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Category: Volleyball

  • UAAP standout Detdet Pepito relishes PVL debut despite Capital1’s loss to Nxled

    UAAP standout Detdet Pepito relishes PVL debut despite Capital1’s loss to Nxled

    Capital1 Solar Spikers rookie Detdet Pepito may not have celebrated her professional debut with a victory, but the highly touted libero walked away from her first Premier Volleyball League (PVL) match with valuable lessons and even greater motivation.

     

    The Solar Spikers opened their 2026 PVL On Tour campaign on a disappointing note after suffering a straight-set defeat to the Nxled Chameleons, 25-17, 25-23, 25-18. Despite showing flashes of competitiveness—particularly in the second set—Capital1 struggled to match Nxled’s consistency and execution as the Chameleons completed a convincing sweep.

     

    For Pepito, however, the match represented the realization of a long-awaited dream.

     

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    After establishing herself as one of the most decorated collegiate players in recent memory, the two-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Most Valuable Player officially made the leap to the professional ranks. Although the 23-year-old admitted that nerves and physical discomfort affected her performance, she remained encouraged by how she handled the moment.

     

    “I think it wasn’t bad. As a rookie, there were definitely nerves and excitement, but I think I handled it pretty well. I just need to figure out how to deal with the cramps I have been getting every game. We will try to find a solution,” Pepito said during the postmatch press conference.

     

    The transition from collegiate volleyball to the PVL often presents a significant challenge for young players, with the faster pace, stronger competition, and higher expectations demanding quick adjustments. Yet Pepito believes the transition has been made considerably easier by the welcoming environment within the Capital1 camp.

    Rather than feeling intimidated by the jump to the professional level, the former collegiate standout said the team’s veteran players and coaching staff have helped her settle in comfortably.

     

    “I don’t think much has changed. I can still help push my teammates, and they also push me to be better. As a rookie, it’s actually exciting because I’m learning so much from the veterans. Everyone made it so easy to fit in. They were all easy to get along with, and they never made us feel like rookies. In fact, they treated us so well that it almost felt like I had been with the team for a long time. I’m just really thankful to the veterans for making us feel so welcome from day one,” she added.

     

    Pepito arrived in the PVL carrying lofty expectations after a stellar collegiate career that established her as one of the country’s premier liberos. While her professional debut ended in defeat, the young defensive specialist believes the experience will only accelerate her growth as she adjusts to the demands of the professional game.

     

    Beyond the result, Pepito was also overwhelmed by the reception she received from the fans, particularly the Ilocano crowd that packed the venue. Known primarily for her defensive brilliance rather than scoring, the rookie admitted she never expected to hear her name cheered so loudly during her first PVL appearance.

     

    “I was actually surprised that so many people were cheering for me. I never expected to be recognized like that as a libero. It feels great, and I hope it inspires future players to see that liberos can make a big impact and perform at a high level,” Pepito said.

     

    Her comments underscored the growing appreciation for defensive specialists in Philippine volleyball, where liberos have increasingly become fan favorites because of their hustle, consistency, and ability to anchor a team’s floor defense.

     

    Although Capital1 left its conference opener empty-handed, the Solar Spikers remain focused on bouncing back as they continue building chemistry with a roster featuring several newcomers. Pepito, for her part, is determined to keep learning from every match while overcoming the physical challenges that surfaced in her debut.

     

    The Solar Spikers will look to notch their first victory of the conference when they face perennial contenders Creamline Cool Smashers on Saturday, August 8, at the City of Santiago, with Pepito hoping to build on the positives from her professional debut and help steer Capital1 toward its first win of the campaign.

     

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  • Myla Pablo sees Nxled’s chemistry growing as Gel Cayuna settles into setter role 

    Myla Pablo sees Nxled’s chemistry growing as Gel Cayuna settles into setter role 

    Nxled’s newest playmaker may have arrived with an impressive résumé, but for Myla Pablo, the real breakthrough is happening beyond the stat sheet.

     

    After just two matches together, the veteran outside hitter believes Gel Cayuna is beginning to unlock the chemistry that could elevate the Chameleons into one of the PVL’s more dangerous teams.

     

    That progress was evident during Nxled’s convincing straight-set victory over Capital1 in the 2026 PVL On Tour, where Cayuna efficiently distributed the offense with 17 excellent sets while Pablo finished as the team’s leading scorer with 17 points.

     

    For Pablo, the performance wasn’t simply about numbers. It was proof that the team’s growing familiarity is starting to translate into smoother execution on the floor.

     

    “Well, Gel Cayuna is one of the best setters talaga sa PVL,” Pablo told reporters.

     

    “Nung una talaga medyo nahirapan talaga lahat kasi ‘yung communication ng bawa’t isa, pero ngayon naman, nakukuha niya ‘yung mga gusto i-set ng mga spikers din talaga.”

     

    Cayuna arrived at Nxled during the offseason after Cignal took a leave of absence from the league, bringing with her five Best Setter awards and years of experience directing elite offenses.

