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Category: Volleyball

  • Vanie Gandler relishes Cignal’s breakthrough win against rival Creamline

    Vanie Gandler relishes Cignal’s breakthrough win against rival Creamline

    For Cignal, beating Creamline was never just about one match. It was about finally breaking through in the kind of game that had repeatedly slipped away from the Super Spikers in the past.


    On Thursday night, that burden was still there, but this time it did not define the ending. Instead, Vanie Gandler turned those painful memories into motivation and helped power Cignal to a breakthrough 25-21, 24-26, 18-25, 25-22, 17-15 victory to clinch a semifinal berth in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

     

    It was more than just a win. For a team that had endured too many close losses in crucial moments, it felt like a release.

     

    Cignal had already experienced this exact kind of heartbreak before, especially against Creamline. Just five days earlier, the Super Spikers had dropped another painful five-set match to the Cool Smashers to close the preliminaries, making Thursday’s rematch feel even heavier.

     

    That recent loss, along with others before it, stayed with Vanie Gandler heading into the match.

    “We know how painful it is to lose our crucial games. We’ve been through it so many times,” she said during the post-game press conference.

     

    “So, I think that’s what we all always hold in our hearts, and we use that as our motivation to really fight with one another.”

     

    That mindset showed when the match began to tighten. Even as Creamline made its expected late push, Cignal stayed composed and refused to unravel in another high-pressure finish.

    At the center of that steadiness was Gandler, who once again showed that her value goes far beyond scoring. She finished with 22 points, 28 excellent receptions, and 13 digs, delivering one of her most complete performances of the conference.

     

    Whether it was stabilizing the floor, keeping rallies alive, or scoring in key stretches, Gandler remained at the heart of everything Cignal was trying to do.

     

    She also had plenty of help. Erika Santos provided the scoring punch with 26 points, while Gel Cayuna expertly ran the offense with 35 excellent sets and added 11 points of her own.

     

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    Together, they gave Cignal the balance and poise it has often searched for in pressure games against top-level opponents.

     

    The win became even more impressive considering the setting. The Smart Araneta Coliseum crowd heavily favored Creamline, but Gandler said the atmosphere barely registered once the match settled into its tense rhythm.

     

    “In matches like this, sometimes you’re so focused on the court. Sometimes, it’s scarier to be on the bench,” she said. “You don’t even notice anymore what’s going on because you’re so focused on what you need to do.”

     

    That focus mattered most in the fifth set, where Cignal had to survive multiple moments that could have broken them. The Super Spikers needed four match points before finally putting Creamline away, with the Cool Smashers repeatedly refusing to let the match end.

     

    That was what made the breakthrough feel so meaningful. In the kind of finish that had hurt them before, Cignal finally became the team that stayed upright long enough to finish the job.

     

    For a team that has often looked capable of contending but struggled to close the biggest matches, Thursday’s result may mean more than just a place in the semifinals. It may also be proof that the Super Spikers are finally learning how to win the matches that used to break them.

     

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  • Gel Cayuna backs up bold promise in Cignal’s win over Creamline

    Gel Cayuna backs up bold promise in Cignal’s win over Creamline

    The Cignal Super Spikers punched their ticket to the semifinals of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference after outlasting the Creamline Cool Smashers in a thrilling five-set battle, 21-25, 26-24, 25-18, 22-25, 15-17, during the Qualifying Round on Thursday, March 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    In a match that showcased resilience, tactical discipline, and star power on both sides, Cignal leaned on a total team effort to overcome the league’s perennial contenders. The victory not only secured their place in the semifinals but also underscored their growing confidence as the tournament enters its final stretch.

     

    Leading the charge was Erika Santos, who delivered a standout performance with 26 points built on 23 attacks, two blocks, and an ace. Santos consistently provided the offensive spark, stepping up in crucial moments to keep Cignal within striking distance throughout the tightly contested encounter.

     

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    Backing her up was Vanie Gandler, who turned in an all-around performance with 22 points, while anchoring the team’s floor defense with 28 excellent receptions and 13 digs. Her stability in both offense and defense proved vital in neutralizing Creamline’s relentless attacks.

     

    However, the defining presence on the court came from setter Gel Cayuna, who masterfully orchestrated Cignal’s offense. Cayuna tallied 35 excellent sets while also contributing 11 points, effectively controlling the tempo and ensuring her hitters were put in the best positions to score. Her performance was particularly remarkable given the expectations she had set for herself prior to the match.

