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Category: Volleyball

  • Cignal reclaims top spot after sweep of PLDT  powered by Gel Cayuna’s all-around play 

    Cignal reclaims top spot after sweep of PLDT  powered by Gel Cayuna’s all-around play 

    Momentum in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference has proven fragile—and on Tuesday night, Cignal reminded everyone just how quickly the standings can shift.

    Reasserting its composure after a recent stumble, the Cignal Super Spikers delivered one of their most disciplined performances of the conference, dismantling the PLDT High Speed Hitters, 25-21, 25-19, 25-23, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

     

    But beyond the sweep, the result carried deeper implications: the race to the semifinals is now fully open.

     

    With PLDT absorbing its first defeat after building early momentum, no team remains in position for a clean preliminary-round run. The path to an outright Final Four berth—once seemingly within reach for select contenders—has turned into a week-to-week grind where consistency outweighs streaks.

     

    Cignal, meanwhile, continues to show a curious pattern: regardless of form or circumstance, it repeatedly finds ways to neutralize PLDT.

     

    This latest victory echoed their upset sweep of the High Speed Hitters in last season’s Reinforced Conference, reinforcing a matchup dynamic that has quietly tilted in Cignal’s favor.

     

    At the center of the Super Spikers’ control was setter Gel Cayuna, who blended orchestration and opportunistic scoring to dictate the match’s rhythm. Cayuna finished with 18 excellent sets and nine points, repeatedly catching PLDT off guard with her signature 1-2 plays while maintaining balance across Cignal’s attacking options.

     

    She credited their composure and discipline for the dominant showing.“Sinunod lang namin ang game plan at strategy ni coach,” said Cayuna, referring to coach Shaq Delos Santos after earning Best Player of the Game honors. “Sa apat na games, natutunan na naming i-control ang sarili namin, lalo na sa mga dikitang laban (We simply followed coach Shaq’s game plan and strategy. In our past four games, we’ve learned how to control ourselves better, especially in tight matches).”

     

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    Used to playing a dual role as playmaker and scorer, Cayuna said her aggressiveness comes naturally—but it’s made possible by the trust within the team.

     

    “Sanay na akong mag-contribute kung saan kailangan,” she added. “Pero nagagawa ko iyon dahil sa suporta ng mga teammates ko (I’m used to contributing wherever I’m needed. But I’m able to do that because of my teammates’ support).”

     

    While Cayuna controlled tempo, Cignal’s offensive depth steadily wore PLDT down. Erika Santos led the scoring charge with 17 points, supported by Vanie Gandler with 14. Contributions from Ishie Lalongisip, Roselyn Aquino, and Jackie Acuña ensured Cignal maintained pressure across rotations.

     

    Equally crucial was the defensive stability anchored by Dawn Catindig, whose floor coverage disrupted PLDT’s rhythm and fueled transition scoring.

     

    Cignal outgunned PLDT in total attacks, 48-39, and exploited reception lapses to produce six service aces—small advantages that compounded over the course of the match.

     

    PLDT still showed flashes of resistance. Savi Davison paced the High Speed Hitters with 14 points, while Kim Dy added 11. Alleiah Malaluan and Mika Reyes chipped in eight and seven markers, respectively.

     

    Their late push in the third set nearly extended the match after trimming a six-point deficit to one, but Cignal responded with composed shot-making—highlighted by Santos’ clutch off-the-block hits before Cayuna sealed the contest with a perfectly timed setter dump.

     

    PLDT challenged the final play for a net violation, but the call stood, confirming another straight-sets victory for Cignal. 

     

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  • Tina Salak embraces lessons from losses as Akari secures first All-Filipino win

    Tina Salak embraces lessons from losses as Akari secures first All-Filipino win

    Tina Salak is facing one of the sternest tests of her young coaching career, navigating a difficult start to the 2026 season while steering two programs in separate competitions — the Akari Chargers in the Premier Volleyball League and Far Eastern University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

     

    Balancing dual coaching responsibilities is demanding under any circumstances. Doing so amid a string of losses only heightens the pressure.

