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Category: Volleyball

  • Player of the Game Justine Jazareno sees Akari confidence rising after Creamline upset

    Player of the Game Justine Jazareno sees Akari confidence rising after Creamline upset

    Momentum may finally be starting to build for the Akari Power Chargers.


    After pulling off a statement win over the Creamline Cool Smashers, Akari’s players believe the team’s confidence and chemistry are beginning to take shape in the 9th Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

     

    The Power Chargers stunned the Cool Smashers in four sets, 25-21, 26-24, 17-25, 25-21, Thursday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre, snapping Creamline’s five-match winning streak and tightening the race in the standings.

     

    At the center of the victory was libero Justine Jazareno, who turned in a defensive masterclass with 22 excellent digs to frustrate Creamline’s attackers and keep Akari alive in long rallies.

     

    But for Jazareno, the bigger takeaway from the win wasn’t just the numbers—it was the gradual growth she sees within the team.

     

    “Yung kumpiyansa ng team nag bbuild up pa, so every training pinag-tatrabaho namin and mabuild connection namin,” she said.

     

    The win lifted Akari to a 4-3 record, giving the Power Chargers their fourth straight victory since starting the conference with four-straight losses and keeping them in contention for a stronger position heading into the next phase of the tournament.

     

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    Offensively, Ivy Lacsina paced Akari with 20 points built on 18 attacks and an ace, providing the scoring punch whenever the team needed a spark.

     

    Christine Joy Soyud added 15 points, while veteran wing spiker Grethcel Soltones chipped in 14 to give the Chargers multiple scoring options.

     

    Middle blockers Celine Domingo and Mereophe Sharma also provided timely support with seven points apiece.

     

    Despite the breakthrough win against one of the league’s powerhouse teams, Jazareno emphasized that the Chargers are far from satisfied.

     

    With another tough opponent looming, she said the team must quickly refocus.

     

    “Back to the drawing board ulit, di madali kalaban ang Galeries, we have to work hard,” Jazareno said, referring to their upcoming clash with the Galeries Tower Highrisers.

     

    For Akari, the win over Creamline may have delivered a confidence boost, but the Chargers know the real challenge is sustaining that progress as the conference intensifies.

     

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  • Mars Alba powers Akari’s rally to upset Creamline in the PVL All-Filipino

    Mars Alba powers Akari’s rally to upset Creamline in the PVL All-Filipino

    What once looked like a slow start is now turning into one of the more compelling momentum shifts in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.


    At the center of Akari’s resurgence is setter Mars Alba, whose steady orchestration has helped transform the Chargers from a struggling squad into a team steadily climbing the standings.

     

    Akari’s latest statement came with a victory over the Creamline Cool Smashers, a result that stretched the Chargers’ winning streak to four games and pushed them into the upper half of the leaderboard. 

     

    For Alba, the match highlighted the growing chemistry within the squad as they continue to build rhythm after early-season struggles.

     

    Running the offense with precision, Alba delivered 18 excellent sets while also contributing defensively with 10 excellent digs. 

     

    But for the former UAAP Finals MVP, the win was more than just another result—it was also a reflection of the collective effort happening behind the scenes.

     

    “Very grateful ako sa lahat, sa coaches, sa teammates ko, sa management kasi wino-work on talaga lahat ng aspects na pwedeng gawin at ma-improve ‘yung team,” the former UAAP Finals MVP said.

     

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    Akari’s season did not begin smoothly. The Chargers stumbled to a 0–3 start, raising early questions about their direction in the conference. 

     

    Since then, however, the team has gradually rediscovered its form, piecing together a four-game surge that lifted them to fourth place with a 4–3 record while also snapping Creamline’s five-game run.

     

    For Alba, the victory carried extra significance as it marked another successful meeting with the perennial powerhouse.

     

    This time, however, the challenge came with an added twist—Creamline has one of the league’s best setters, Jia De Guzman.