    Cayuna had confidently declared before the game that she aimed to register at least 30 excellent sets and reach double digits in scoring against Creamline—a goal she ultimately fulfilled in emphatic fashion.

     

    “Coach asked us about our goals, like how many excellent sets and points we wanted. I said 30 plus sets and double digits in scoring – so I’m glad I was able to achieve that,” Cayuna said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    Beyond individual achievements, the victory was a testament to Cignal’s preparation and collective resolve following their previous outing. The team showed marked improvements in execution, particularly in crucial stretches where composure often spells the difference between victory and defeat.

     

    “We finally felt relieved because we learned a lot from our last game. Our preparation was intense. We really studied Creamline so we could win today. I’m just really happy because everyone held on and fought. Even the coaches put in so much effort to win this game. We are happy, but we will keep working as we head into the semifinals,” she added.

     

    Cignal head coach Shaq Delos Santos echoed Cayuna’s sentiments, praising his squad’s discipline and commitment to the game plan. For Delos Santos, the win was a clear reflection of how well his players embraced their roles and executed under pressure.

     

    “They really committed because I told them to focus on our intention – what we needed to do to win. They executed exactly what we asked from them, so I’m really happy and proud that they were able to do it,” Delos Santos continued.

     

    With momentum on their side, the Super Spikers now shift their focus to the semifinals, where tougher challenges await. If their performance against Creamline is any indication, Cignal is peaking at the right time—and shaping up to be a serious contender for the championship.

     

     

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  • Kim Kianna Dy’s comeback powers PLDT’s semifinal breakthrough

    Kim Kianna Dy’s comeback powers PLDT’s semifinal breakthrough

    PLDT’s march into the semifinals wasn’t just about securing a crucial win, it became a defining chapter in Kim Kianna Dy’s steady return to form.

     

    After dropping the opening set, the High Speed Hitters regrouped and imposed their rhythm to claim an 18-25, 25-23, 25-15, 25-22 victory over Farm Fresh at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday. 

     

    Dy delivered 19 points built on 17 attacks, a block, and six excellent digs, providing crucial support to Savi Davison’s 22-point output. 

     

    More than the numbers, however, it was her presence in key stretches that helped PLDT stabilize after a shaky start and maintain control through the final sets.

     

    “I guess it’s me just getting used to playing again and matagal na rin ‘yung injury ko, so na-build up ko rin ‘yung confidence ko coming into this tournament,” the 30-year-old outside hitter said.

     

    For Dy, the journey back hasn’t been simple. A patellar tendon tear in her right knee previously disrupted her rhythm during her stint with F2 Logistics and even in her early run with PLDT. But instead of rushing the process, she leaned into preparation, both on and off the court.

     

    “For me personally, I think we had a longer preparation before coming into this tournament. And, not just court-wise, but also physically. Basically, I couldn’t stop rehabbing my knee, so that’s one thing that really helped me,” said the former DLSU standout.

     

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    Now, that patience is paying off. Dy has gradually transformed into a dependable option again, especially in high-pressure situations like their clash with Farm Fresh. 

     

    Her composure and timing have begun to mirror the form that once made her one of the league’s most consistent contributors. Still, she credits her progress to the people around her as much as to her own effort.

     

    “I guess yung support sa team, coaches, and yung supporters namin. ‘Di sila… They didn’t give up on me,” Dy said. 

     

    With the victory, PLDT becomes the first team to lock in a semifinal berth along with the Cignal Super Spikers. 

     

    Meanwhile, Farm Fresh remains in the hunt and will look to keep its campaign alive against the winner of the play-in match between Nxled and Galeries Tower.

     

    As PLDT moves forward, Dy’s resurgence may prove just as important as their place in the standings—a reminder that sometimes, the biggest wins are the ones that signal a player is truly back.

     

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  • PLDT, Cignal secure PVL semis berths as Creamline, Farm Fresh fall to Play-In

    PLDT, Cignal secure PVL semis berths as Creamline, Farm Fresh fall to Play-In

    On a night where every point carried added weight, PLDT and Cignal proved they were the teams best equipped to handle the pressure. With outright semifinal berths at stake in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, both contenders found different ways to survive and advance at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday.

     

    By the end of the doubleheader, the playoff picture had changed significantly. PLDT and Cignal earned direct passage into the round-robin semifinals, while Creamline and Farm Fresh were pushed into the more dangerous play-in stage, where there is far less room for error.