     

    Salak saw her two squads combine for just one win through her first six games at the helm this season. The early struggles tested both systems and morale, particularly for the Chargers, who opened their 2026 All-Filipino Conference campaign in a slump. But on Tuesday, February 24, relief finally came.

     

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    Akari snapped its skid in emphatic fashion, defeating the Nxled Chameleons, 25-18, 25-23, 23-25, 25-22, at the FilOil Centre. The four-set victory not only marked the Chargers’ first win of the conference, but also ended Salak’s personal losing streak across both the professional and collegiate ranks.

     

    For the 49-year-old tactician, the win was a welcome breakthrough — but not a moment for complacency.

     

    “‘Yung mindset ko kasi iba. Kung talo, talo. Accountable kami sa mga talo. Pero naniniwala akong kahit natalo kami, marami kaming nagiging takeaways du’n sa mga talo. We learn sa 0-3 start namin dito and du’n sa UAAP,” Salak said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    True to her reputation as one of Philippine volleyball’s most respected figures, Salak emphasized responsibility over excuses. Rather than dwell on the setbacks, she framed the early-season turbulence as part of a longer developmental process for both teams — one that demands patience, resilience, and trust.

    The former national team stalwart understands that rebuilding chemistry and refining systems take time, especially when working with a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. With FEU competing in the high-intensity UAAP environment and Akari battling seasoned PVL squads, the learning curve has been steep.

     

    Still, Salak remains unwavering in her belief in her players.

     

    “I believe kasi du’n sa mga players ko. Hindi ako pwedeng bumitaw para sa kanila. Nandu’n ako para sa kanila, hindi ako pwedeng bumitaw ako. Diretso lang, diretso lang nang diretso,” she added.

     

    Her words reflect a leadership style rooted in steadiness and presence. Beyond crafting rotations and in-game adjustments, Salak has taken on the role of mentor — guiding her athletes through adversity, reinforcing confidence, and instilling accountability within the locker room.

     

    Against Nxled, that faith translated into sharper execution and improved composure in key stretches. Akari controlled the tempo early, survived a third-set hiccup, and regained focus in the fourth behind disciplined floor defense and timely attacks. More importantly, the Chargers showed poise — a trait that had eluded them during their skid.

     

    The breakthrough victory could serve as a turning point as Akari seeks to climb the standings in the All-Filipino Conference. Momentum, after all, can be fragile in a tournament as competitive as the PVL, and sustaining it will be the next challenge.

     

    Salak and the Chargers will have little time to celebrate, with a sterner test looming against the Cignal Super Spikers on Saturday, February 28, once again at the FilOil Centre. The matchup offers an opportunity not only to build on their first win, but also to demonstrate tangible growth from the hard lessons of their early-season setbacks.

     

    For Salak, the mission remains clear: stay the course, trust the process, and keep moving forward — “diretso lang nang diretso.”

     

     

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  • UST looks to rebound against Ateneo, La Salle eyes third straight win on Wednesday UAAP volleyball clash 

    UST looks to rebound against Ateneo, La Salle eyes third straight win on Wednesday UAAP volleyball clash 

    The UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball action heats up this Wednesday as the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses face off against the Ateneo Lady Eagles.

     

     While De La Salle University looks to extend its winning streak against the University of the Philippines.

     

    UST is coming off a tough 3-set defeat to the La Salle Lady Spikers, falling 25-14, 25-15, 26-24. Despite the setback, the Golden Tigresses are determined to regroup and secure their first win of the first round. 

     

    Angge Poyos emerged as a standout performer in the match against La Salle, delivering consecutive cross-court spikes and a clutch service ace that kept UST alive late in the third set. 

