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Category: Volleyball

  • Thea Gagate secures first overseas stint with Japan SV.LEAGUE club Denso Airybees

    Thea Gagate secures first overseas stint with Japan SV.LEAGUE club Denso Airybees

    Fresh from helping establish herself as one of the Premier Volleyball League’s rising middle blockers, Thea Gagate will continue her career overseas after signing with Japan SV.League club Denso Airybees for the 2026-27 season.

     

    The Japanese club officially announced Gagate’s arrival on Friday, adding another promising Filipino talent to its roster.

     

    “We would like to thank you for your warm support to Denso Airybees. We would like to inform you that we have decided to sign Thea Allison Gagate,” Denso Airybees said in a social media post.

     

    The move places Gagate in familiar company as she becomes the third Filipino to suit up for Denso Airybees, following Jia De Guzman and Jaja Santiago, now known as Sachi Minowa. 

     

    Her signing also expands the growing list of Filipinos who have earned opportunities in Japan’s premier volleyball league, joining Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo, Sachi Minowa, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Jia De Guzman, Maddie Madayag, and Brian Castro.

     

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    For Gagate, joining one of Japan’s established clubs represents more than just her first overseas stint—it is an opportunity to continue developing against some of Asia’s top professional players.

     

    “I am incredibly excited to join the Denso Airybees family! This club has a history of excellence and a tradition of playing with collective energy. Joining the league with them is a massive opportunity,” Gagate said.

     

    “I see so much potential in what this squad can achieve, and I’m ready to give everything I have to contribute to that legacy. Let’s build something unforgettable.”

     

    Before turning professional, Gagate built an impressive résumé at De La Salle University. She captured three UAAP championships, winning two titles with the Lady Bullpups before helping the Lady Spikers reclaim the women’s volleyball crown.

     

    Her move overseas also creates a significant void for ZUS Coffee, where she emerged as one of the anchors of the Thunderbelles’ formidable middle rotation in the Premier Volleyball League.

     

    With Gagate departing, ZUS Coffee is expected to lean on Zam Nolasco, Riza Nogales, and rookie Alyanna Ong to handle the middle, while converted opposite hitter AC Miner offers another option at the net.

     

    The Thunderbelles remain in the middle of their PVL On Tour campaign and are scheduled to wrap up their preliminary schedule against PLDT on August 8 in Santiago, Isabela, while Gagate begins preparing for the biggest chapter of her volleyball career in Japan.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Girls eye breakthrough at FIVB U17 World Championship 

    Alas Pilipinas Girls eye breakthrough at FIVB U17 World Championship 

    The Alas Pilipinas Girls will compete in the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship from August 6 to 16 in Santiago, Chile, becoming the first Philippine volleyball team to qualify outright for an FIVB World Championship without hosting the event. 


    The Alas Pilipinas men competed in last year’s FIVB Men’s World Championship as hosts, while the women’s team is set to host in 2029.

     

    The Philippines begins its Pool B campaign against defending champion China on August 6 before taking on Mexico on August 7, Tunisia on August 8, Peru on August 10, and Venezuela on August 11.

     

    Much of the roster that secured the country’s historic qualification by finishing fifth in last year’s AVC U16 Women’s Volleyball Championship in Amman, Jordan remains intact. 

     

    U16 holdovers Nadeth Herbon, Resty Jane Olaguir, Megan Hernandez, Jhenica Sadia, Madele Gale, and Frances Ramos return alongside newcomers Caera Celis, Irish Mahinay, Jhaynna Bulandres, Sharina Lleses, Princess Khaira Manzano, Taj Arkhea Teves, and Andrea Mauricio.

     

    Leading the group is National University Nazareth School standout Xyz Rayco, who emerged as the team’s leading scorer during its memorable campaign in Jordan. 

     

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    Heading into her first World Championship, the young hitter believes the team’s familiarity with one another will be one of its biggest strengths.

