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Category: Volleyball

  • Nxled’s Jules Tolentino named PVL Player of the Week for February 10 to 14

    Nxled’s Jules Tolentino named PVL Player of the Week for February 10 to 14

    The Nxled Chameleons have emerged as one of the early revelations of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, storming to three consecutive victories to open their campaign and securing second place in the standings.

     

    After a modest showing in previous conferences, the Chameleons appear to have found both rhythm and resilience this season, blending youthful energy with veteran leadership. Their latest statement win came on Saturday, February 14, at the Ynares Center, where they swept the Cignal HD Spikers in straight sets, 25-19, 25-22, 27-25.

     

    At the heart of that victory was rookie setter Jules Tolentino, whose steady orchestration of the offense and timely contributions on both ends of the floor underscored her growing influence on the team. Tolentino tallied five points built on two attacks, two kill blocks, and an ace, while dishing out 19 excellent sets that consistently put her hitters in prime scoring positions.

     

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    Beyond the numbers, it was Tolentino’s poise in crucial moments — particularly in the tightly contested third set — that stood out. With Cignal threatening to extend the match, the 23-year-old playmaker displayed maturity beyond her years, making smart distribution choices and keeping the Chameleons composed under pressure.

     

    Her impressive outing did not go unnoticed. Tolentino was named PVL Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of February 10 to 14, besting a competitive field that included teammate MJ Phillips, the Creamline Cool Smashers duo of Bernadeth Pons and Jia De Guzman, PLDT High Speed Hitters star Kianny Dy, ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles standout Chinnie Arroyo, Farm Fresh Foxies scorer Trisha Tubu, and Cignal’s Vanie Gandler for the weekly citation awarded by print and online reporters covering the country’s premier professional volleyball league.

    For Tolentino, however, individual recognition remains secondary to steady growth and team success.

     

    “Lagi ko lang na mindset sa sarili ko na magwo-work hard lang ako, at kahit manalo o matalo, same pa rin yung attitude ko. Ayun, siguro po grateful din po sa mga nangyayari, but then again, I’m not really complacent, kaya every day talaga gusto ko i-push yung sarili ko kasi gusto ko talaga ma-reach yung highest potential ko,” Tolentino said in a media interaction.

     

    The rookie setter also acknowledged the invaluable guidance she receives from her more experienced teammates, emphasizing the importance of composure during crunch time.

     

    “Thankful sa mga ates ko na they are really used to that kind of situations so sila po talaga ‘yung nag-step up nung mga last points. I’m really happy na puro veterans ‘yung kasama ko,” she added.

     

    Nxled’s strong start reflects a team buying into its system and trusting its floor general. With Tolentino steering the offense and veterans stepping up in key stretches, the Chameleons have quickly positioned themselves as legitimate contenders in the All-Filipino Conference.

     

    They now turn their focus to their next assignment against the Galeries Tower Highrisers on Thursday, February 19, at the FilOil Centre. A fourth straight win would further cement Nxled’s status as one of the conference’s hottest teams — and provide another opportunity for Tolentino to showcase the calm confidence that has fueled her breakout run.

     

    If their early performances are any indication, the Chameleons are not merely off to a good start — they may well be building something sustainable for the long grind of the PVL season.

     

     

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  • Shaina Nitura feels ‘no pressure’ after Adamson’s strong opening win

    Shaina Nitura feels ‘no pressure’ after Adamson’s strong opening win

    Shaina Nitura made it clear after Adamson University’s dominant opening win over Ateneo: the spotlight may be on her, but the weight isn’t.

     

    Coming off a historic rookie season, Nitura brushed aside any talk of added expectations as the Lady Falcons cruised to a 25-19, 25-18, 25-10 sweep in their UAAP Season 88 debut at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    Despite leading Adamson with 16 points, the 21-year-old outside hitter emphasized that this year feels lighter — not heavier.

     

    “Actually, gumaan naman po siya para sa amin, lalo na sa team, kasi collective effort po siya. May ma-off man, sabihin natin na ma-off ako, meron na talagang siguradong sasalo sa’kin kasi, as you can see, kumpleto talaga kami,” Nitura said.