     

    Xyza Gula also made significant contributions, showcasing her versatility and court awareness.

     

    Hoping that the team could bounce back and have their first win against the Lady Eagles, a team who also aims to have their first win in the season after losing in their previous game against UP (17-25, 19-25, 25-22, 25-23, 16-14). 

     

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    For the 3pm headliner game, DLSU takes on the University of the Philippines who are fresh off a five-setter victory over the Ateneo Lady Eagles, and are looking to sustain their strong start to the UAAP season with two consecutive wins. 

     

    The Diliman-based squad was led by Nina Ytang and Fina Ali who scored 15 points and 13 points respectively for the Fighting Maroons. 

     

    Captain Shevana Laput leveraged her height to dominate at the net, scoring consecutive points that sealed a 3-0 victory for the Lady Spikers. Laput led her team’s charge alongside Angel Canino, while rookie Eshana Nunag stood out as the player of the game with 16 excellent sets and three points, signaling a promising start to her collegiate career.

     

    With the upcoming UAAP weekend showdowns, La Salle enters with a 2-0 record, behind National University (3-0) and the University of the Philippines (2-0) at the top of the standings. The Lady Spikers are expected to carry their momentum into their next game against UP, aiming for a third consecutive victory.

     

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  • PVL and PNVF team up for special draft to strengthen Alas Pilipinas Women player pool

    PVL and PNVF team up for special draft to strengthen Alas Pilipinas Women player pool

    The Philippine women’s national volleyball program is taking a more direct route in building its future roster.

     

    In a development initiative spearheaded by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, Alas Pilipinas Women will receive priority access to the 2026 Premier Volleyball League Draft pool, allowing head coach Tai Bundit to select players ahead of the professional teams and integrate them into the national setup.

     

    The move signals a shift in how the national team plans to sustain continuity, focusing on long-term preparation rather than short-term player availability.

     

    Under the proposed structure, Bundit and his staff will open the draft process by selecting from the incoming rookie pool. Players chosen by Alas Women will no longer be available to PVL teams during the same draft cycle, ensuring their full commitment to national team training and competitions.

     

    PNVF president Anthony Liao revealed that most league stakeholders have already expressed support for the arrangement.

     

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    Six of the league’s 10 teams have agreed to the setup, including powerhouse club programs Creamline Cool Smashers and Choco Mucho Flying Titans, both backed by Rebisco.

     

    The approach is designed to address a long-standing challenge for the national program—conflicts in player availability due to overlapping commitments with collegiate and professional schedules. In past cycles, assembling a consistent national pool often depended on negotiations between leagues and teams, sometimes disrupting preparation timelines.

     

    By selecting players directly from the draft and placing them under federation support, the PNVF hopes to eliminate those scheduling issues.

     

    Athletes chosen in the special selection process will train exclusively with Alas Pilipinas Women, with their salaries funded by the federation for at least two years. After completing that period, players may choose whether to remain in the national program or enter the PVL system.

     

    The initiative effectively transforms the draft into more than just a pathway to professional volleyball—it also becomes a structured gateway to international competition, aligning player development with the national team’s long-term goals.

     

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  • Bella Belen looks up to these PVL stars as she builds her pro career

    Bella Belen looks up to these PVL stars as she builds her pro career

    Bella Belen’s transition to the professional stage has come with immediate attention—but for the young standout, development still begins with learning from the players who defined the league before her.

     

    Now carving out her role with the Capital1 Solar Spikers, Belen recently shared how several established stars in the Premier Volleyball League continue to shape her mindset and playing style. Despite her rapid rise, the rookie standout remains focused on absorbing lessons from veterans known for their consistency and versatility.

     

    Speaking to One Sports, Belen pointed to players whose work ethic and all-around impact have become benchmarks for her own growth.

     

    At the top of her list is Jema Galanza, a player she has already observed closely both on and off the court.