     

    “It’s a big advantage that we’ll be representing the country together again. Because we already know each other’s game, that familiarity will really help us perform better as a team,” she said.

     

    Rayco added that while the squad had only a limited preparation period, the players have continued to improve with every training session despite coming from different schools.

     

    She also shared that the squad has made steady progress in training, with each player embracing their role. Although the team is still building chemistry after coming from different schools, she believes their teamwork has improved noticeably on and off the court. 

     

    “I believe we’re all ready to represent the Philippines at the World Championship,” the 15-year-old said.

     

    Limited preparation has not changed the team’s mindset. Instead, Rayco and her squad view the tournament as a chance to show that their qualification was no fluke and that the Philippines can compete against the world’s best at the youth level. 

     

    Still, the team hopes to build on the confidence gained from its fifth-place finish in the AVC U16 Women’s Volleyball Championship and show that it belongs on the global stage.

     

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  • Strong Group Athletics drops Formosa Invitational opener to Supreme Chonburi after late comeback bid

    Strong Group Athletics drops Formosa Invitational opener to Supreme Chonburi after late comeback bid

    Strong Group Athletics could not complete its comeback bid as Supreme Tip Chonburi-E.Tech held firm for a 25-13, 25-20, 16-25, 25-21 victory in the opening match of the 2026 Formosa Women’s Volleyball Invitational Tournament on Thursday at Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Chinese Taipei.


    The Philippine side struggled to establish its rhythm early, allowing the Thai club to build a two-set advantage before making a strong response in the third frame.

     

    Strong Group showed its fighting spirit after the break, controlling the third set from the opening exchanges. Holding a slim 13-11 lead, Ces Molina helped ignite a crucial 12-5 closing run before finishing the set with a kill to extend the match.

     

    The momentum appeared to shift toward Strong Group in the fourth set as it carried its confidence from the previous frame and built an early advantage. 

     

    However, Supreme Tip Chonburi remained composed and relied on the efforts of Kuttika Kaewpin and Waranya Srilaoong to erase the deficit and regain control.

     

    Trisha Tubu gave Strong Group one final chance after her powerful attack grazed Kaewpin’s arms to save a match point, but Srilaoong delivered the finishing blow with an off-the-block kill to secure the victory for Supreme Chonburi.

     

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    Supreme Chonburi dictated the pace early in the match, especially in the opening set. Strong Group stayed within striking distance before the Thai side unleashed a 7-0 run, capped by a Kaewpin kill, to turn a 9-7 advantage into a 16-7 lead.

     

    The Philippine squad attempted to slow down the surge as Nualwan committed a service error and AC Miner stopped Kaewpin at the net, but Supreme Chonburi quickly regained momentum and closed the set with a 9-4 run.

     

    Strong Group continued to battle in the second set and managed to cut the gap to 21-19 following a Jonna Perdido kill. 

     

    However, Kaewpin sparked a decisive 4-1 finish that gave Supreme Chonburi a commanding 2-0 lead.

     

    Despite the opening loss, Strong Group gained valuable international exposure as the team continues to build chemistry against foreign competition. 

     

    The squad, which combines players from PVL clubs Farm Fresh Foxies and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, features key contributors such as Tubu and is using the tournament as preparation against higher-level opponents.

     

    Strong Group will look to bounce back when it faces host team Earth Power Taipei on Saturday night, with a victory needed to strengthen its chances of advancing to the medal round.

     

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  • Jennifer Nierva left out as Alas Pilipinas finalizes Taka Minowa’s first SEA V Cup roster 

    Jennifer Nierva left out as Alas Pilipinas finalizes Taka Minowa’s first SEA V Cup roster 

    One of the biggest surprises in Alas Pilipinas Women’s final roster for the opening leg of the 2026 SEA V Cup was the omission of veteran libero Jennifer Nierva.