     

    PLDT booked the first semifinal seat after recovering from a sluggish opening to defeat Farm Fresh in four sets, 18-25, 25-23, 25-15, 25-22. The High Speed Hitters looked vulnerable early, struggling to match the Foxies’ sharp execution and energy in the first set, but gradually imposed their rhythm as the match wore on.

     

    The second set proved to be the turning point. Farm Fresh stayed aggressive and nearly carried its momentum into a 2-0 lead, but PLDT held firm just long enough to escape with a narrow 25-23 win. That frame not only leveled the match but also shifted the emotional balance of the contest in PLDT’s favor.

     

    From there, the top-seeded High Speed Hitters began to resemble the team that topped the preliminaries. The third set became their most dominant stretch of the match, highlighted by a stunning 16-3 run that transformed a 9-12 deficit into a commanding 25-15 set win and a 2-1 lead.

     

    That burst was a reflection of PLDT at its best — disciplined, composed, and relentless once its system fully clicks. The High Speed Hitters carried that control into the fourth set, where they slowly separated from Farm Fresh and built what appeared to be a comfortable 23-17 advantage.

     

    But the Foxies refused to let the match end quietly. Behind the efforts of Ces Molina and Trisha Tubu, Farm Fresh launched a late 5-1 rally that cut the deficit to 22-24, putting PLDT under pressure one final time and briefly opening the door for another dramatic turn.

     

    That made Savannah Davison’s response all the more important. After committing back-to-back errors that helped fuel Farm Fresh’s late push, Davison bounced back and delivered the finishing play that finally sealed the victory after one hour and 48 minutes.

     

    Davison led PLDT with 22 points on 17 attacks and five kill blocks, while also contributing 11 excellent receptions in a performance that showcased her all-around value. Kianna Dy added 19 points, while Majoy Baron and Alleiah Malaluan also finished in double figures with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

     

    PLDT’s balance was just as evident in the supporting departments. Kim Fajardo expertly ran the offense with 28 excellent sets and two points, while Kath Arado once again anchored the floor with a defensive masterclass of 27 excellent receptions, 18 excellent digs, and a point of her own.

     

    For Farm Fresh, the loss was disappointing but hardly discouraging. The Foxies showed enough fight and quality to remind everyone that their rise this conference has not been accidental. They pushed the top seed into difficult moments and stayed dangerous all the way to the closing stretch.

     

    Trisha Tubu carried much of that fight, finishing with a game-high 25 points on 22 attacks and three blocks. Ces Molina backed her up with a 14-point, 11-dig double-double, while Royse Tubino contributed 10 points and 16 excellent receptions in another solid outing.

     

    With the defeat, Farm Fresh drops to the play-in round, where it will face either Nxled or Galeries Tower for another chance to make the semifinals. It is a tougher road, but one the Foxies have already shown they are capable of navigating.

     

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    If PLDT’s win was about reestablishing control, Cignal’s triumph over Creamline was about surviving a storm. In the nightcap, the Super Spikers outlasted the Cool Smashers in a gripping five-set showdown, 25-21, 24-26, 18-25, 25-22, 17-15, to claim the second outright semifinal berth.

     

    The victory carried extra meaning for Cignal. Just five days after suffering a heartbreaking five-set loss to Creamline to close the preliminaries, the Super Spikers returned to the same matchup with unfinished business and found a way to finally settle it.

     

    Cignal looked in command after taking the first set, but Creamline’s championship poise soon took over. The Cool Smashers recovered to win the next two sets and appeared poised to complete yet another comeback, forcing the Super Spikers into a difficult position late in the match.

     

    This time, though, Cignal did not fold. The Super Spikers regrouped in the fourth set, rediscovered their rhythm, and pushed the match into a decider that became the longest — and perhaps most dramatic — contest of the conference so far at two hours and 30 minutes.

     

    At the center of that turnaround was Gel Cayuna, who masterfully orchestrated Cignal’s attack with 35 excellent sets while also scoring 11 points. Her steady play gave the Super Spikers much-needed control during the match’s most chaotic stretches.

     

    She was joined by two equally vital scorers. Erika Santos rediscovered her offensive rhythm and erupted for a game-high 26 points, while Vanie Gandler delivered a monster triple-double effort of 22 points, 28 excellent receptions, and 13 excellent digs in one of the conference’s most complete individual performances.

     

    Still, Creamline nearly found a way to steal the match in the end. Faced with two match points, the Cool Smashers leaned on the same grit and composure that built their dynasty, clawing back behind Tots Carlos and forcing the deciding set into a tense deadlock at 15-all.