     

    “Second time ko na kalaban yung Creamline. Second time na panalo. Yung isa sa Reinforced, tas isa ngayon pero ‘yung last time wala siya. Ngayon nandito. Sobrang happy kasi siyempre ate Jia ‘yun,” Alba said.

     

    Despite the victory, Alba emphasized that beating a championship-tested team like Creamline required constant focus throughout the match.

     

    “Nire-remind lang din talaga ‘yung isat-isa. Katulad kanina, parang nag-ano agad kami na matured talaga ‘yung Creamline eh,” the 26-year-old former DLSU setter said.

     

    Beyond the emotional lift of the win, Alba’s steady play has also translated into solid numbers. She currently ranks among the league’s top playmakers, sitting fourth in the Best Setters race with an average of 4.17 per set.

     

    With momentum on their side, Alba and the Chargers now turn their attention to their next assignment. Akari will look to extend its surge to five straight victories when it faces the Galeries Tower Highrisers on Tuesday at the same venue.

     

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  • Brooke Van Sickle proud of Nxled’s resilience after Chameleons snap skid in PVL

    Brooke Van Sickle proud of Nxled’s resilience after Chameleons snap skid in PVL

    The relief inside the Premier Volleyball League court was unmistakable for the Nxled Chameleons—not just because they won, but because of everything they endured before getting there.

     

    After a frustrating stretch that saw the team drop four straight matches, Nxled finally rediscovered its rhythm on Thursday night, rallying past the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in four sets, 20-25, 25-15, 25-23, 25-19, to keep its chances of securing an outright qualifying-round berth in the 2026 conference alive.

     

    For team captain Brooke Van Sickle, the victory represented more than just a mark in the standings—it was proof that the Chameleons’ belief in each other never wavered even during the toughest stretch of their campaign.

     

    “Yeah, I mean, the four-straight loss, I mean, it wasn’t, you know, it wasn’t, you know, happy times,” said the three-time PVL MVP, who led the charge with 20 points while also contributing 10 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions.

     

    “But we’re able to stick together. And I’m really proud of all the girls. It’s not just me, but I feel like as a team, cohesively, we all, like, understand what we need to do and what we need to get done,” she added.

     

    The skid could have easily fractured the team’s confidence, but instead it forced the Chameleons to lean on each other even more. Van Sickle believes that stretch ultimately strengthened the group rather than breaking it.

     

     

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    “And we continue to push each other in the gym and stay together. I think that’s something super important for teams, like, going through losing streaks, is to be able to stay together,” said Van Sickle.

     

    “Because going through tough times, it’s easy to be able to point fingers or be able just to be like, oh, well, it’s not going our way, and kind of just, like, roll over. But we’re really glad with this team that no matter what, we always come out and we’re like, okay, new day, let’s go. Let’s keep a positive attitude. Let’s keep trying to improve, like, work,” she added.

     

    The adversity also tested Van Sickle in her role as team captain. Yet rather than carrying the burden alone, she saw something even more encouraging—players throughout the roster stepping up to hold themselves accountable.

     

    “So it makes my job a lot easier. But I think everyone is leading themselves very well and everyone’s helping out. So it’s not just like, you know, specifically like only a couple of people. It’s like, I think, cohesively all together,” said Van Sickle.

     

    For Nxled, the win may only be one step in a long conference campaign. But after weeks of frustration, it was also a reminder that the Chameleons’ greatest strength might not be their talent—but the way they stay together when things start going wrong.

     

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  • Akari shocks Creamline, Nxled rebounds as PVL All-Filipino race tightens

    Akari shocks Creamline, Nxled rebounds as PVL All-Filipino race tightens

    A night that began with familiar contenders quickly turned into one of the most unpredictable evenings of the conference. At the FilOil Centre on Thursday, momentum swung wildly as four teams battled through two gripping matches that could shape the closing stretch of the preliminary round of the PVL All-Filipino Conference.


    The spotlight first fell on a matchup between two squads clad in pink—but the story that unfolded was far from ordinary.