     

    Her confidence stems from the Lady Falcons’ depth. Francis Mordi backed her up with 14 points, rookie Abby Segui impressed with eight markers in her debut, while middle blockers Princess Dote and Lhouiz Tuddao anchored the net with seven and six points, respectively. Veterans Red Bascon and Barbie Jamili, along with rookies Joy Aseo and Lana Barrera, provide even more scoring options.

     

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    For Nitura, that balance eliminates the burden of having to carry the offense every game.

     

    “Kung sakaling ‘di gumana si Abby, we have opposite. Kung sakaling ‘di ako gumana, meron kaming Lana [Barrera], meron kaming Red [Bascon], Joy [Aseo] — yung rookie namin — and Ate Barbie [Jamili],” she added.

     

    After rewriting the record books last season — including a 38-point performance that set a new UAAP single-game scoring mark and a 371-point campaign that broke the all-division season record — Nitura now appears more focused on growth than gaudy numbers.

     

    “Deep bench talaga ang meron kami, so no pressure pa rin naman sa akin, sa team. Lalo kasi young team, so marami pa yung puwedeng mangyari,” she said.

     

    “Fino-focus lang talaga namin yung paangat namin at mag-focus kami na mabuo kami. Over time naman, darating na ‘yun kung ibibigay ni Lord at kung makita niya na deserve na naman na makuha yung dapat naming makuha.”

     

    If Adamson’s opening statement is any indication, Nitura won’t need to chase records this season.

    She just needs to trust the team around her — and so far, that trust is paying off.

     

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  • No. 1 pick Bella Belen shows growth in Capital1’s tough PVL campaign

    No. 1 pick Bella Belen shows growth in Capital1’s tough PVL campaign

    Widely regarded as one of the brightest stars to emerge from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, Bella Belen continues to carry the weight of expectations that she will become the next face of Philippine volleyball — and perhaps a cornerstone of the national team’s future on the international stage.

     

    The former collegiate standout wasted little time making her mark in the professional ranks after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft by the Capital1 Solar Spikers. From the moment she donned the Solar Spikers jersey, Belen has embraced the responsibility of leading a rebuilding franchise hungry to establish itself as a legitimate contender.

     

    Now 23, the dynamic outside hitter has shown flashes of brilliance early in her PVL career, spearheading Capital1’s offense in the ongoing All-Filipino Conference. However, the transition from collegiate dominance to professional consistency has not come without challenges. The Solar Spikers currently sit eighth in the standings after three games, a position that underscores the growing pains of a young squad still searching for cohesion against more seasoned opponents.

     

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    Despite the setbacks, Belen’s competitive fire and willingness to learn have stood out. Her development was evident in Capital1’s recent meetings with the PLDT High Speed Hitters. In their first encounter, she was limited to 13 points as PLDT’s formidable blocking corps repeatedly shut down her attacking lanes. But just days later, Belen responded with a statement performance, erupting for a PVL-leading 28 points on 26 attacks in a spirited rematch — a testament to her adjustments and resilience.

     

    Reflecting on the experience, Belen pointed to preparation and in-game awareness as key factors in her bounce-back outing.

     

    “Naalala ko pa yung last na paghaharap namin sa Reinforced. Grabe, naba-block nila ako. Dapat from that, kung makaka-block man sila sa akin, siguro dalawa, isa, pero hindi ganon karami. Kailangan mas marami pa rin akong napuntos for the team. Siyempre, yung coverage nandiyan kahit ma-block ako, meron na ka-support na sa akin. So, ayun, inaral naman namin yung PLDT po, na alam namin na yung advantage talaga nila is yung blocking nila. Kasi, malalaki at mabibilis talaga sila,” Belen said in a media interaction.

    Her comments highlight not only her individual accountability but also the team’s collective effort to dissect opponents and improve tactically — a crucial trait for a young roster aiming to climb the standings.

     

    Even in defeat, Belen found reasons for optimism.