     

    The closing stretch became a test of nerve more than execution, with both teams trading pressure-packed points and refusing to blink. But in the end, it was Cignal that managed to stay cleaner in the biggest moments.

     

    A Jeanette Panaga service error gave the Super Spikers a crucial edge, and on the next sequence, Alyssa Valdez’s attack was ruled out after Creamline challenged for a possible block touch. The review upheld the call, handing Cignal the dramatic victory and a long-awaited return to the semifinals.

     

    Creamline’s defeat was especially painful because several of its stars still produced strong performances. Bernadeth Pons, returning from a two-game absence, led the team with 20 points, while Valdez once again delivered across multiple fronts with 18 points, 19 excellent digs, and 20 excellent receptions.

     

    Panaga added 14 points, while Carlos and Bea De Leon chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively. But despite the depth of those contributions, the Cool Smashers ultimately came up just short in the kind of match that often turns on one or two late mistakes.

     

    Now, the path forward is much clearer — and much harsher for some. PLDT and Cignal move on with the luxury of direct semifinal entry, while Creamline and Farm Fresh must now survive the uncertainty of the play-in round to keep their title hopes alive.

     

    Thursday’s results did more than fill two semifinal spots. They also drew a sharp line between the teams that created breathing room for themselves and the ones now forced to keep fighting just to stay in the race.

     

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  • PNVF, Jorge de Brito begin talks in bid to resolve ongoing dispute

    PNVF, Jorge de Brito begin talks in bid to resolve ongoing dispute

    After months of silence, stalled communication, and growing uncertainty, the first real movement has finally come in the standoff between the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and former Alas Pilipinas Women head coach Jorge Souza de Brito.

     

    What happened on Tuesday may not have settled the dispute, but it did something just as important — it got both sides back to the same table.

     

    In a development that could shape how the situation unfolds moving forward, PNVF officials and de Brito formally opened discussions, signaling what appears to be the federation’s first meaningful step toward addressing the issues that have lingered since his departure from the national team setup.

     

    The timing was notable.

     

    The meeting took place just hours before de Brito was set to coach Capital1 in its play-in clash against Galeries Tower, underscoring how even amid club duties, the unresolved matters tied to his national team stint continue to follow him.

     

    At the center of the initial talks were de Brito’s longstanding concerns over unpaid bonuses, which reportedly cover five separate tournaments. Those concerns, according to those involved in the discussions, were formally raised and acknowledged during the meeting.

     

    That alone represented a shift. For months, the issue had largely remained in the background — discussed publicly at times, but without visible signs of progress. Tuesday’s dialogue, at the very least, moved the matter from public frustration into an actual negotiation setting.

     

    The federation is now expected to further review the financial concerns raised by de Brito and his camp, a step that could determine whether the dispute begins moving toward a settlement or stretches into a longer process.

     

    Notably, however, both camps appeared to take a measured approach in how they handled the meeting.

     

    Rather than immediately diving into the most contentious parts of the dispute, the discussion reportedly steered clear of the more legally sensitive issues surrounding de Brito’s contract and working visa. That decision may have been less about avoidance and more about strategy.

     

    At this stage, the apparent priority is progress over confrontation.

     

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    By focusing first on the less explosive but still significant concerns, both sides seem to be testing whether common ground can still be found before the conversation shifts into more complicated legal territory.

     

    That reading was echoed by Atty. Rex Cruz, de Brito’s legal counsel, who was present during the talks and indicated that the process is only beginning.

     

    According to Cruz, Tuesday’s meeting should be viewed not as a final resolution, but as the first of what is expected to be a series of discussions aimed at sorting through all unresolved matters between the coach and the federation.

     

    That means the real test may still lie ahead.

     

    Still, for de Brito, even this initial dialogue appears to have carried significance. After months of uncertainty and what had been a frustrating lack of direct engagement, the former national team coach welcomed the opening of communication and viewed the development as a step in the right direction.

     

    He described the meeting as a “positive thing,” seeing it as the first tangible movement toward obtaining the compensation he has long maintained is owed to him.

     

    Whether that optimism leads to an actual settlement remains to be seen.

     

    But in disputes like this, where tension can easily harden into legal deadlock, the willingness to begin talking again often matters more than any single statement issued in public.

     

    For now, the dispute between PNVF and Jorge Souza de Brito is far from over. But after months of distance, the conversation has finally started — and that alone may have changed the tone of what comes next.