     

    The multi-time UAAP Best Libero was named one of two reserve players after new head coach Taka Minowa finalized his 14-player lineup for the tournament in Hanoi, Vietnam, leaving Dawn Catindig and Justine Jazareno to take over libero duties in the team’s opening campaign under the Japanese mentor.

     

    Nierva traveled with the national team as part of the 16-player pool, but tournament regulations only allow 14 active players, forcing the coaching staff to make two difficult decisions before the competition begins.

     

    Also placed on the reserve list was National University outside hitter Celine Marsh, trimming the squad down to the official roster that will represent the Philippines in Leg 1.

     

    With Nierva unavailable for active duty, Catindig and Jazareno will anchor the team’s floor defense as Alas Pilipinas faces a demanding schedule against Southeast Asia’s top volleyball nations.

     

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    Leading Minowa’s first official roster are veteran setters Jia De Guzman of Creamline and Mars Alba of Akari, who will orchestrate the offense throughout the tournament.

     

    The outside hitter rotation remains one of the deepest in the competition, featuring Bella Belen, Vanie Gandler, Eya Laure, and Vange Alinsug.

     

    Capital1 standout Erika Santos is set to make her long-awaited national team debut after earning one of the opposite hitter spots alongside Alyssa Solomon.

     

    The middle blocker unit is composed of Niña Ytang, Thea Gagate, Dell Palomata, and Fifi Sharma, giving the Philippines a versatile frontline capable of matching up against the region’s strongest attacks.

     

    Despite missing the final active lineup, Nierva remains part of the delegation as a reserve and could still be activated in the succeeding leg should roster changes be made.

     

    Alas Pilipinas opens the Taka Minowa era against host Vietnam on Friday before facing defending SEA V Cup champion Thailand on Saturday and Indonesia on Sunday in the opening leg of the regional tournament.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas women arrive in Vietnam, set to face host country in SEA V Cup Leg 1 opener 

    Alas Pilipinas women arrive in Vietnam, set to face host country in SEA V Cup Leg 1 opener 

    The first major test of Alas Pilipinas’ newly assembled squad begins this week as the national women’s volleyball team opens its campaign in the SEA V Cup Leg 1 in Hanoi, Vietnam.

     

    With the Asian Games looming in September, the tournament serves as the team’s first opportunity to measure its chemistry and progress after the national pool was formed just over a month ago.


    Alas departed for Vietnam on Thursday and safely arrived in Hanoi ahead of the competition, which gets underway Friday at the Dong Anh Gymnasium. 

     

    The team’s official social media page shared photos of the squad’s arrival as preparations shifted from training to competition.

     

    Leading the national team is Japanese coach Taka Minowa, husband of former Philippine volleyball star Jaja Santiago, who will guide a roster largely composed of players loaned by Premier Volleyball League clubs.

     

    Capital1’s Bella Belen, Vanie Gandler, and Erika Santos headline the squad alongside ZUS Coffee’s Thea Gagate, Choco Mucho’s Eya Laure and Dawn Catindig, PLDT’s Dell Palomata, Akari’s Mars Alba, Jasmine Jazareno, and Fifi Sharma, Galeries Tower’s Lams Lamina, and Creamline setter Jia de Guzman.

     

    Joining them are collegiate and non-PVL standouts Nina Ytang, Alyssa Solomon, Arah Panique, Shaira Jardio, Celine Marsh, Vange Alinsug, Angel Canino, and Amie Provido, giving the coaching staff a deep pool of talent to evaluate before the continental meet.

     

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    The SEA V Cup also offers an early preview of the level of competition awaiting the Filipinas in the Asian Games, where they have been drawn into Pool B alongside defending champion China and Kazakhstan.

     

    Alas opens its campaign against host Vietnam, the reigning SEA V Cup champion after ending Thailand’s eight-leg title reign by winning last year’s Leg 2 in Ninh Binh. 

     

    The Filipinas then face regional powerhouse Thailand on Saturday before closing the single round-robin tournament against Indonesia on Sunday.