     

    Akari entered the court with a balanced 3-3 record, facing a formidable opponent in the Creamline Cool Smashers, the league’s decorated powerhouse and a perennial title threat. Yet instead of playing the role of underdog, the Chargers authored one of the conference’s biggest surprises.

     

    Akari snapped Creamline’s impressive run with a hard-earned four-set triumph, 25–21, 28–26, 17–25, 25–21. The victory was anchored by relentless defense and timely scoring that kept the Chargers steady whenever the Cool Smashers threatened to shift momentum.

     

    Libero Justine Jazareno set the tone for Akari’s resilience, collecting 22 excellent digs at 59 percent efficiency to earn Player of the Game honors. Her floor coverage repeatedly denied Creamline’s attackers and allowed the Chargers to build their counterattacks.

     

    Eli Soyud ignited Akari’s decisive fourth-set push, stringing together four consecutive hits that helped create an early 7–3 advantage. Earlier in the match, Faith Lacsina had already laid the offensive foundation with a 20-point performance, while Grethcel Soltones added 14 markers, delivering steady production during crucial stretches that helped maintain Akari’s composure.

     

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    Creamline, meanwhile, showed flashes of its usual firepower but struggled to consistently break through the Chargers’ defense.

     

    Jema Galanza led the Cool Smashers with 16 points, highlighted by a stretch of powerful attacks that briefly sparked hopes of a late comeback. Tots Carlos contributed 10 points and Pangs Panaga added nine, while Bernadette Pons was held to eight markers as Akari’s defensive pressure kept her in check.

     

    Despite the loss, Creamline remained within the upper tier of the standings at 5-2, while Akari strengthened its position in the middle of the pack.

     

    If the first match delivered a shock, the second game offered redemption, as Nxled entered the night searching for answers against ZUS Coffee, the Chameleons finally rediscovered their rhythm.

     

    After dropping the opening set, Nxled regrouped and surged back to claim a 20-25, 25-15, 25-23, 25-19 victory, ending the skid and keeping their playoff hopes alive.

     

    Brooke Van Sickle once again led the offense, firing 20 points to pace the Chameleons. Jonah Sabete-Escamillan matched the output with 19 markers of her own, including three blocks, while middle blocker MJ Phillips dominated the net with 12 points highlighted by three rejections.

    Veteran Myla Pablo chipped in eight points as Nxled leaned on its slight statistical advantage to pull away late in the match.

     

    The win lifted the Chameleons to a 4-4 record, leaving them within reach of a coveted Top 4 spot as the preliminary round nears its conclusion. Nxled will face league-leading PLDT in its final elimination match on Tuesday.

     

    For ZUS Coffee, however, the search for a breakthrough continues. The defeat marked the team’s fifth straight loss, dropping them to 1-7 and to the bottom of the standings.

     

    Thea Gagate paced ZUS Coffee with 16 points, while Cess Robles added 13 markers. Jovelyn Gonzaga finished with 11 points and Riza Nogales contributed eight, but their efforts were not enough to halt Nxled’s late surge.

     

    As the preliminary round inches closer to its final stretch, Thursday’s results reshaped the race. One contender proved vulnerable, another rediscovered its footing and the battle for positioning suddenly feels more open than ever.

     

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  • Alleiah Malaluan draws inspiration from PVL’s top wing spikers as she builds career with PLDT

    Alleiah Malaluan draws inspiration from PVL’s top wing spikers as she builds career with PLDT

    For rising Alleiah Malaluan, the journey in the Premier Volleyball League is still just beginning. But even in the early stages of her professional career, the PLDT High Speed Hitters wing spiker already has a clear picture of the players whose games she hopes to emulate.

     

    Malaluan shared the names of several PVL standouts she considers her idols—athletes whose versatility and consistency continue to influence how she approaches her role on the court.

     

    Leading that list is Brooke Van Sickle of the Nxled Chameleons. A three-time conference Most Valuable Player, Van Sickle has built a reputation as one of the league’s most dynamic performers, capable of impacting matches through scoring, defense, and all-around play.