     

    But joining a new team also meant learning a different group of hitters, each with unique timing, tendencies, and preferred sets.

     

    Pablo revealed that beyond their work in training, she has constantly reminded Cayuna to stay patient and trust the process instead of trying to force everything into place immediately.

     

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    “Sabi ko sa kanya, patience lang talaga at huwag siyang mataranta at pangunahan ang lahat ng ginagawa niya,” she added.

    The early signs have been encouraging, as Nxled continues to build cohesion while integrating new pieces into its lineup ahead of the regular season.

     

    Pablo also praised the PVL On Tour’s “all-to-play” format, saying it has accelerated the team’s development by allowing every player meaningful minutes on the court.

     

    Rather than relying heavily on a small rotation, the preseason tournament has given the Chameleons an opportunity to evaluate their depth while helping everyone become comfortable within the team’s system.

     

    “Actually, una pa lang alam na namin ‘yung all-to-play sa PVL On Tour. Masaya kami na lahat makakalaro kasi siyempre minsan lang din naman mangyari ito,” Pablo said.

     

    “Kaya sabi namin sa mga kasama namin na pag pinasok sa loob ng court, kailangan ibigay ‘yung best natin at makinig sa coaches kung ano ang sinasabi sa loob ng court.”

     

    With its first victory now in the books and its chemistry steadily improving, Nxled hopes to continue building momentum when it returns to action against Galeries Tower on Aug. 1 in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

     

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  • Alas Men face do-or-die showdown against Indonesia in SEA V Cup Leg 2

    Alas Men face do-or-die showdown against Indonesia in SEA V Cup Leg 2

    There is no room left for second chances.


    Alas Pilipinas Men heads into Friday night’s clash with Indonesia knowing that anything less than a straight-set victory will bring its 2026 SEA V Cup campaign to an early end.

     

    The Filipinos face one of Southeast Asia’s volleyball heavyweights at 8:00 p.m. at the Jakarta International Velodrome, with their semifinal hopes hanging by a thread after stumbling in their tournament opener.

     

    Alas opened Leg 2 with a 20-25, 21-25, 24-26 defeat to Cambodia—a familiar opponent that also denied the Philippines in five sets during the first leg in Candon City.

     

    The setback left the Nationals with virtually no margin for error in the compact tournament format.

     

    Standing in their way now is an Indonesian squad brimming with confidence after dispatching Cambodia, 26-24, 25-15, 25-17, in its opening assignment.

     

    The hosts also arrive carrying the momentum of their recent triumph in the 2026 AVC Men’s Cup, further cementing their status as one of the region’s premier volleyball programs.

     

    Indonesia has also had the upper hand against the Filipinos in recent meetings.

     

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    During Leg 1 in Candon, Alas fought hard but still fell in straight sets, 20-25, 23-25, 25-27, highlighting just how slim the margin has been between the two teams despite the result.

     

    Italian head coach Angiolino Frigoni is expected to once again rely on the core that has carried the national team throughout the tournament.

     

    Jude Garcia, Lirick Mendoza, Josh Magalaman, Lloyd Josafat, Adrian Villados, and reigning Leg 1 Best Libero Josh Ybañez will be tasked with delivering the biggest performance of the campaign against a formidable Indonesian side.

     

    But beating the hosts alone will not be enough.

     

    To remain in contention for a semifinal berth, Alas Pilipinas must win in straight sets—a difficult assignment against one of Southeast Asia’s strongest teams, but one that also presents the Filipinos an opportunity to keep their tournament alive with a statement victory.

     

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  • Shorthanded Capital1, defending champion PLDT open PVL On Tour bids in Vigan 

    Shorthanded Capital1, defending champion PLDT open PVL On Tour bids in Vigan 

    The spotlight shifts to Vigan City this weekend as two teams begin their chase for a strong start in the 2026 PVL On Tour—though they will do so under very different circumstances.

     

    Capital1 enters the tournament looking to prove its depth despite missing several key stars, while defending On Tour champion PLDT begins its title defense with expectations once again resting on its veteran core.

     

    Action resumes Saturday at the Chavit Coliseum in Ilocos Sur, with the Solar Spikers facing the Nxled Chameleons at 4 p.m. before the High Speed Hitters battle the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the 6:30 p.m. main event.

     

    Capital1 faces an immediate challenge after losing several of its biggest names to national team duties. With Bella Belen, Vanie Gandler, and Erika Santos unavailable, the Solar Spikers will lean on the next wave of talent led by No. 2 overall rookie pick Detdet Pepito.

     

    Even without their top wing scorers, Capital1 still boasts one of the deeper middle rotations in the tournament. Cherry Nunag, Ezra Madrigal, KC Galdones, Ponggay Gaston, and Pia Abbu are expected to anchor the team’s net defense and provide stability against an Nxled squad loaded with attacking options.