     

    The SEA V Cup also carries added significance as it is an FIVB-recognized annual zonal competition, with its results contributing to the FIVB World Rankings. 

     

    The tournament has become an important platform for Southeast Asian national teams to improve their international standing while preparing for major events such as the Asian Games and the AVC Asian Volleyball Championship. 

     

    Only one team will emerge as champion at the end of the three-day competition, while the second leg of the tournament is scheduled for August 7 to 9 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

     

    The 2026 campaign offers another opportunity for the national team to improve on that record as it builds toward the Asian Games. 

     

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  • Taka Minowa begins Alas Pilipinas chapter with blend of veterans, new faces in SEA V.League 

    Taka Minowa begins Alas Pilipinas chapter with blend of veterans, new faces in SEA V.League 

    A new coach may be calling the shots, but Alas Pilipinas Women is banking on a familiar foundation as it opens a new chapter under Taka Minowa in the 2026 SEA V.League.

     

    Set to make his official debut as Philippine women’s national team head coach, Minowa will lead a squad built around continuity, keeping the core that has represented the country in recent international tournaments while injecting three fresh faces into the mix for Leg 1 of the regional competition from July 31 to August 2 in Hanoi, Vietnam.

     

    Already settled in the Vietnamese capital ahead of the tournament, the Filipinas will lean on chemistry as 13 players from previous Alas Pilipinas squads return to represent the country.

     

    The biggest additions come on the wings, where former PVL Most Valuable Player Erika Santos joins National University standouts Vange Alinsug and Celine Marsh as prospective national team debutants. The trio gives Minowa additional firepower alongside established scorers Bella Belen, Eya Laure, Vanie Gandler, and Alyssa Solomon.

     

    Veteran setter Jia de Guzman continues to captain the squad and will direct the offense with fellow playmaker Mars Alba orchestrating the attack.

     

    At the middle, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, Dell Palomata, and Niña Ytang provide the team’s imposing net presence, while Dawn Catindig, Justine Jazareno, and Jen Nierva anchor the defensive unit as liberos.

     

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    Although 16 players traveled with the team, only 14 can be activated for each tournament leg, with two athletes serving as reserves.

     

    Several notable names were left out of the roster, including reigning Leg 1 Best Outside Hitter Angel Canino, reigning UAAP Best Middle Blocker Amie Provido, reigning UAAP Best Libero Shaira Jardio, and 2026 PVL Rookie Draft top overall pick Lams Lamina.

     

    Minowa’s first assignment will hardly be an easy introduction.

     

    The Philippines opens its campaign against host Vietnam, last year’s SEA V.League Leg 2 champion, before taking on defending Leg 1 winner Thailand and regional contender Indonesia in what promises to be an early measuring stick for the Japanese tactician’s system.

     

    Following the Hanoi leg, Alas Pilipinas Women will immediately shift its focus to Leg 2 in Chiang Mai, Thailand from August 7 to 9, where Minowa hopes to further establish his identity while continuing to build toward bigger international competitions in the coming years.

     

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  • AC Miner makes successful return from injury, takes on new role for ZUS Coffee

    AC Miner makes successful return from injury, takes on new role for ZUS Coffee

    The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles have made an impressive start to their campaign in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour conference series, opening the tournament with back-to-back victories to establish themselves as one of the early teams to watch.

     

    Beyond their unbeaten record, the Thunderbelles have also used the preseason-style tournament as an opportunity to experiment with their lineup and develop the versatility of their young players. One of the biggest storylines surrounding the team has been the return of standout rookie AC Miner, who finally stepped back onto the court after missing the entire 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference due to a lingering shin injury.

     

    However, fans have seen a different version of Miner upon her return. Instead of primarily playing her familiar role as a middle blocker, the 23-year-old has been deployed as an opposite spiker by head coach Jerry Yee—a move designed to maximize the team’s depth and give Miner a bigger role in the Thunderbelles’ system.