     

    The former Lady Spiker also pointed to Jema Galanza of the Creamline Cool Smashers as another player she admires. Known for her powerful attacks and dependable floor defense, Galanza has long been recognized as one of the league’s premier two-way wing spikers.

     

    Another source of inspiration is veteran attacker Myla Pablo, also of Nxled, whose scoring consistency over the years has made her one of the most reliable offensive weapons in the league.

     

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    Closer to home, Malaluan likewise draws lessons from teammate Savi Davison. The PLDT star’s power and versatility on offense provide a daily reminder of the level needed to excel against the league’s top defenders.

     

    For Malaluan, observing these players is not just about admiration but also about learning how to expand her own skill set.

     

    “Lahat ‘yun kasi ang dami lang kayang gawin and sobrang dami ko din natututunan sa kanilang lahat,” she said.

     

    “So ‘yung sa spikes naman, sa mga spiker, it’s because parang nagkakaroon naman ng ideas how to play. And parang gusto ko rin ma-apply sa laro.”

     

    While she studies the offensive abilities of the league’s top spikers, Malaluan also credits her own captain, Kath Arado, for shaping another critical part of her development.

     

    “Kay Ate Kath naman, in terms of defense and receive, nakaka-inspire din,” the former DLSU Lady Spiker said. 

     

    As Malaluan continues to carve out a bigger role for the High Speed Hitters, the players she looks up to serve as both motivation and blueprint—examples of the kind of complete, impactful performer she hopes to become on the taraflex.

     

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  • Nxled Chameleons and Zus Thunderbelles face critical matchups in PVL All-Filipino Thursday showdowns

    Nxled Chameleons and Zus Thunderbelles face critical matchups in PVL All-Filipino Thursday showdowns

    As the PVL All-Filipino Conference continues on Thursday, four squads will battle not just for wins but to prove their resilience and sharpen their postseason ambitions.


    The day opens with a marquee clash between the Akari Chargers and the Creamline Cool Smashers at the FilOil Centre.


    Meanwhile, in the 7 p.m. matchup, the Nxled Chameleons will attempt a comeback from their previous loss against Creamline and will face Zus Thunderbelles. 

     

    After a heartbreaking five-set loss to the Cool Smashers last Saturday, Nxled aims to regroup and fortify weak spots in their gameplay. 

     

    Team captain Brooke Van Sickle, who scored an impressive 28 points in the previous game, will be pivotal, alongside Myla Pablo with 22 points and Mar Phillips contributing 12.

     

    For the Thunderbelles, the pressure is on. Sitting at 10th place with just one win and a four-game losing streak, the team must rely on key players Thea Gagate and Chinnie Arroyo, the only duo to hit double digits in their last match against Cignal, posting 11 points each.

     

    Nxled will lean heavily on their experienced core to try and regain composure. Beyond Van Sickle, the team will look for consistent contributions from rising stars who can fill the gaps exposed in their loss to Creamline. 

     

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    Their strategy will likely focus on tightening defense and improving communication to reduce unforced errors, which plagued them in the previous match. The Chameleons are determined to turn their near miss into motivation, using Thursday’s game as a chance to build confidence ahead of the Play-In phase.

     

    For the Thunderbelles, the challenge is more urgent. With only one win so far, every set counts, and they must convert offensive opportunities while shoring up their defense. 

     

    Players like Thea Gagate and Chinnie Arroyo will need to lead by example, but the team must also rely on younger contributors stepping up in high-pressure situations. 

     

    Thursday offers them a critical opportunity to break their losing streak and inject some momentum into their campaign before the knockout rounds intensify.

     

    While no team faces elimination after the first round, Thursday’s contests carry added significance as the race for postseason positioning heats up. 

     

    The top four teams will meet in knockout duels for the first two Final Four berths, while the losers will face the Play-In winners to determine the remaining semifinal slots, setting the stage for a pressure-packed climb to the next round.

     

    Looking at all four teams, fans can expect contrasting storylines, Nxled is fighting to rebound from a narrow loss, and the Thunderbelles are determined to snap their losing streak. 

