coaches at ‘yung teammates ko na trabahuin namin.”

     

    Those words painted a clearer picture of where Laure currently stands—not as someone searching for instant validation, but as a player fully aware that meaningful success with a new team often takes more time than people are willing to give it.

     

    In many ways, Choco Mucho’s abrupt exit felt less like a finished campaign and more like an unfinished first step. The pieces may already be there, but the cohesion, trust, and shared rhythm that define contending teams still appear to be taking shape.

     

    Even in defeat, Laure said it was evident that the Flying Titans were already beginning to process the loss not just emotionally, but constructively. The disappointment was there, but so too was a sense that the group had already begun shifting its attention toward what comes next.

     

    “Siyempre, lahat kami self-reflect and siyempre, nandun na din na malungkot, but makikita naman na everyone’s looking forward kagad sa next conference,” she said.

     

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    “I think prioritize talaga muna namin is mag-recover.”

     

    That response hinted at a team trying not to let one difficult ending cloud the work that still lies ahead. For Laure, the conference seemed to reinforce that progress in volleyball is rarely linear, especially when adapting to a new structure and a new coaching voice.

     

    Rather than resist the uncomfortable parts of that process, she made it clear she wants to absorb all of it—the good, the bad, and everything in between.

     

    “Wala naman kasi I think that’s all part of growing talaga sa sport na ‘to,” she said.

     

    “Lahat talaga, ako personally gusto kong i-absorb pangit, maganda, para malaman ko din kung paano ‘yung paraan kahit mahirap to learn more, lalo na sa sistema ni coach Dante.”

     

    That may be the most revealing part of Laure’s outlook after the loss. Instead of treating the conference as a failed ending, she appears to be viewing it as a necessary beginning—one that exposed weaknesses, demanded adjustments, and offered a clearer understanding of what it will take to truly flourish inside Choco Mucho’s system.

     

    For a player returning from a long layoff and stepping into one of the most closely watched rosters in the league, that kind of maturity may matter just as much as production.

     

    And even with the season ending earlier than she and the Flying Titans would have wanted, Laure did not sound like someone second-guessing the path she chose. If anything, the experience seems to have only strengthened her belief that she made the right decision in joining the team.

     

    After the long wait to return and the expectations that came with her arrival, Laure remained firm in how she viewed this new chapter.

     

    “Being part of the team, being part of Rebisco, worth it lahat,” she said.

     

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  • UAAP women’s volleyball race tightens: Contenders separate as Final Four picture sharpens

    UAAP women’s volleyball race tightens: Contenders separate as Final Four picture sharpens

    The second round of UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball is no longer about finding rhythm—it’s about survival, separation, and statement wins. This past weekend delivered exactly that, as contenders tightened their grip on Final Four spots while others officially bowed out of contention.


    Adamson University set the tone early, delivering a decisive sweep over University of the East and, in the process, slamming the door on UE’s playoff hopes.

     

    Frances Mordi powered the Lady Falcons with 18 points, backed by Shaina Nitura and Third Tuddao, whose combined efforts pushed Adamson to a 6-3 record—right in the thick of the playoff race.

     

    On the other side, UE’s struggles continued despite Khy Cepada’s 14-point effort. With a 0-10 record, the Lady Warriors now shift their focus to closing the season on a high note, starting with their Easter Sunday clash against UST.

     

    If Adamson’s win was about staying alive, National University’s performance was about reclaiming authority.

     

    The defending champions, NU bounced back emphatically against Ateneo, dismantling the Blue Eagles in straight sets. Arah Paniqui led the charge with 13 points, while rookie standout Sam Cantada added 10, steering NU to a 7-3 record and sole possession of second place.

     

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    For Ateneo, the loss marked the end of their Final Four aspirations. Now at 1-9, the Blue Eagles are left to play spoilers, beginning with their upcoming matchup against UP.

     

    Sunday, however, belonged to dominance—and no team embodied that more than De La Salle University.

     

    The Lady Spikers extended their perfect run to 10-0 with a commanding win over UP. Team captain Shevana Laput led with 16 points, while Angel Canino and Amie Provido provided strong support. 

     

    More than just another victory, the win secured La Salle’s place in the Final Four and extended a historic streak—16 consecutive postseason appearances dating back to Season 71.

     

    UP, despite the loss, remains in the hunt. Sitting at 4-6, the Fighting Maroons still have a path forward, with key games ahead that could define their season.

     

    The weekend closed with perhaps the most telling result for the crowded middle of the standings.

    UST’s four-set victory over FEU didn’t just add another win—it reshaped the playoff race. Angge Poyos led with 18 points, supported by Regina Jurado and Jonna Perdido, as the Golden Tigresses strengthened their campaign for a Final Four return.

     

    Meanwhile, FEU now finds itself in a three-way tie with UST and Adamson at 6-4, turning the remaining schedule into a high-stakes sprint. Despite Faida Bakanke’s 13-point effort, FEU will need to regroup quickly as they face the daunting challenge of unbeaten La Salle next.

     

    With every match now carrying postseason implications, the UAAP landscape is becoming clearer: La Salle is locked in, NU is surging, and a fierce battle is brewing among UST, FEU, Adamson, and UP for the remaining spots.

     

     

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  • UAAP women’s volleyball heats up as weekend games raise stakes in Season 88

    UAAP women’s volleyball heats up as weekend games raise stakes in Season 88

    With the race to the Final Four growing tighter by the day, every match in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament now carries added weight, and this weekend’s slate could reshape the standings once again.