     

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    For Miner, the position change has been a welcome challenge rather than an adjustment she has struggled with. The young standout is already familiar with playing multiple positions, having suited up as both a middle blocker and an opposite spiker during her final season in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

     

    With that previous experience serving as a foundation, Miner has embraced the opportunity to expand her skill set and contribute in a different capacity for ZUS Coffee.

     

    “I’m accepting it well. So, ginagawa ko lang ‘yung trabaho ko sa depensa since ‘yun naman siguro ‘yung kulang ko as a middle—‘yung defense sa back row. So, ‘yun pa rin ‘yung kailangan kong trabahuhin. Overall, well accepted naman ‘yung new role,” Miner said in a media interaction.

     

    The transition has also been made easier by the presence of veteran players who continue to guide the young talent on the roster. Among those leading the way is former national team standout Jovelyn Gonzaga, whose experience and leadership have provided Miner with valuable support both during games and in training.

     

    “I’m accepting it well, since ‘yung kapalitan ko, si Ate Jovelyn Gonzaga, isa sa mga veterans. Sobrang mahalaga kasi ni Ate Jov. Mas matagal na siyang naglalaro kaysa sa akin. With the help of the other veterans din, nagkakaroon ako ng kumpiyansa kasi hine-help nila ako para mas makatulong sa team at ma-boost din ‘yung confidence ko,” Miner added.

    ZUS Coffee’s decision to utilize Miner as an opposite spiker comes from the team’s impressive depth in the middle. With Thea Gagate, Riza Nogales, Zam Nolasco, and rookie Nicole Ong all capable of making an impact at the position, the Thunderbelles have the flexibility to move Miner to the wing and maximize their overall rotation.

     

    The move also serves as part of the team’s long-term planning. With Gonzaga entering the latter stages of her decorated career, ZUS Coffee is preparing Miner to eventually take on a bigger leadership role and potentially become one of the team’s primary offensive options.

     

    Yee explained that developing versatility among his players is necessary to ensure the team can maximize its available talent.

     

    “Ano naman eh, as long as willing ‘yung bata. Kasi ‘yung mga middles natin, hindi natin ma-maximize if tatlo sila or apat; may hindi maglalaro. So talagang merong isa na magsi-switch talaga. Nagta-transition na rin naman ‘yung mga opposite natin, so paunti-unti, nagpapakabata tayo kumbaga,” Yee stated.

     

    The ZUS Coffee head coach also acknowledged that while the team has shown improvement, there are still areas that need refinement as the Thunderbelles continue building chemistry.

     

    “At least na-address natin. ‘Yung blocking, talagang malaki na improvement. Siyempre, maraming butas, like ‘yung floor defense natin; kailangan maalaga tayo. ‘Yung third ball natin kailangan maayos din. May pros and cons pero ganun talaga, we have to work,” Yee added.

     

    Miner entered the PVL with high expectations after being selected fifth overall by ZUS Coffee in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft. She quickly lived up to the hype, establishing herself as one of the league’s most promising young talents.

     

    During her debut professional campaign, Miner made an immediate impact, earning the Rookie of the Conference award in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference. Her ability to contribute both offensively and defensively stood out, especially considering her limited experience at the professional level.

     

    Now healthy and taking on a new challenge, Miner hopes to continue growing into a more complete player while helping the Thunderbelles maintain their strong start in the PVL On Tour.

     

    With a talented roster, a mix of veteran leadership, and emerging stars like Miner embracing expanded roles, ZUS Coffee appears determined to use the conference as another step toward building a stronger and more competitive team in Philippine volleyball.

     

     

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  • POC begins PNVF rebuild as entire board steps down amid volleyball crisis 

    POC begins PNVF rebuild as entire board steps down amid volleyball crisis 

    Philippine volleyball’s long road to recovery officially began Monday with a sweeping leadership reset.

     

    In what could become a turning point for the sport, every member of the suspended Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) board agreed to step down during a general assembly convened by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), clearing the way for a complete restructuring of the federation.