     

    Each team brings its own mix of star power, strategic adjustments, and urgency, promising an action-packed day of volleyball footing in the race toward the Final Four.

     

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  • Poyos, Jurado rebounds UST; Canino triple-double keeps La Salle perfect over Nitura, Adamson 

    Poyos, Jurado rebounds UST; Canino triple-double keeps La Salle perfect over Nitura, Adamson 

    The scoring punch of Angge Poyos and Reg Jurado fueled a much-needed response from the UST Golden Tigresses as they turned back the UP Fighting Maroons women’s volleyball team in four sets, 16-25, 25-13, 25-19, 25-20, in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament action Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    Still reeling from a straight-sets defeat to the Adamson Lady Falcons days earlier, UST leaned heavily on its offensive tandem to halt the slide and regain its rhythm in the tournament.

     

    Poyos spearheaded the charge with 24 points while contributing on the floor with seven digs and six receptions. Jurado complemented her teammate with 16 points as the Tigresses steadied themselves after dropping the opening set and eventually seized control of the match.

     

    The win lifted UST to its third victory in six outings, with Jurado commending the team’s response after the previous setback.

     

    Support also came from Jonna Perdido, who added 13 points along with steady floor defense, while Julia Balingit chipped in four points at crucial moments. Setter Cassie Carballo orchestrated the offense with 18 excellent sets while also contributing a point and three digs.

     

    UST’s composure late in the fourth set proved decisive. Protecting a slim advantage, the Tigresses strung together three straight points courtesy of Balingit, Perdido and Avril Bron to widen the gap and put the match out of reach.

     

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    Although service miscues from both sides briefly halted the momentum, the Tigresses maintained their edge long enough to secure the bounce-back victory.

     

    For UP, Niña Ytang delivered 14 points while Jelai Gajero added 12 markers. Their efforts, however, could not prevent the Fighting Maroons from absorbing their second straight defeat and third loss in their last four games.

     

    Earlier in the day, the De La Salle Lady Spikers preserved their perfect record, surviving a gritty challenge from Adamson in a five-set thriller, 19-25, 25-20, 25-21, 13-25, 15-5.

     

    Shevana Laput delivered a career-best 26 points built on 19 attacks, six blocks and a service ace, while Angel Canino added 19 points along with all-around contributions on defense and reception.

     

    The Lady Spikers struggled to establish rhythm early but rediscovered their form in the deciding frame. Holding a narrow 7-5 advantage, La Salle unleashed a dominant finishing run, scoring eight unanswered points capped by consecutive attacks from Shane Reterta to seal their sixth consecutive victory.

     

    Despite committing more errors than Adamson, La Salle still managed to keep its unbeaten campaign intact, having dropped just three sets throughout the season so far.

     

    Adamson drew strong performances from Frances Mordi, who poured in 22 points, and Shaina Nitura, who finished with 21 points to go along with solid reception and defensive numbers.

     

    However, the Lady Falcons struggled to generate consistent offense in the deciding set, allowing the Lady Spikers to pull away and escape with the victory.

     

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  • Kim Fajardo orchestrates PLDT’s balanced attack as High Speed Hitters surge to the top

    Kim Fajardo orchestrates PLDT’s balanced attack as High Speed Hitters surge to the top

    At the heart of the PLDT High Speed Hitters’ strong campaign in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference is a setter who thrives not on scoring headlines, but on creating them for everyone else.


    Veteran playmaker Kim Fajardo has quietly become the engine behind PLDT’s offensive rhythm, distributing the ball with precision as the High Speed Hitters climbed to the top of the standings with a 6–1 record.

     

    For Fajardo, the strength of the team lies in its depth. With multiple attackers capable of delivering points from different angles, the 32-year-old setter has embraced the challenge of maximizing every weapon in the lineup. 

     

    After seven preliminary matches, that approach has helped PLDT emerge as one of the most difficult teams to defend in the conference.