     

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  • PVL Qualifying Round: PLDT, Farm Fresh, Creamline, Cignal fight for direct semis entry

    PVL Qualifying Round: PLDT, Farm Fresh, Creamline, Cignal fight for direct semis entry

    The road to the PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals has been long, demanding, and at times unforgiving. But on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, all of that gets reduced to something much simpler: survive, advance, and move one step closer to the title.

     

    After seven grueling weeks of preliminaries and a pressure-filled Play-In stage, the tournament now arrives at a point where every rally carries more weight. The possibilities have narrowed, and the margin for error has become even thinner.

     

    Two coveted outright semifinal berths are up for grabs as the league’s top four teams collide in a pair of high-stakes clashes. PLDT takes on Farm Fresh at 4 p.m., while Creamline and Cignal renew their rivalry at 6:30 p.m. in a rematch that already carries unfinished business.

     

    What makes Thursday feel different is that these are no longer just matches about form or momentum. They are about positioning, survival, and avoiding the dangerous detour that awaits the losers in a longer and more complicated route to the Final Four.

     

    That pressure may be felt most in the nightcap, where Creamline once again finds itself under the brightest spotlight. The Cool Smashers managed to stay inside the Top 4 and avoid the chaos of the Play-In phase, but their path has hardly looked smooth or secure.

     

    For a team that has long been defined by control and composure, this conference has demanded something else: resilience. Creamline has had to adjust on the fly, navigate injuries, and win games without always looking like the polished powerhouse it once was.

     

    And yet, when the stakes rose, Alyssa Valdez delivered. Her triple-double outing in their previous win over Cignal was not just a throwback performance — it was a reminder that Creamline still has enough firepower and poise to respond when the pressure starts to build.

     

    For Valdez, though, the bigger message goes beyond any individual stat line or performance. What matters most to her is making sure the team continues to hold together through the uncertainty.

     

    “I think every game, it’s more of a reminder for myself and for the team that we’re still here,” said Valdez. “I don’t think, parang if there’s something to motivate myself, ang hirap din to actually just think of other people.”

     

    “So ngayon, parang ako, iniisip ko talaga, it’s a reminder na kaya pa. I’ll just do my part in practice at pag kailangan, tutulong tayo. It’s not more of trying to prove anything but trying to stick together and making sure sa sarili ko at sa team na magkakasama kami,” she added.

     

    That mindset may best define where Creamline stands entering this next challenge. This is not a team trying to prove dominance anymore. It is a team trying to remain whole, dangerous, and capable of winning while not always being at full strength.

     

    The uncertainty surrounding Bernadette Pons and Jema Galanza only adds to the tension. Even if both suit up, there are still fair questions about rhythm, chemistry, and how quickly the Cool Smashers can settle into a stable rotation in such an important match.

     

    That is exactly why Cignal enters with reason to believe. The HD Spikers, led by Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, are no longer simply trying to hang around with Creamline — they are beginning to look like a team that believes it can finally break through.

     

    That belief has been building steadily, especially after pushing the Cool Smashers to the limit in their recent five-set battle. Cignal’s more balanced attack and growing cohesion have made them one of the trickiest teams left in the field.

     

    If the Creamline-Cignal showdown feels like a battle of legacy and pressure, the PLDT-Farm Fresh matchup offers a different kind of tension. One side is expected to win. The other is starting to enjoy making people uncomfortable. 

     

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    On paper, PLDT remains the most complete and structurally polished team in the conference. With Savi Davison, Kim Dy, Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron, Alleiah Malaluan, and Kim Fajardo steering the system, the High Speed Hitters have looked like a team built specifically for moments like this.

     

    But if there is one lesson from this conference that should not be ignored, it is that Farm Fresh has outgrown the label of underdog. The Foxies have become too disciplined, too dangerous, and too confident to be treated as a feel-good surprise.

     

    Their previous five-set push against PLDT served as more than just a close call. It was proof that they can match the top seed not only in energy, but in execution and nerve when matches become tight.

     

    At the center of that rise is Trisha Tubu, whose scoring has given Farm Fresh a reliable offensive weapon. Around her is a veteran core of Ces Molina, Royse Tubino, Riri Meneses, Mylene Paat, and Ara Galang, all of whom have helped give the team both toughness and stability.

     

    For Molina, their growth has been rooted less in talent and more in the chemistry they have worked hard to build. In a tournament where every edge matters, that connection has quietly become one of Farm Fresh’s biggest strengths.

     

    “Well, lahat naman ng teams nag-iimprove. Walang easy eam na sa tingin mong matatalo mo talaga. So talagang paghirapan mo,” said Molina, whose veteran presence and firepower – along with Tubino, Paat and Galang – have helped position the Foxies as the team most capable of shaking up the established order.