     

    For POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, the mass resignation represents the breakthrough needed to move Philippine volleyball forward after months of uncertainty.

    “That’s the first step and they all agreed to resign,” Tolentino said after the assembly held at the Solaire Theater Board Room in Parañaque City.

     

    The POC has been serving as the caretaker of Philippine volleyball after the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) suspended the PNVF in May over governance issues. The suspension followed similar sanctions previously imposed by the Philippine Sports Commission and later by the POC itself.

     

    Rather than simply replacing officials, stakeholders agreed to overhaul the federation’s leadership structure in an effort to create broader representation across Philippine volleyball.

     

    A new 13-member board will now be formed, featuring athlete representatives from both men’s volleyball and women’s beach volleyball, along with representatives from the UAAP and NCAA.

     

    The move aims to strengthen cooperation between the country’s top collegiate leagues and the national team program, particularly when it comes to player availability for international competitions.

     

    The restructuring also removes the position of chairman, while giving the POC a permanent seat on the federation’s board. Under the approved amendments, the federation president will also appoint the secretary-general.

     

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    “This is to introduce inclusivity and, more importantly, that the stakeholders prioritize the call of the national team,” added Tolentino, who presided over the meeting alongside POC secretary-general Atty. Wharton Chan.

     

    The assembly drew close to 40 former board members and volleyball stakeholders, all of whom approved the proposed amendments to the PNVF constitution.

     

    With the structural reforms now in place, the POC is preparing for the next phase of the rebuilding process.

     

    Another general assembly has been scheduled for August 10, when stakeholders are expected to discuss the roadmap toward fresh elections that will determine the federation’s new leadership.

     

    After months of turmoil that led to the suspension of the country’s governing body, Monday’s developments marked the first concrete step toward restoring stability—and potentially rebuilding confidence—in Philippine volleyball.

     

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  • Kianna Dy celebrates early birthday with family, powers PLDT to winning start in Vigan 

    Kianna Dy celebrates early birthday with family, powers PLDT to winning start in Vigan 

    For Kianna Dy, PLDT’s opening match in the 2026 PVL On Tour became more than just another preseason game.

     

    It turned into an early birthday celebration surrounded by the people who matter most.

     

    With her family making the long journey from Manila to Vigan City and Gilas Pilipinas star Dwight Ramos also in attendance, Dy responded with one of her best performances of the preseason, firing a match-high 17 points to lift the High Speed Hitters past Choco Mucho, 25-21, 20-25, 29-27, 25-18, on Saturday at the CHAVIT Coliseum in Ilocos Sur.

     

    The victory gave PLDT a winning start in its title defense in the On Tour tournament, but for Dy, the emotional support from the stands made the afternoon even more memorable.

     

    “I really appreciate them because the travel here is not easy, and it takes seven hours going here, and they’re here to watch my game and celebrate my birthday tomorrow,” said Dy.

     

    Among those who made the trip were her mother Bambi, sisters Kaila, Cheeni, and Nika, along with Ramos, whose family has roots in nearby Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.

     

    The veteran opposite spiker rewarded them with an efficient outing, tallying 16 attack points and one block while providing the steady offensive presence PLDT needed throughout the match.

     

    Savi Davison chipped in 13 points despite playing only three sets, while veteran middle blockers Mika Reyes and Majoy Baron added 12 and 10 points, respectively.

     

    The Flying Titans, however, hardly made life easy for the High Speed Hitters.

     

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    Despite missing national team stars Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure, Choco Mucho showed its depth by stealing the second set and pushing the third frame into a tense extended battle before PLDT finally pulled away late to seize control of the match.

     

    The victory also highlighted the High Speed Hitters’ balanced attack, with multiple veterans stepping up whenever momentum threatened to shift in Choco Mucho’s favor.

     

    Still, Dy believes the preseason opener also exposed areas the team must continue refining before the 2026-27 PVL season officially begins.