     

    “Siyempre, despite the loss, nakita ko naman na lumaban yung team. Kumbaga, mayroong glimpse na kaya, kaya sana ng team. Sadyang, siyempre yung kalaban namin, sobrang veterano na matagalan sila magkasama, ganyan.

     

    “Meron pa kami dapat, sana pinush pa namin yung sarili namin na kung ano pa yung pwede namin gawin sana, para ma-push pa yung game into 5-set. At sana nanalo kami, gano’n. So, I’m very happy pa rin naman sa naging performance ng team na kahit gano’n yun, natalo. Nakita ko naman na lumaban ko yung team,” she concluded.

     

    For Belen, the emphasis remains on growth — turning painful lessons into stepping stones. Her scoring leap from 13 to 28 points against the same opponent illustrates both her adaptability and her determination to shoulder the offensive burden when needed.

     

    Capital1’s journey in the All-Filipino Conference is far from over, and Belen will once again be at the forefront when the Solar Spikers face the Choco Mucho Flying Titans at the FilOil Centre on Tuesday, February 17. Against another established contender, the young star will have another opportunity to showcase her evolution — not just as a prolific scorer, but as a leader intent on steering her team back to winning ways.

     

    If early signs are any indication, Bella Belen’s professional story is only just beginning — and Philippine volleyball fans may very well be witnessing the rise of their next superstar.

     

     

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  • “MVP candidate this season”: Ralf Ricafort, Kianna Dy laud Bella Belen following PVL clash

    “MVP candidate this season”: Ralf Ricafort, Kianna Dy laud Bella Belen following PVL clash

    If the early stretch of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference is any indication, PLDT is determined to prove that sustained success does not hinge on a single superstar.

     

    Instead, the High Speed Hitters are carving out an identity rooted in depth, balance, and defensive discipline — a formula that is beginning to pay dividends.

     

    On Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, PLDT delivered another statement performance, dispatching Capital1 in four sets, 25-20, 25-16, 22-25, 25-17. The victory marked their second straight win to open the conference and reinforced the impression that their earlier dismantling of defending powerhouse Creamline was no mere early-season anomaly.

     

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    The victory underscored head coach Rald Ricafort’s emphasis on sustainability — a system built to withstand pressure and adapt mid-match rather than crumble when a single player is contained.

     

    Still, the night belonged in many ways to Capital1’s rising star, University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standout Bella Belen.

     

    Belen exploded for a conference-best 28 points, showcasing her all-around arsenal that included 12 receptions. Through three games, she is averaging an eye-popping 25.67 points per outing — elite production by any standard, especially for a young player navigating the professional ranks.

     

    Her performance kept Capital1 competitive, particularly in the third set where her scoring burst sparked a rally that extended the match. Whether attacking from the wings, scoring from the back row, or contributing in out-of-system plays, Belen displayed the poise and versatility that have quickly made her one of the league’s most talked-about talents.

    Ricafort acknowledged that neutralizing Belen was a primary focus of PLDT’s game plan.

     

    “Yun nga eh. ‘Yun talaga nilook-forward namin today na i-try talaga bawasan si Bella. Pero siyempre, credit pa rin sa kanya dahil nandun talaga ‘yung skill eh. Kumpleto laro, passing, out-of-system. Parang nakarami siyang points backrow pa, so siya talaga ‘yun. Bigay namin ‘yun sa kanya,” Ricafort said in the post-match press conference.

     

    The veteran tactician even went a step further, openly labeling Belen as a legitimate Most Valuable Player (MVP) candidate.

     

    “Nung huling beses ko siya na-congratulate, Bella Bytsenko ang tawag ko sa kanya. Ganyan talaga magiging season niya. For sure, MVP candidate talaga siya this season,” he added.

     

    PLDT star Kim Kianna Dy echoed her coach’s sentiments, pointing to Belen’s evident growth and composure on the court.