     

    She also pointed to the team’s developing trust as a key part of their rise this conference. For Farm Fresh, the progress has not only been about systems or lineups, but about understanding each other in the moments that matter most.

     

    “’Yun nga ‘yung sinasabi ni coach Koji (Tsuzurabara) palagi na tignan mo ‘yung kasama mo sa mata doon mo mabubuo ‘yung teamwork niyo eh. I think ‘yung team nakukuha na namin ‘yung ganoon eh, ‘yung isang tingin palang nagki-click na kami, talagang tinatrabaho namin ‘yung chemistry. Kasi ‘yun ‘yung pinakamahirap para sa isang bagong team ulit para magsimula,”

     

    The winners on Thursday will earn something more valuable than just momentum. 

     

    They will claim a direct path into the Final Four, giving themselves not just a better position in the bracket, but also breathing room in a tournament that has already demanded so much physically and emotionally.

     

    The losers will still have life left, but their road becomes more dangerous. Instead of advancing directly, they will have to survive another hurdle against the teams emerging from the Play-In stage.

     

    That means Thursday is not quite do-or-die — but it is close enough to feel like it. And with a roaring crowd expected at Araneta, both matches carry all the ingredients of defining postseason volleyball. 

     

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  • Adamson still searching for consistency, says Shaina Nitura

    Adamson still searching for consistency, says Shaina Nitura

    For Adamson, the challenge this season has never really been about whether it has enough talent to compete. The Lady Falcons have shown more than once in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball that they can beat quality teams and stay within reach of the Final Four race.

     

    The problem has been what comes after every good performance. Just when Adamson looks ready to build momentum, the rhythm breaks, leaving the team stuck in a pattern of starts and stops that has defined much of its campaign so far.

     

    That is why Wednesday’s 25-17, 27-25, 25-16 win over Ateneo at the Smart Araneta Coliseum felt like more than just another result in the standings. For Shaina Nitura, it was another chance to show what Adamson can become — and another reminder of what still needs to improve.

     

    At the center of that is consistency, a word that has become just as important to Adamson as any statistic or standing. Nitura knows that if the Lady Falcons want to become a legitimate threat in the latter part of the season, it has to begin with the habits they bring every game.

     

    “Sa tingin ko po, the only thing naman na magagawa ko for the team is to be consistent as well. To start the consistency and do the work so that they can see it the work and makapagfollow din sila.” Nitura said.

     

    “So I think yun yung pwede kong gawin to help the team be consistent.”

     

    Nitura backed up those words with another commanding outing, finishing with 25 points in just three sets. It was the kind of performance that once again highlighted her ability to carry Adamson offensively whenever the team needs someone to settle the floor.

     

    But what made her outing stand out even more was not just the total points — it was when and how she delivered them. In the tightly contested second set, where Ateneo threatened to shift the match’s momentum, Nitura stayed composed and made the right decisions in key moments to help Adamson survive the extended frame, 27-25.

     

    That poise has become one of the clearest signs of her growth. While her rookie season was built largely on explosive scoring and record-setting numbers, this year has also shown a more measured and mature version of Nitura — one learning how to lead through both production and presence.

     

    Still, she understands that Adamson’s ceiling will not depend on her alone. For all the bright spots the Lady Falcons have shown this season, they have yet to consistently put together the kind of complete team performances that can sustain a deep run.

     

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    “Very grateful naman [kami] on how my teammates and how the coaches respond [to losses]. Yun nga, laging win-loss-win-loss yung trend namin so, pero sinusubukan din naman namin na maging consistent to get more wins,” Nitura admitted.

     

    “Siguro nagkataon nalang din yun sa schedule din yun. So we will try our best. It doesn’t matter naman samin yun eh, as long as we are playing at our best palagi and yung goal namin nakukuha namin, we’re achieving it, we’re fine with.”

     

    That honesty reflects exactly where Adamson stands right now. At 5-4, the Lady Falcons are still firmly in the mix, but their position remains fragile in a season where one bad stretch can quickly undo weeks of hard work.

     

    There is enough in their game to believe they can challenge anyone on the right day. The bigger test is whether they can make that level of play repeatable often enough to matter when the pressure intensifies.

     

    Wednesday at least offered a glimpse of that possibility. Nitura received much-needed support from Frances Mordi, who chipped in 15 points to help keep Adamson balanced and less reliant on a one-player show.