     

    Fajardo’s steady command of the offense has also placed her among the league’s top playmakers. She currently ranks second among setters with 123 running sets and an average of 4.92 per set, numbers that highlight her role in orchestrating PLDT’s high-powered attack.

     

    Her influence was on full display in the team’s most recent game against the Galeries Tower Highrisers, where PLDT secured a straight-sets victory. Fajardo tallied 15 excellent sets while adding three points, earning Player of the Game honors.

     

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    Yet despite the praise, Fajardo insists her approach remains simple—trust her instincts and trust her teammates.

     

    “Sa akin lang, trust na lang din sa sarili ko sa decision-making at trust sa mga kasama,” Fajardo said.

     

    While many setters in the league have recently adopted a more aggressive scoring role, Fajardo remains comfortable focusing on her traditional responsibility by setting up her teammates for success.

     

    “’Di naman ako necessarily na kailangan sumabay sa trend na yun basta gusto ko lang magcontribute sa team namin sa way na kaya ko,” the 32-year-old setter said.

     

    Beyond the numbers, Fajardo believes the team’s biggest progress has come from the intangible aspects of the game—discipline, communication, and the collective mindset that has gradually developed within the roster.

     

    “Ako, happy lang ako na yung mga skills kaya siya i-training, yung mga dapat gawin sa court. Pero happy ako kasi, bilang isa sa mga nasa loob, na-feel ko yung discipline, yung mga skills na di kayang ituro sa loob kundi yung mga tulad ng communication, kung paano yung attitude sa loob,” the former DLSU team captain said.

     

    As the elimination round continues, PLDT now stands on the brink of securing its place in the qualifying stage. 

     

    The High Speed Hitters will attempt to take another step forward when they face the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Saturday at the FilOil Centre. 

     

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  • Streaking Creamline, surging Akari collide in pivotal PVL showdown for Top 4 race

    Streaking Creamline, surging Akari collide in pivotal PVL showdown for Top 4 race

    Momentum meets urgency when the Creamline Cool Smashers and the Akari Chargers square off in a crucial battle in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at the FilOil Playtime Centre.

     

    The 4 p.m. matchup carries significant implications in the race for the coveted Top 4 positions, with both teams entering the contest on contrasting yet equally compelling runs as the elimination round nears its critical stretch.

     

    Creamline heads into the clash as one of the tournament’s hottest teams. The 10-time champions have strung together five straight victories since absorbing a straight-sets defeat to the PLDT High Speed Hitters last Feb. 5, regaining the rhythm that has long defined the league powerhouse.

     

    Still, the Cool Smashers were recently reminded that nothing comes easy in the conference. Their most recent outing turned into a test of resolve as they survived a gritty five-set encounter against the Nxled Chameleons last weekend, pushing their record to 5-1 and keeping them firmly in the upper tier of the standings behind PLDT (6-1) and the Cignal HD Spikers (5-2).

     

    Waiting for them this time, however, is an Akari side that has rediscovered its form at just the right moment.

     

    After stumbling through a three-game skid earlier in the conference, the Chargers have steadied themselves with three consecutive victories, the latest a four-set win over the Capital1 Solar Spikers. The surge has allowed Akari to climb back into contention despite holding a 3-3 record that currently places them seventh in the standings.

     

    That position, however, remains far from secure — or hopeless.

     

    A victory over Creamline could dramatically reshape the standings and propel the Chargers into the fourth spot, keeping their qualifying round aspirations very much alive as they prepare for their remaining elimination matches against the Galeries Tower Highrisers and the Farm Fresh Foxies.

     

    Akari coach Tina Salak stressed that the team’s resurgence has come from a collective effort and a renewed commitment to their standards.

     

    “Again, total team effort. Not because nag-start kami ng bad, all throughout na ‘yun. Nag-set kami ng standards na hindi kami dapat aabot na papahirapan ‘yung sarili namin at the end. Dapat, pare-pareho kami ng goal. Kung ma-achieve namin yun, pahirapan kami pataas,” Salak said.

     

    On the opposite bench, Creamline mentor Sherwin Meneses remains cautious despite his team’s impressive winning run, acknowledging there are still areas the Cool Smashers must refine as the competition tightens.