     

    “Siguro si ate Jema since nakasama ko na siya and nakita ko kung paano siya magtrabaho as a player and as a teammate. So, siya rin and all-around player siya,” said Belen.

     

    Belen also credited Ara Galang, whose influence dates back to her collegiate days and continues to carry over into the professional ranks.

     

    “Second, si ate Ara. Ever since collegiate level pa lang siya, parang UAAP pa lang siya, idol ko na talaga siya.”

     

    It was only natural for Alyssa Valdez to make Belen’s list—one of the sport’s most recognizable figures whose reliability remains a standard across generations.

     

    “Siyempre si Ate Alyssa since isa siya sa mga legend sa UAAP and ngayon naman napapakita niya parin na every time ipapasok siya sa court talagang maasahan siya ng team,” Belen said.

     

     

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    Another influence is Brooke Van Sickle, whom Belen previously played with in the national team setup.

     

    “Ate Brooke, naging ka-teammate ko rin siya before sa national team,” said Belen. “Kala ko nga makukuha namin siya [sa Capital1]. So ayun, Ate Brooke kasi all-around player din siya.”

     

    Rounding out her list is one of the league’s most respected playmakers, Jia De Guzman—though Belen kept her admiration playful.

     

    “Ate Jia talaga. So, wait. Ate Jia, pag tayo po nagkalaban, please sit out muna kayo, ha?”

     

    Belen’s appreciation for elite competition was put into perspective when the Creamline Cool Smashers showcased their defensive depth in a straight-sets victory over Capital1 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

     

    Despite the loss, Belen emerged as a bright spot—continuing to prove why she is considered one of the league’s most promising young stars.

     

    For Belen, the experience reinforced a simple reality: the path to becoming a complete professional player is built not only through performance, but through studying the standards set by the very athletes she now competes against.

     

     

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  • Tight race brewing in All-Filipino Conference as Creamline, Cignal, and Nxled surge while PLDT looks to stay unbeaten 

    Tight race brewing in All-Filipino Conference as Creamline, Cignal, and Nxled surge while PLDT looks to stay unbeaten 

    The early landscape of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference is beginning to take shape, and it’s turning into a tightly packed race where consistency is quickly becoming the difference-maker.

     

    At the center of the latest shake-up was the clinical performance of the Creamline Cool Smashers, who neutralized nearly every scoring option of the Capital1 Solar Spikers except standout rookie Bella Belen, completing a 25-18, 26-24, 25-20 sweep Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

     

    Creamline’s disciplined system play and defensive structure forced Capital1 into long rallies while limiting second-chance opportunities at the net. The Cool Smashers improved to 3–1, reinforcing their reputation as one of the conference’s most structured teams built around ball control and veteran composure.

     

    Despite the loss, Capital1 continues to show flashes of promise behind Belen’s scoring surge, highlighting the team’s transition toward a youth-driven core that is still learning how to close out tight sets against established contenders.

     

    While Creamline tightened its grip near the top, the Cignal HD Spikers quietly built momentum of their own.

     

    Cignal extended its winning record to three games after dismantling the Nxled Chameleons, 25-21, 25-17, 25-21, at the PhilSports Arena, showcasing improved offensive balance and sharper blocking rotations.

     

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    The surge placed the HD Spikers in a crowded upper tier alongside the Choco Mucho Flying Titans and Creamline, underscoring how quickly momentum swings can reshape the standings in the short elimination format.

     

    Cignal’s recent run has been anchored on faster tempo offense and improved floor defense—two areas the team struggled with earlier in the conference.

     

    Even with multiple teams gaining traction, the PLDT High Speed Hitters remain the standard so far.

     

    Sitting alone at the top with a 3–0 record, PLDT has combined aggressive net defense with efficient transition scoring, allowing the High Speed Hitters to control matches without needing extended five-set battles. Their depth and physicality have made them one of the most balanced squads in the tournament’s opening stretch.