     

    That kind of secondary production may prove just as important as Nitura’s brilliance moving forward. In a tightly packed race, Adamson will need more than standout performances — it will need trust, timing, and enough consistency to finally string wins together.

     

    For Ateneo, the defeat was another difficult result in a challenging campaign. The Blue Eagles were led by Zel Tsunashima, who scored nine points, but they struggled to keep up with Adamson’s sharper execution and steadier offense.

     

    Now, the Lady Falcons turn their focus to another important test against a hungry UE side on Saturday, March 28, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. It is another opportunity for Adamson to prove that this latest win can be more than just another isolated step forward.

     

    Because for a team still trying to define itself this season, the next breakthrough may not come from simply winning again. It may come from finally learning how to make those wins last.

     

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  • DLSU Lady Spikers stay unbeaten, Adamson Lady Falcons climb as Final Four race heats up in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball

    DLSU Lady Spikers stay unbeaten, Adamson Lady Falcons climb as Final Four race heats up in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball

    The chase for Final Four positioning is beginning to take shape in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball, where consistency is proving just as valuable as firepower.

     

    At the center of it all is the surging De La Salle Lady Spikers, who continue to separate themselves from the pack, showing they can withstand resistance. Their latest statement came in a four-set victory over the UST Golden Tigresses, 25-12, 18-25, 25-23, 25-14, stretching their perfect run to 9-0.

     

    After dropping the second set, La Salle recalibrated and leaned on composure down the stretch. The unbeaten start, their first since Season 85 in 2023, now puts them on the brink of at least a playoff for a Final Four berth.

     

    Angel Canino once again anchored the charge with 17 points built on 15 attacks and two blocks, while also contributing across the floor with seven excellent digs and five excellent receptions. 

    Support came steadily, with Shevana Laput adding 14 points and rookie Shane Reterta continuing her rise with 10 points, 15 excellent receptions, and two aces.

     

    On the other side, UST absorbed a costly setback. The loss dropped them to 5-4, tightening their hold on a Final Four spot. 

     

    Still, Angge Poyos delivered a standout effort with 20 points, 12 excellent receptions, and seven digs, while Regine Jurado added 12 markers. Middle blocker Blessing Unekwe chipped in eight points in what was her most productive game of the season.

     

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    While La Salle builds momentum, the middle of the standings is turning into a battle of survival.

    Adamson Lady Falcons made sure they remain firmly in that conversation, forcing a tie for fourth with UST after a dominant straight-sets win over the Ateneo Blue Eagles women’s volleyball, 25-17, 27-25, 25-16.

     

    Shaina Nitura took over in emphatic fashion, erupting for 25 points in just three sets. Backing her up were Frances Mordi with 15 points and Eloi Dote with six, as Adamson showcased a balanced attack to secure the crucial win.

     

    Ateneo, meanwhile, continues to search for answers near the bottom of the standings. Zel Tsunashima and Alex Montoro paced the team with nine points each, but it wasn’t enough to halt their slide.

     

    With the second round in full swing, every match now carries heavier implications. La Salle looks to extend its dominance against UP Fighting Maroons women’s volleyball on March 29, while UST aims to steady its campaign against FEU Lady Tamaraws.

     

    Adamson, riding newfound momentum, faces UE Lady Warriors on March 28, while Ateneo braces for a tough test against defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs.

     

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  • “Our growth doesn’t stop here”: Bella Belen eyes improvement after Capital1’s PVL exit

    “Our growth doesn’t stop here”: Bella Belen eyes improvement after Capital1’s PVL exit

    The Capital1 Solar Spikers saw their 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference campaign come to a heartbreaking end on Tuesday, March 24, at the hands of ninth-seed Galeries Tower Highrisers. The loss marked a disappointing finish for a team that showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately fell short in a must-win clash.

     

    Among the Spikers, Bella Belen stood out as the team’s driving force. The 23-year-old outside hitter delivered a stellar performance, nearly carrying her squad to victory with 21 points, 12 digs, and nine excellent receptions. However, her 20-of-71 attempts highlighted the team’s reliance on a single scorer and underscored the need for a more balanced offensive approach.

     

    In a post-match press conference, Belen admitted the defeat was painful but emphasized that it provided valuable lessons for both herself and her teammates.

     

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    “It’s really disappointing because I feel like we could have won. I feel like I could have done more to help the team. But we learned a lot this conference. Lessons we really need to absorb so we can come back stronger next time,” Belen said.