     

    “I guess I feel like mas mature siya ngayon. Very calm na siya inside, dinadala na niya yung teammates niya. Ang likot ng bola niya. Madaming daan yung bola niya, so mahirap talagang i-block. Kita naman sa 28 points niya, we prepared for her also. Alam naman na Bella will be given a lot of balls. Ayun, 28 points nga siya,” Dy said.

     

    Dy’s assessment highlighted what makes Belen particularly dangerous — not just her scoring totals, but the unpredictability of her attacks and her ability to lead her team despite heavy defensive attention.

     

    le Belen’s heroics commanded attention, PLDT’s broader message was clear: they are building a team capable of contending deep into the conference.

     

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas standout Angel Canino embraces veteran role for La Salle in UAAP Season 88

    Alas Pilipinas standout Angel Canino embraces veteran role for La Salle in UAAP Season 88

    Angel Canino returns to the UAAP not just as La Salle’s star hitter — but as a player shaped by international battles.

     

    Fresh from representing Alas Pilipinas in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, where the national team finished fourth, Canino heads into UAAP Season 88 carrying lessons forged against the region’s best. The experience, she believes, has prepared her for a bigger responsibility with the Lady Spikers.

     

    The 2025 SEA Games stint tested the Filipinas against seasoned squads from Southeast Asia’s traditional volleyball powerhouses. Though the podium remained out of reach, the campaign exposed Canino to high-pressure situations, tactical adjustments, and the demands of leadership beyond the collegiate level.

     

    Now back in Taft, she steps into a clear role: senior pillar.

     

    After serving as team captain in Season 87 — where La Salle finished runner-up — Canino is now one of the unquestioned veterans following the graduation of key leaders. Alongside fellow fourth-year players Shevana Laput, Amie Provido, and Lyka De Leon, she is tasked with guiding a younger roster hungry to return to championship form.

     

    “Siguro mai-expect lang sa amin is to be an Ate inside the court. Hindi lang sa skills pero kundi kung paano namin i-lead yung mga bata sa loob,” said Canino during the league’s Media Day.

     

    Her voice carries more weight now. The Lady Spikers are coming off two frustrating seasons after winning the crown in her rookie year. They placed third in Season 86 and were swept by National University in last season’s finals — heartbreaks that still linger.

     

    But the SEA Games experience added another layer of maturity.

     

    Competing internationally demanded composure and adaptability, especially in tight matches where momentum swings quickly. That growth, Canino hopes, translates into steadier leadership for La Salle.

     

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    “Ngayong fourth year namin, kami na talaga ‘yung seniors. Wala na talaga kaming ibang Ate, lahat ng mga bata nagde-depend na sa amin. So we have to act as the typical Lady Spikers — yung values, yung ginagalaw as a Lady Spiker, ipakita yun sa mga bata kasi yun at yun lang din ang magdadala ulit sa amin sa championship.”

     

    La Salle opens its Season 88 campaign against Far Eastern University on February 14, with renewed urgency fueling its preparation.

     

    “Siguro sobrang eager kasi to the point na gusto rin namin i-push yung sarili namin, not kung saan lang kami comfortable,” she said.

     

    “Siguro dahil heartbreak after heartbreak, kakaiba rin yung feeling ngayon kasi muntikan na namin makuha yung championship last year. So mas nag-effort talaga kami to work on kung saan kami nagkulang last season.”

     

    The fourth-place finish in the SEA Games may not have delivered a medal, but it gave Canino perspective — that growth often comes before glory.

     

    As UAAP Season 88 approaches, La Salle’s bid to reclaim the throne will lean heavily on its veterans. And at the center of that push stands a player who has seen both the sting of near-misses at home and the grind of representing the country abroad.

     

    This time, Angel Canino is not just chasing another title.

     

    She is leading the way.

     

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  • PLDT stays unbeaten, outduels Bella Belen’s 28-point night

    PLDT stays unbeaten, outduels Bella Belen’s 28-point night

    If the early stretch of the 2025 PVL All-Filipino Conference is any indication, PLDT is not relying on a single superstar to carry the load.

     

    The High Speed Hitters are building something more sustainable — rhythm, balance, and defensive bite.