     

    What’s becoming increasingly clear is that the All-Filipino Conference is trending toward a parity-heavy race. Traditional contenders like Creamline and Cignal are beginning to settle into form, while emerging teams such as Nxled and Capital1 are proving capable of disrupting matchups on any given day. 

     

    With the elimination round still unfolding, every match is carrying added weight—not just for positioning, but for momentum heading into the crucial playoff phase.

     

    If the early results are any indication, the battle for the top seed—and the psychological edge that comes with it—may go down to the final weeks of the eliminations. 

     

    Nxled will hunt for their fourth win of the season on Tuesday, 4PM against Akari. Cignal will look to blemish PLDT’s unbeaten record at the 630PM headliner match. 

     

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  • Jia De Guzman and Jema Galanza laud Bella Belen’s competitive fire

    Jia De Guzman and Jema Galanza laud Bella Belen’s competitive fire

    Rookie standout Bella Belen is quickly turning her debut campaign into one of the defining storylines of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, blending explosive scoring with refined all-around play to emerge as the centerpiece of the Capital1 Solar Spikers.

     

    Through the opening stretch of the conference, Belen leads the league’s Best Scorers list with a commanding 106 total points. Her output — 96 attacks, seven blocks, and just three faults — highlights not only her scoring volume but also her efficiency. On a nightly basis, the 23-year-old has carried the offensive burden for Capital1, often absorbing the brunt of opposing teams’ top defensive schemes.

     

    Her influence goes beyond raw production. Belen ranks third among the league’s Best Spikers, converting 96 of 266 attempts for a 36.09 percent success rate. The mark underscores her ability to sustain efficiency despite heavy usage — an uncommon trait for a rookie navigating the demands of the professional level.

     

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    Still, Capital1’s heavy reliance on Belen has become a growing talking point.

    That dependence was evident in the Solar Spikers’ straight-sets defeat, 18-25, 24-26, 20-25, to defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers on Saturday, February 21, at the FilOil Centre. Belen once again delivered a standout performance with 26 points, but offensive support was limited. Ypril Tapi added just four markers as the next-highest scorer, underscoring the pronounced scoring gap.

     

    Despite the loss, Belen’s competitiveness drew praise from Creamline’s veteran leaders Jia De Guzman and Jema Galanza, who commended not only her talent but also her relentless drive.

     

    “Yung number one kay Bella diyan, she is very competitive, like what we expected. As much as we want to put a stop to her scoring, na-expect din namin na she will keep scoring, and she will fight until the end,” De Guzman said in a media interaction.

     

    “Makikita mo talaga sa kanya na yung fighting spirit niya. Siya yung mga pro na hindi susuko. Kaya siya pa yung magbibigay talaga ng motivation sa teammates niya. So, sobrang happy lang for her na ang laki na, mas go-grow siya ngayon sa pro,” Galanza added.

     

    For all of Belen’s individual brilliance, the Solar Spikers sit at 2-3, good for seventh place and the lower half of the standings. As the conference unfolds, establishing greater offensive balance and strengthening team chemistry will be critical if Capital1 hopes to translate its rookie star’s breakout run into sustained success.

     

    The Solar Spikers aim to rebound — and ease the scoring load on Belen — when they face the Farm Fresh Foxies on Thursday, February 26, at the FilOil Centre, a pivotal opportunity to regain momentum and prove that their rising star’s brilliance can fuel collective gains.

     

     

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  • Galeries’ Roselle Baliton named PVL Player of the Week for February 17 to 21

    Galeries’ Roselle Baliton named PVL Player of the Week for February 17 to 21

    The Galeries Tower Highrisers have opened their campaign in the Premier Volleyball League 2026 All-Filipino Conference with mixed results, splitting their first four matches to sit sixth in the team standings.