    All eyes turn to the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, where contenders and stragglers alike look to either solidify their positions or keep their seasons alive as Round 2 intensifies.

     

    Saturday opens with a clash between Adamson and UE. The Lady Falcons, currently tied with UST at 5-4, are looking to build on their recent form and climb higher in the standings. 

     

    Their confidence is anchored on Shaina Nitura, who erupted for 25 points in their previous win over Ateneo. She is expected to get steady support from Frances Mordi, who added 15 points, and Eloi Dote, who chipped in six.

     

    On the other side, UE is still searching for its first win of the season. Despite the struggles, Khy Cepada has been a bright spot, delivering 12 points in their last outing as the lone double-digit scorer. 

     

    The spotlight then shifts to the defending champions NU, who close out Saturday with a statement game against Ateneo. Fresh off a setback against FEU, NU finds itself tied in the standings and eager to reclaim solo second place. 

     

    The trio of Vange Alinsug, Arah Panique, and rookie standout Sam Cantada will be leaned upon to restore order for the champions.

     

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    Ateneo, meanwhile, continues its search for answers after a straight-sets loss to Adamson. With a 1-8 record, the Lady Eagles are in urgent need of a turnaround.

     

    Meanwhile, Sunday’s action opens with a surging DLSU squad determined to extend its winning run. Coming off a breakthrough victory against UST, the Lady Spikers are beginning to find their rhythm at the right time. Angel Canino led the charge with 17 points, while Shevana Laput contributed 14 and Shane Reterta added 10, numbers they hope to replicate against UP.

     

    Fresh from a win over UE, the UP Fighting Maroons are eyeing back-to-back victories and they will rely on Kianne Olango, who powered their offense with 18 points, while Jelai Gajero added 11 on their previous match.

     

    The weekend closes with a high-stakes duel between FEU and UST. FEU enters with momentum after taking down defending champion NU, creating a tie in the standings that adds even more intrigue to their matchup. 

     

    Faida Bakanke led that charge with 22 points, backed by Love Lopez’s 19, while Tin Ubaldo orchestrated the offense with 20 excellent sets.

     

    UST, however, remains firmly in the hunt despite a tough four-set loss to DLSU. Tied with Adamson at 5-4, the Golden Tigresses are determined to bounce back and protect their Final Four position. 

     

    MVP frontrunner Angge Poyos continues to lead the way with 20 points in their last outing, while Regine Jurado added 12 to keep the offense balanced.

     

    With every team either chasing a spot or defending one, the weekend matches go beyond routine fixtures.

     

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  • Erika Santos uses pro-Creamline crowd as motivation to lead Cignal to the PVL semifinals 

    Erika Santos uses pro-Creamline crowd as motivation to lead Cignal to the PVL semifinals 

    The Cignal Super Spikers secured their spot in the semifinals of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference after surviving a heart-stopping, five-set thriller against the Creamline Cool Smashers. The match, held on Thursday, March 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, ended 21-25, 26-24, 25-18, 22-25, 15-17, in favor of Cignal during the Qualifying Round.

     

    The encounter showcased not only skill and star power but also the resilience and tactical discipline that have become hallmarks of the Super Spikers. Cignal’s victory over one of the league’s perennial contenders emphasized both the team’s depth and their ability to execute under pressure. With the semifinals now within reach, the win also serves as a confidence booster as the tournament enters its decisive stages.

     

    Leading the charge for Cignal was Erika Santos, who delivered a spectacular all-around performance. Santos finished with 26 points, including 23 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, repeatedly stepping up at critical junctures to keep the Super Spikers within striking distance. Her ability to perform in high-pressure moments proved pivotal in a match that swung back and forth between the two elite squads.

     

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    The former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standout also revealed that the vocal, pro-Creamline crowd, which filled the arena with energy and jeers, served as added motivation rather than a distraction.

    “For me naman, masarap maglaro na ‘yung crowd parang nasa kabilang team lahat – so for me, ginawa ko siyang motivation. Ginawa ko siyang motivation kasi may mga fans na nagbu-boo or what, tapos nagkakapuntos ka, parang nakaka-proud lang na ‘bakit ang daming doubters, ito ako,” Santos said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    “Parang tine-take ko lang siya as motivation instead na tumiklop sa maraming tao. It feels good na maglaro with that crowd,” she added, underscoring her competitive mindset and poise under pressure.

     

    Beyond Santos, the match was a showcase of Cignal’s cohesive team dynamics and strategic preparation. The Super Spikers displayed remarkable composure, particularly during critical stretches of the match where momentum could easily have swung in Creamline’s favor. The team’s disciplined rotations, quick transitions, and effective communication allowed them to execute key plays and capitalize on opportunities despite the hostile atmosphere.

     

    The win also reflected the team’s commitment to improvement after earlier matches in the conference. Adjustments in defensive schemes, serve-receive formations, and attack strategies demonstrated that Cignal’s coaching staff and players have been closely analyzing opponents and fine-tuning their approach for high-stakes matches.

     

    With this victory, Cignal now turns its focus to the semifinals, where even tougher opponents await. The team’s current form, combined with the confidence gained from outlasting Creamline, positions the Super Spikers as a legitimate contender for the championship. If their performance in this thriller is any indication, Cignal is peaking at the perfect time, blending individual brilliance with disciplined teamwork in pursuit of PVL glory.

     

    Fans can expect the Super Spikers to carry this momentum forward, relying on their depth, experience, and the fire ignited by matches like this as they take the next step toward what could be a historic championship run.

     

     

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