     

    On Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, PLDT showcased that identity in a four-set win over Capital1, 25-20, 25-16, 22-25, 25-17. It was their second straight convincing victory to open the tournament, proof that their dismantling of a full-strength Creamline side a week ago was no fluke.

     

    At the center of it all was Kim Fajardo, orchestrating like a seasoned conductor. Her 25 excellent sets ensured that PLDT’s offense never stagnated. The ball moved with purpose. The attacks came from different angles. Capital1 could not lock in on just one threat.

     

    Savi Davison and Kianna Dy made sure of that.

     

    Davison once again delivered across multiple fronts, finishing with 20 points on 17 attacks while adding 11 receptions — a two-way presence that kept the Solar Spikers guessing. Dy matched her output with 20 markers of her own, hammering 16 spikes and rejecting four attempts at the net.

    And when PLDT smells separation, it strikes quickly.

     

    After a competitive opening set, the High Speed Hitters ripped the match open with an 8-1 surge in the second frame. What was once a slim 8-5 lead ballooned into a commanding 16-6 cushion. From there, the tone shifted. PLDT wasn’t just scoring — it was dictating. 

     

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    Still, Capital1 had Bella Belen, now the league’s leading scorer refused to fade quietly, unloading nine points in the third set alone to extend the match. By the end of the night, she tallied a conference-best 28 points, all but two from attacks, while also contributing 12 receptions. Through three games, she is averaging 25.67 points — elite production despite her team’s struggles.

     

    But this contest highlighted a telling contrast.

     

    While Belen shone individually, PLDT thrived collectively, Majoy Baron chipped in 11 points, including five of the team’s 15 blocks, as the High Speed Hitters turned the net into a wall. Aside from Belen, Capital1 struggled to find consistent offense against PLDT’s suffocating defensive schemes, only Shaya Adorador was the other Solar Spiker who scored double-digits with 13. 

    The fourth set became a statement. Order was restored. Control reestablished. Momentum preserved.

     

    With the victory, PLDT improved to 2-0 and moved into a tie for second with Nxled in the conference’s early standings. More importantly, they reinforced a blueprint that travels well in long tournaments: diversified scoring, disciplined defense, and a steady hand at setter.

     

    If the High Speed Hitters continue to win the battle of balance over brilliance, they won’t just be early contenders — they’ll be built for the grind of the entire conference.

     

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  • Jovelyn Gonzaga urges back-to-basics approach after powering ZUS Coffee to first PVL victory

    Jovelyn Gonzaga urges back-to-basics approach after powering ZUS Coffee to first PVL victory

    The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles finally found their breakthrough in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, snapping a two-game skid with a hard-earned five-set victory over the Akari Chargers, 16-25, 25-18, 18-25, 25-23, 15-12, on Thursday, February 12, at the Fil Oil Playtime Centre in San Juan.

     

    In a match that tested both resolve and composure, the Thunderbelles leaned on veteran leadership and timely execution to outlast the Chargers in a gripping contest that stretched to a deciding fifth set. After dropping the opening frame, ZUS Coffee responded with renewed energy in the second set before surrendering the third. Facing the prospect of a third straight defeat to open the conference, the Thunderbelles dug deep in the fourth, edging out Akari in a tight 25-23 finish to force a decider.

     

    From there, experience proved decisive.

     

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    Veteran hitter Jovelyn Gonzaga delivered when it mattered most, anchoring the team in crucial stretches of the fifth set. She finished with 14 points built on a well-rounded performance that included two blocks and two service aces, while providing steady leadership during momentum swings. Time and again, Gonzaga calmed her teammates during high-pressure rallies, helping the Thunderbelles stay composed down the stretch.

     

    Chinnie Arroyo led all ZUS Coffee scorers with 18 points, consistently finding ways to break through Akari’s defensive wall. Middle blocker Risa Nogales contributed 10 markers, while Thea Gagate chipped in nine, including key conversions that kept the team within striking distance in the fourth set. The balanced scoring effort underscored the team-first mentality that the coaching staff had emphasized following their slow start to the conference.