     

    After alternating wins and losses to begin the tournament, the Highrisers showed signs of cohesion and growth in their latest outing, securing a four-set victory over the Nxled Chameleons, 25-19, 17-25, 25-20, 25-21, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Thursday, February 19. The win not only evened their record at 2-2 but also offered a glimpse of the identity the revamped squad is trying to build this season.

     

    At the heart of the triumph was veteran middle blocker Roselle Baliton, who delivered a commanding two-way performance. Baliton tallied 16 points built on seven attacks, seven blocks, and two service aces — anchoring the Highrisers both offensively and defensively. Her presence at the net disrupted Nxled’s rhythm, while her timely hits provided stability whenever momentum threatened to shift.

     

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    Baliton has emerged as a cornerstone for Galeries, especially after management opted for a sweeping roster overhaul in the offseason. One of the few holdovers from the previous campaign, the 29-year-old has embraced a leadership role, helping integrate new pieces while setting the standard with her work ethic and consistency.

    Her standout performance earned league-wide recognition. Baliton was named PVL Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of February 17 to 21, besting a competitive field that included Jia De Guzman of the Creamline Cool Smashers, Bella Belen of the Capital1 Solar Spikers, Majoy Baron of the PLDT High Speed Hitters, and Trisha Tubu of the Farm Fresh Foxies for the weekly citation awarded by reporters covering the country’s premier professional volleyball league.

     

    “Sobrang nakakataba ng puso. Kumbaga, ang dami ng pinagdaanan ng team, and kumbaga, start din ‘to ng magkaroon ng winning culture ‘yung team kasi nga for the longest time, maraming napagdaanan ‘yung team. Napatunayan din namin na kung ano ‘yung pinapakita namin sa training, lumalabas din,” Baliton said in a media interaction.

     

    For Baliton, the victory was more than just a tally in the win column. It represented validation of the team’s preparation and a potential turning point in cultivating a stronger competitive mindset.

    “Team effort talaga siya. So, doon namin tinitingnan kung ano talaga yung kayang ibigay ng team na kapag nagtulong-tulong, nagsasabay-sabay na trabaho, lumalabas talaga na kaya naman talaga. Ika nga, bilog ang bola, so ayun, laban lang,” she added.

     

    The Highrisers’ recent performance suggests a squad gradually finding its rhythm. With improved floor defense, sharper rotations, and more consistent execution in crunch time, Galeries appears intent on transforming early-season inconsistency into sustained momentum.

     

    Baliton will look to sustain her impressive form when Galeries faces another stern test against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Thursday, February 26, once again at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. The matchup presents an opportunity for the Highrisers not only to climb the standings but also to further solidify the winning culture they are striving to build in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

     

     

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  • Majoy Baron anchors PLDT’s defense, leads PVL in blocks by wide margin

    Majoy Baron anchors PLDT’s defense, leads PVL in blocks by wide margin

    PLDT High Speed Hitters continue to assert their dominance in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, and much of their success can be traced back to the imposing presence of middle blocker Majoy Baron. 

     

    The former La Salle standout has emerged as a linchpin in both defense and offense, blending impeccable timing with relentless determination at the net.

     

    Baron’s statistical impact speaks volumes as she currently leads the league’s Best Blocker category with 14 blocks and 67 attacks, averaging 1.27 blocks per set.

     

    Her timing on the court and ability to read opponents have made her a constant threat, while maintaining a 20.90% block success and an impressive 26.56% attack efficiency.

     

    The 30-year-old middle blocker’s consistent presence on both ends of the floor has been a driving force behind PLDT’s unbeaten 3-0 opening, setting the tone for their early dominance in the conference. 

     

    In their most recent outing at FilOil Centre in San Juan City on February 19, PLDT overcame Akari 25-22, 25-27, 25-21, 25-15, with Baron contributing 14 points and a staggering seven blocks. Yet, for Baron, individual accolades take a back seat to team execution. 

     

    “Kasi sa’kin importante na maka-block ako kasi for me, as a middle blocker, middle blocker nga ‘di ba,” she said. “So mas focus talaga ako sa job ko as a blocker.”