     

    “It was really an intense game, one is to one talaga. And Choco Mucho mahirap talaga silang kalaban — buti na lang ‘yung mga pumasok talagang nag-perform. Obviously, we need to work on a lot of things for our next games. Pagbalik ng Manila, adjust ulit,” said the 5-foot-11 opposite spiker.

     

    PLDT now shifts its attention to its next PVL On Tour assignment against ZUS Coffee on August 8 in Santiago City, Isabela, hoping to build on a winning start that was made even sweeter by an early birthday celebration for one of its veteran leaders.

     

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  • UST turns early scare into statement, captures first Shakey’s Collegiate crown 

    UST turns early scare into statement, captures first Shakey’s Collegiate crown 

    The University of Santo Tomas proved that championship teams are not defined by how they start, but by how they respond.

     

    After dropping the opening set against the College of St. Benilde, the Golden Tigresses quickly flipped the script, dominating the next two frames before holding off a late fightback to secure a 22-25, 25-8, 25-12, 25-22 victory in the winner-take-all championship match of the 2026 Shakey’s Collegiate National Invitationals on Sunday at the Playtime FilOil Arena in San Juan.

     

    The triumph completed a flawless 7-0 tournament run and handed UST its first-ever SCNI title, a significant leap from its third-place finish in the inaugural edition three years ago. More importantly, it offered an early glimpse of a squad beginning to hit its stride months before the UAAP season.

     

    Instead of allowing the sluggish opening set to shake their confidence, the Golden Tigresses responded with suffocating defense and a relentless offensive rhythm that left the Lady Blazers searching for answers.

     

    Veterans Regina Jurado and tournament Most Valuable Player Angge Poyos spearheaded the turnaround.

     

    Jurado finished with 21 points built on 18 attacks and two service aces, while Poyos contributed 20 points from 16 kills, two aces, and two blocks as UST overwhelmed St. Benilde after the first set.

     

    The Tigresses also imposed their will at the net, piling up 14 kill blocks throughout the match. Rookie Kim Rubin chipped in 12 points, while Blessing Unekwe anchored the defensive effort with seven kill blocks to finish with 10 markers.

     

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    UST looked headed for a comfortable finish after taking a two-sets-to-one advantage, but St. Benilde refused to go away quietly.

     

    An attack error by Rubin allowed the Lady Blazers to trim the deficit to 22-20 in the fourth set, raising hopes of extending the match. The Tigresses, however, stayed composed, answering with a decisive 3-1 closing run to seal the championship after one hour and 55 minutes.

     

    Head coach Shaq Delos Santos credited his team’s ability to quickly move on from its shaky start and trust the system they have been building.

     

    “Sinabi ko sa kanila na kalimutan na lang muna nila ‘yung nangyari sa first set. Kilala ko naman sila maglaro. Alam naman namin kung ano ang kaya nilang gawin basta dun lang sila mag-focus sa investment namin. May in-adjust lang kmai ng kaunti sa team so at least kahit papaano yumg sistema naa-adapt na. Good start ito.”

     

    While pleased with the championship, Delos Santos stressed that the title is only the beginning for a team still far from its peak.

     

    “Sobrang happy kasi alam naman namin na ang preparation namin medyo ang layo pa. Marami pa kaming kailangang trabahuhin. Good sign ito na nakakuha kami agad ng championship. Ito ang paghuhugutan namin to work hard pa lalo na pagdating ng UAAP.”

     

    The title run reflected UST’s consistency throughout the tournament. The Golden Tigresses swept all five elimination-round matches, including an earlier four-set victory over St. Benilde, before dispatching Letran in the Final Four to book another meeting with the Lady Blazers.

     

    St. Benilde showed promise after capitalizing on UST’s early jitters to grab the first set, but the momentum quickly shifted as the Tigresses settled into their game.

     

    Camila Bartolome led the Lady Blazers with 16 points, while Mary Grace Borromeo added 12 in the runner-up finish.

     

     

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