     

    “Thankful ako sa bawat isa kasi ‘yun nga, sabi ng coaching staff nag-step up talaga bawat isa. More than winning and the trophies, ang importante malagpasan namin ng team kung ano ‘mang pinagdadaanan ngayon. Testament ngayon ‘yung win namin na kahit papaano, unti-unti nakakausad kami,” Gonzaga said in the postmatch press conference.

    For Gonzaga, the victory represented more than just a mark in the win column. The 34-year-old admitted that heightened expectations following their silver-medal finish in the 2025 Reinforced Conference had weighed heavily on the squad. Entering the All-Filipino Conference with momentum and confidence, the Thunderbelles instead stumbled out of the gates, absorbing two straight losses that forced them to reassess their mindset.

     

    Compounding the challenge has been the absence of reigning Rookie of the Year AC Miner, who has yet to suit up due to a recurring shin injury. The team has also had to adjust to life without head coach Jerry Yee on the sidelines, as he is expected to be away for at least a month due to health reasons. With key figures unavailable, the Thunderbelles have been compelled to rely on internal growth and collective accountability.

     

    “Ang daming uncertainties na nangyari. Pressure siya, which is naging blinded kami sa realidad na nag-set kami ng standard. Hinumble kami, binalik kami sa zero. I-delete muna lahat ng nangyari – achievements, trophies. Balik muna kami sa basic – paano kami nagsimula at saan kami nanggaling – para makapagsimula muli as a team,” she added.

     

    The win serves as an early statement that ZUS Coffee remains a formidable contender despite adversity. More importantly, it signals a renewed focus on fundamentals and cohesion rather than external expectations.

     

    With their campaign now back on track, the Thunderbelles face an even sterner test as they prepare to take on league powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers on Tuesday, February 17, at the FilOil Centre. The upcoming showdown offers ZUS Coffee an opportunity to measure its progress against one of the conference favorites — and to prove that Thursday’s breakthrough was not merely a momentary spark, but the beginning of a steady climb in the standings.

     

     

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  • Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos shine as Cignal remains unbeaten in PVL All-Filipino Conference

    Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos shine as Cignal remains unbeaten in PVL All-Filipino Conference

    Cignal Super Spikers are off to a flying start in the PVL All-Filipino Conference, boasting a perfect 3-0 record, and much of the credit goes to the team’s dynamic duo: Vanessa Gandler and Erika Mae Santos. 


    Both players have made a strong statement, ranking among the league’s top five scorers while also breaking into the top 10 best spikers list, demonstrating not just firepower but also remarkable efficiency and versatility.

     

    Gandler leads the Super Spikers with 55 points so far this season. The 5-foot-9 outside spiker has tallied 51 spikes on 148 attempts, converting 34.46% of her attacks with zero faults, complemented by four additional points from other shots. 

     

    Santos is right behind with 46 points, converting 38 spikes out of 108 attempts for a 35.19% success rate, along with six faults and two successful shots. Together, their 101 points account for the backbone of Cignal’s offense, underscoring their central role in the team’s unbeaten start.

     

    Cignal opened the season with a dominant 3-0 sweep over Galeries Tower HighRisers, taking sets 25-17, 25-14, and 25-11. Gandler contributed 14 points, combining precise spikes and strong floor coverage, while Santos added 13 points, using her quick attacks and blocks to keep the HighRisers off balance.

     

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    In their second game against powerhouse Choco Mucho, the Super Spikers showed resilience in a 3-1 win (25-20, 18-19, 25-16, 25-25). Gandler tallied 16 points, delivering sharp attacks from the wings and solid passing that kept Cignal’s offense fluid. Santos turned in one of her standout performances, scoring 18 points, including two blocks and two aces, demonstrating her all-around threat at the net.

     

    Their latest win came against Farm Fresh, another 3-1 victory with sets of 17-25, 24-28, 25-20, and 28-30. Gandler’s triple-double performance stole the spotlight with 25 points, 14 excellent digs, and 15 excellent receptions, showing why she’s a nightmare for opposing defenses. Santos contributed 15 points with two blocks, consistently applying pressure at the net and keeping the team’s rhythm intact.