     

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    Her presence has not only bolstered PLDT’s defensive stability but also energized the team’s offensive rhythm. 

     

    Baron’s ability to anchor the net allows hitters to operate with confidence, creating opportunities for teammates to excel. 

     

    The High Speed Hitters’ seamless system execution, coupled with Baron’s consistent performance, has positioned them as one of the strongest contenders in the conference.

    Looking ahead, PLDT will look to defend their unbeaten record against a surging Cignal on Tuesday at 6:30 PM at FilOil Centre. 

     

    With Baron at the center of their frontline, the team aims to preserve its perfect start and reinforce its championship aspirations. 

     

    Beyond her numbers, Baron has shown leadership and composure that elevate the squad, proving that a middle blocker’s influence can set the tone for a team’s momentum and mindset.

     

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  • Bella Belen admits scoring gap with Capital1 teammates is a concern

    Bella Belen admits scoring gap with Capital1 teammates is a concern

    Rookie standout Bella Belen is rapidly transforming her debut season into one of the most compelling narratives of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, pairing explosive scoring with polished all-around play to establish herself as the focal point of the Capital1 Solar Spikers.

     

    Through the opening stretch of the conference, Belen sits atop the league’s Best Scorers list with a commanding 106 total points. Her tally is built on 96 attacks, seven blocks, and just three faults — numbers that underscore not only her scoring volume but also her efficiency. Night after night, the 23-year-old has provided the offensive backbone for Capital1, often carrying the heaviest load against the league’s top defenses.

     

    Her impact extends beyond sheer point production. Belen also ranks third among the league’s Best Spikers, converting 96 of 266 attempts for a 36.09 percent success rate. The figure reflects her ability to maintain efficiency despite high usage — a rare trait for a rookie adjusting to the professional level.

     

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    However, Capital1’s reliance on Belen has become an increasing point of discussion.

    That reality was evident in the Solar Spikers’ straight-sets loss, 18-25, 24-26, 20-25, to the defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers on Saturday, February 21, at the FilOil Centre.

     

    Belen once again delivered a stellar individual performance with 26 points, but offensive support proved scarce. Ypril Tapi finished as the team’s next leading scorer with just four points, highlighting the significant scoring gap.

     

    Belen acknowledged postgame that the imbalance was addressed internally.

    “It was addressed earlier in the dugout. I mean, I guess it’s becoming a concern since volleyball is a team effort. It’s not just about one person. You really can’t win when the scoring gap is that wide,” Belen said in a media interaction.

     

    Despite the heavy burden, the former collegiate star remains focused on contributing in every way she can.

     

    “But I guess on my part, I’m always doing my best to give what I know I can do for the team, and whatever help I can provide. And I think that also comes from my past experiences,” she added.

     

    Beyond the numbers, the match underscored the gap in chemistry and experience between Capital1 and Creamline. The Cool Smashers’ cohesion — built through years of playing together — was apparent in crucial stretches, particularly in the tightly contested second set.

     

    Belen was candid in her assessment of where her team currently stands.

     

    “I feel like we still have a long way to go. Since it’s Creamline, they have been together for a long time, and they already know each other inside out. As for us, we are still getting there. But I can see that we have the potential to reach that level or at least keep pace with that style of play,” Belen concluded.

     

    Despite Belen’s individual brilliance, the Solar Spikers hold a 2-3 win-loss record, placing them seventh in the standings and in the lower half of the table. As the conference progresses, developing offensive balance and team chemistry will be key to climbing the rankings.

     

    Capital1 will look to bounce back and ease the scoring pressure on its rookie star when it takes on the Farm Fresh Foxies on Thursday, February 26, at the FilOil Centre — a crucial opportunity to regain momentum and reinforce that Belen’s breakout campaign can translate into collective success.

     

     

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