    She added, “I was actually looking forward to our next game on Saturday, but we just weren’t able to make it. For now, we regroup, reset, and go back to training. Our growth as a team and as players doesn’t stop here.”

     

    Belen’s individual campaign was nothing short of impressive. She scored 20 or more points in 10 games and finished as the top scorer of the preliminary round with 218 points from 199 kills, alongside eight blocks and 11 aces. Her consistency and resilience throughout the conference have firmly established her as one of the league’s rising stars.

     

    Reflecting on her own development and the team’s potential, Belen remains focused on improvement.

     

    “I’m never really satisfied. Every game, every conference, I feel like I have to raise my standard, not for others, but for myself. Like in this game, I know I could have done more. So from here, I will look at what else I can improve for the next conference and the next tournament with Capital1.

     

    “For me, that’s really how I am when it’s a tough situation—I feel like I can step up. But it would be better if the whole team can do that together. Coach Jorge De Brito told us earlier that it’s really a mental game, having courage and heart. I think that’s something we still lack, maybe because we don’t have that much experience yet as a team or as players. But I believe we will get there, where no matter who’s on the court, anyone can score and contribute,” she concluded.

     

    While the Capital1 Solar Spikers’ campaign ended sooner than they hoped, Bella Belen’s breakout performance provides a bright spot for the team’s future. Her leadership, consistency, and determination set the tone for the next chapter of the franchise. With lessons learned and a renewed focus on teamwork and mental toughness, Belen and the Solar Spikers are poised to come back stronger, aiming for a deeper run in the upcoming PVL conferences.

     

     

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  • “We can work even harder”: Julia Coronel eyes deeper PVL run after Highrisers’ big win

    “We can work even harder”: Julia Coronel eyes deeper PVL run after Highrisers’ big win

    The Galeries Tower Highrisers delivered a historic performance, pulling off one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference history with a dominant 25-16, 25-20, 30-28 victory over the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Tuesday, March 24, at the FilOil Centre.

     

    With their backs against the wall in the Play-In stage, the Highrisers rose to the occasion and showcased poise, execution, and composure—qualities that had eluded them in previous close matches. The straight-sets triumph not only secured their survival in the tournament but also signaled their intent to go deeper than their previous quarterfinal finish.

     

    Leading the charge was Jean Asis, who turned in a standout all-around performance. The dynamic attacker finished with 17 points, highlighted by three blocks and two service aces, earning Best Player of the Game honors. Her ability to deliver in crucial stretches, especially in the tightly contested third set, proved vital in sealing the win.

     

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    Running the offense with precision was rookie playmaker Julia Coronel, who tallied 22 excellent sets in orchestrating the Highrisers’ attack. The third overall pick in the 2024 PVL Rookie Draft displayed maturity beyond her years, distributing the ball efficiently and keeping the Solar Spikers’ defense guessing throughout the match.

     

    Gayle Pascual provided steady scoring support with 14 points, while Aiza Pontillas and Roselle Baliton added 12 and 11 points, respectively. The balanced offensive effort underscored Galeries Tower’s improved chemistry and depth—key factors in their breakthrough performance.

    After the match, Coronel expressed both pride and renewed determination, emphasizing the team’s desire to surpass their previous campaign.

     

    “I’m very proud of the team, and I feel even more motivated. The last time we reached the quarterfinals, we didn’t make it to the next round. This time, I’m hopeful that we can work even harder in the next few days to prepare. Hopefully, God will bless us with a win in the next game,” Coronel said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    The Highrisers’ growth was particularly evident in the third set, where they weathered a fierce challenge from the Solar Spikers. After building a two-set advantage, Galeries Tower found themselves locked in a tense extended frame, but this time, they showed composure in crunch time—an area that had previously been a weakness.

     

    Coronel acknowledged this improvement, noting how the team finally managed to overcome its struggles in closing out tight games.

     

    “It’s frustrating when we lose games we know we could have won. We have always been competitive, but we tend to fall short in the endgame. So I’m really happy that today, we fought through it because the endgame was crucial and this time, we got it done,” she added.

     

    With momentum on their side, the Highrisers now turn their attention to another high-stakes showdown against the Nxled Chameleons on Saturday, March 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. A semifinal berth hangs in the balance, and Galeries Tower will look to build on their confidence and newfound composure as they continue their campaign.

     

    For the Highrisers, this breakthrough victory represents more than just survival—it is a statement of growth, resilience, and belief that they can finally push past previous limitations and contend with the league’s best when it matters most.

     

     

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