     

    Beyond their scoring, both players have been critical in other areas—Gandler’s court vision and defensive coverage, combined with Santos’ timing in blocks and efficient spike conversion, make them a well-rounded duo few teams can contain. Santos ranks seventh among the best spikers this conference, while Gandler is eighth, reinforcing their status as elite attackers.

     

    With Gandler and Santos leading the way, Cignal has established itself as a formidable team this season. 

     

    Their combination of scoring, attacking efficiency, and defensive contributions has been the driving force behind Cignal’s perfect 3-0 record, making the Super Spikers a squad to watch as the PVL All-Filipino Conference heats up, the Super Spikers will look to extend their streak against the Nxled Chameleons this Saturday scheduled for 6:30PM. 

     

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  • Sisi Rondina urges patience amid Choco Mucho’s poor start in the All-Filipino Conference

    Sisi Rondina urges patience amid Choco Mucho’s poor start in the All-Filipino Conference

    The Choco Mucho Flying Titans are still searching for consistency early in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference after dropping their first two assignments of the tournament, a start that has placed them fourth in the team standings.

     

    Their latest setback came at the hands of defending powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers, who imposed their will in four sets, 27-25, 17-25, 25-21, 25-15, on Tuesday, February 10, before a lively crowd of 12,600 fans at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

     

    Choco Mucho showed flashes of promise, particularly in a tightly contested opening frame that saw both teams exchange momentum. However, Creamline’s poise and depth proved decisive down the stretch, allowing the Cool Smashers to maintain their dominance in one of the league’s most compelling rivalries.

     

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    Despite the slow start, Flying Titans star Sisi Rondina urged patience, emphasizing that the team remains a work in progress as it continues to adjust to new systems and rediscover its rhythm.

     

    “We tend to lose patience. There are times when we are starting to find our rhythm, but we forget that everything coach wants us to do is effective, we just don’t execute it. That’s what we need to focus on and learn,” Rondina said in the post match press conference.

     

    Rondina once again carried much of the offensive load for Choco Mucho, tallying 15 points while contributing 14 receptions in an all-around effort. But even her steady production was not enough to turn the tide against Creamline. The loss marked the Flying Titans’ 19th defeat in their last 20 meetings with the Cool Smashers, a lopsided stretch that continues to highlight Creamline’s firm grip on the rivalry.

    The 2023 PVL Most Valuable Player (MVP) is also navigating a personal transition. Fresh off a historic campaign at the Southeast Asian Games, where she captured a gold medal in beach volleyball alongside Bernadeth Pons for the Philippines, Rondina is in the midst of readjusting to the indoor game and the tactical demands of Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

     

    “Since I returned to indoor volleyball, I have learned a lot of new things from coach Dante, especially the new techniques he is adapting. That’s what we really need to work on, especially me, Eya, and the other spikers,” she added.

     

    Alinsunurin echoed his star player’s sentiments, stressing that system familiarity and composure in critical moments remain areas of improvement for the squad.

     

    “From our two losses, we clearly saw our mistakes. What we want to happen on the court was proven to be something we really have to execute, not just talk about. There were moments when we lost our patience, but like I said, it takes time to get what we want to see on the court, especially when we are out of system. We just need to adapt to whatever situation we are in at that moment.

     

    “This league is long and a lot can still happen – you can end up in the Final Four or fighting near the bottom. In situations like this, we really need to prove ourselves more in the coming games,” Alinsunurin stated.

     

    While the early losses have raised concerns, the Flying Titans remain confident that adjustments made now will pay dividends as the conference progresses. With a long schedule ahead and playoff positioning still far from settled, Choco Mucho has ample opportunity to regroup and build momentum.

     

    The Flying Titans will attempt to halt their skid and notch their first win of the conference when they take on the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Tuesday, February 17, at the FilOil Centre — a crucial match that could help reset their campaign and restore confidence moving forward.