     

     

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    The nightcap at 6:30 p.m. will feature another matchup with teams eager to reverse their fortunes.

     

    The Nxled Chameleons aim to halt a troubling four-game losing streak when they face the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, who are also looking to end a similar slump.

     

    Nxled came close to snapping its skid in its last outing, pushing Creamline to a demanding five-set duel before falling short in the decisive moments where experience ultimately tipped the balance.

     

    Coach Ettore Guidetti is expected to lean on the core that powered the Chameleons to three straight wins at the start of the conference, led by Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips and Myla Pablo, with support from EJ Laure and the rest of the rotation.

     

     

    Meanwhile, ZUS Coffee will rely on a determined mix of veterans and rising talents, including Jovelyn Gonzaga, Thea Gagate and playmaker Cloanne Mondonedo, as the Thunderbelles attempt to climb out of the bottom of the standings with their 1-6 record.

     

    With no team facing elimination yet, every match in the closing stretch of the preliminaries carries added weight.

     

    The tournament’s unique format will send teams ranked fifth to tenth into a Play-In phase, where they will battle in knockout matches for the final two semifinal spots. Meanwhile, the Top 4 squads will duel for the first two Final Four berths, with the losers getting another chance against the Play-In survivors.

     

    With positioning becoming increasingly crucial, Thursday’s clashes could play a defining role in shaping the path to the semifinals.

     

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  • PLDT stays grounded despite rise to top of PVL All-Filipino standings

    PLDT stays grounded despite rise to top of PVL All-Filipino standings

    Sitting alone at the top of the standings could easily tempt a team to start looking ahead.

     

    But for Rald Ricafort, staying grounded remains the priority as the PLDT High Speed Hitters continue their impressive run in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

     

    PLDT currently holds a 6-1 record with only two matches left in the preliminary round, putting the High Speed Hitters in a strong position to secure a place in the league’s four-team qualifying round. A single victory in their remaining games would be enough to clinch that opportunity, where an outright semifinals berth will be on the line.

     

    Despite the favorable scenario, Ricafort has made it clear he wants his squad to stay away from unnecessary attention and expectations.

     

    “Wini-wish namin na umabot kami ng top 4, pero para isipin pa namin, parang dagdag pressure pa, dagdag hype na naman na hindi naman kailangan,” said Ricafort.

     

    “Kung ano ‘yung next na kalaban namin, dapat du’n lang mag-focus.”

     

    It’s a mindset that mirrors Ricafort’s approach during PLDT’s championship surge last season, when the team quietly built momentum before eventually claiming titles in the PVL on Tour and the Invitational Conference.

     

    For the coach, consistency and focus remain far more important than standings at this stage of the tournament.

     

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    The current format of the conference also demands that teams remain sharp. Even after meeting in the preliminary round, squads could face each other again later in the competition, meaning every game can serve as preparation for a potential rematch.

     

    “At the same time, hindi porket nakalaban na namin, kakalimutan na namin ‘yung mga natutunan dahil may chance na makalaban namin sila ulit kaya every game ay very important pa rin,” he added.

     

    PLDT still faces two crucial tests to close the elimination round, beginning with a clash against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans before taking on the Nxled Chameleons.

     

    Both matches carry weight as the High Speed Hitters aim to secure their spot in the next phase of the tournament while keeping their rhythm intact heading into the more demanding rounds.

     

    Ricafort, however, prefers that his players keep their focus on the immediate challenge rather than the bigger picture.

     

    “‘Yung feeling, hindi nga ‘yung malapit na matapos ‘yung elims kasi ang bibigat pa ng remaining games namin,” said Ricafort.

     

    “Sabi nga namin sa players, mahirap nga tumingin nang sobrang layo at one game at a time lang talaga. Happy kami na nairaos namin ‘to ngayon kasi sabak agad ulit kami sa Sabado.”

     

    For PLDT, the message is clear: the standings may look good, but the real work is far from over.

     

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