     

     

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  • PLDT tests its momentum against Capital1

    PLDT tests its momentum against Capital1

    Early statements are easy to make. Sustaining them is another matter entirely.

     

    PLDT has already sent a message in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference. The High Speed Hitters didn’t just beat multi-titled Creamline — they dismantled them in straight sets. It was the kind of win that turns heads and shifts expectations. But inside the PLDT camp, the mood isn’t celebratory. It’s calculated.

     

    In a tournament where parity reigns and every roster can threaten an upset, momentum is only as strong as the next performance.

     

    On Thursday at the FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan, PLDT faces a different kind of challenge. Not the aura of a dynasty — but the unpredictability of youth and firepower. Capital1, bannered by one of the league’s most electrifying young scorers in Bella Belen, stands in the way of a second straight victory that could vault the High Speed Hitters into a share of second place.

     

    If the Creamline win showcased PLDT’s ceiling, this matchup will test its stability.

     

    Savi Davison was brilliant in that signature triumph, erupting for 26 points while delivering 11 excellent digs and 10 receptions in a rare triple-double display. But even in a performance that could easily stand alone as a headline act, the Fil-Canadian spiker pointed elsewhere.

     

    “I couldn’t have done it alone. Everyone showed up – our fans, our players, our coaches,” she said. “I’m just glad we were able to work together and get it done in three sets.”

     

    That collective spirit defined PLDT’s showing. Kim Dy and Jovie Prado stretched the floor from the wings. Majoy Baron and Mika Reyes locked down the middle. Kim Fajardo conducted the offense with the calm of a veteran who has seen the conference grind before. The High Speed Hitters didn’t overpower Creamline — they out-executed them.

     

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    And that may be their true identity this season: a team built not on singular brilliance, but on synchronized intent.

     

    Still, Thursday’s opponent offers a contrasting narrative.

     

    Capital1 is growing in real time. The Solar Spikers’ campaign has revolved around Belen’s explosive scoring touch. She opened her professional stretch with 26 points in a four-set win over ZUS Coffee, then followed it with 23 markers against Nxled, even in a straight-set defeat. Whether attacking in transition, tooling the block off high balls, ripping cross-court angles or striking from the backrow, Belen has proven capable of bending defenses.

     

    More than the numbers, though, is her composure. Despite carrying the offensive burden, she has adapted quickly to tighter defensive schemes and more physical matchups.

     

    With Shaya Adorador, Ezra Madrigal, Pauline Gaston and Ysa Jimenez reinforcing the rotation, and middle blockers Cherry Nunag and France Ronquillo providing size at the net, Capital1 is steadily settling into coach Jorge de Brito’s system. Their stumble against the Chameleons revealed areas to polish — but their opening statement win showed they can disrupt anyone’s rhythm.

     

    Thursday’s 4 p.m. duel could easily morph into a showcase between Davison and Belen — established force versus ascending star. Yet the outcome may hinge less on the headline scorers and more on which side controls the margins: serve receive, transition defense, and bench production.

     

    In a league where the gap between contender and spoiler is razor-thin, depth often decides what star power cannot.

     

    The nightcap at 6:30 p.m. brings its own urgency as ZUS Coffee and Akari hunt for stability.

    Akari enters with the benefit of rest, having not seen action since Jan. 31. The pause offered time to recalibrate, and coach Tina Salak hopes the reset translates into sharper execution from Grethcel Soltones, Ivy Lacsina, Faith Nisperos, Fifi Sharma, Ced Domingo and Eli Soyud. For a squad chasing its first win, fresh legs could be a quiet advantage.

     

    On the other side, the Thunderbelles are navigating turbulence. Without injured middle blocker AC Miner, they’ve absorbed consecutive losses to Capital1 and Galeries Tower. Yet belief remains intact. The pieces are there — they simply need alignment.

     

    If the opening weeks of the conference have proven anything, it’s that reputations hold little weight once the whistle blows. Every match is an examination of adjustments. Every set is a recalibration.

     

    PLDT’s statement has already been made. Now comes the harder task — repeating it.

     

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