     

    The Chameleons, meanwhile, are determined to bounce back after falling to Creamline in four sets during their last outing in Ilagan City. Although they rallied to steal the second set, Nxled ultimately failed to sustain its momentum.

     

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    Veterans MJ Phillips, Myla Pablo, and EJ Carino remain at the center of the Chameleons’ offense, while Jonah Sabete and Jovelyn Fernandez look to continue their strong work at the net after combining for seven of the team’s 12 blocks in their previous match.

     

    Later in the evening, PLDT officially begins its title defense with a familiar championship core intact.

     

    The High Speed Hitters once again lean on Savi Davison, Kianna Dy, and Majoy Baron as they seek to open their campaign with a statement victory after winning last year’s PVL On Tour crown.

     

    Standing in their way is a Choco Mucho squad eager to erase the memory of a disappointing straight-set loss to ZUS Coffee in Batangas earlier this month.

     

    With national team standouts Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, and Dawn Catindig unavailable, the Flying Titans will once again rely on Caitlyn Viray and Des Cheng, who both finished in double figures in that defeat.

     

    Isa Molde, Kat Tolentino, and No. 3 overall rookie selection Tin Ubaldo are also expected to shoulder bigger roles as Choco Mucho searches for its first victory of the preseason tournament.

     

    After its Vigan stop, the PVL On Tour heads to South Cotabato for the first time on Aug. 1.

     

    Polomolok will host another doubleheader featuring Nxled against Galeries Tower before Akari takes on Choco Mucho in the evening showcase.

     

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  • Taka Minowa embraces tough Asian Games draw as Alas Pilipinas faces China, Kazakhstan

    Taka Minowa embraces tough Asian Games draw as Alas Pilipinas faces China, Kazakhstan

    The Philippine women’s national volleyball team faces one of its toughest assignments in recent memory after being drawn into a daunting Group B for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.


    Alas Pilipinas will open its campaign against two of Asia’s traditional powerhouses—defending champion China, a nine-time Asian Games gold medalist, and Kazakhstan, the runner-up in the 2024 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Nations Cup. With only the top teams advancing, the Filipinas will need to produce their best volleyball against elite opposition in what many consider the tournament’s “Group of Death.”


    Despite the difficult draw, newly appointed Alas Pilipinas head coach Taka Minowa believes the challenge presents an invaluable opportunity for the national program as it continues its long-term rebuilding process.

     

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    Rather than focusing solely on immediate results, the Japanese tactician sees the Asian Games as an important measuring stick for where the Philippines currently stands against the continent’s best teams.

     

    “This will be a big challenge for us because we will be facing some of the tallest teams in Asia,” Minowa said during a media interaction.


    “But if we think about the 2029 World Championship, this tournament is a great opportunity to see where we are, what we already do well, and what we need to improve over the next two years.”


    The Philippines is hoping to build a competitive program capable of consistently challenging Asia’s top volleyball nations, and Minowa believes competing against world-class opponents is a necessary part of that process.


    China remains one of the continent’s premier volleyball powers, boasting an impressive international pedigree that includes multiple Asian Games titles, Olympic medals, and World Championship success. Kazakhstan, meanwhile, has also emerged as one of Asia’s more consistent contenders after finishing runner-up in the 2024 AVC Nations Cup.


    For Minowa, however, the focus is less on the reputation of the opposition and more on how his players respond to the challenge.


    The Japanese coach officially took over the Alas Pilipinas women’s program earlier this year and has wasted little time immersing himself in Philippine volleyball. He is joined in the national team setup by his wife, former Alas Pilipinas standout Jaja Santiago, whose extensive experience representing the country has proven invaluable during the transition.

    Santiago, who was the cornerstone of the Philippine squad during its last Asian Games appearance in 2018, has been helping Minowa familiarize himself with the players, the team’s culture, and the expectations surrounding the national program.


    Among the athletes who competed in Jakarta eight years ago, only team captain Jia De Guzman and Dawn Catindig remain in the current national team pool. The rest of the roster has undergone a significant transformation, with a new generation of talent now taking center stage.


    Leading that youthful core are reigning collegiate stars Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon, who are expected to play key roles as Alas Pilipinas continues its transition toward a younger lineup capable of competing internationally for years to come.


    Minowa admitted that preparing the team has not been without challenges.


    The national squad only began formal training on July 6, leaving the coaching staff with less than three weeks to prepare before the Southeast Asian Volleyball Cup (SEA V.League), which serves as an important tune-up ahead of the Asian Games.


    Adding to the challenge is the condition of the players upon reporting to camp, with several athletes returning from injuries while others arrived at varying levels of fitness following their club commitments.


    “We only started training on July 6, and we will compete in the SEA V.Cup at the end of this month. That gives us only about 20 days to prepare,” Minowa said.


    “The players also came into training in different physical conditions. Some are returning from injuries, so our priority has been managing their health while gradually building our level as a team.”


    Despite the limited preparation time, Minowa has been encouraged by the attitude shown by his players during training.


    “Despite the short preparation, we are making good progress. The players are working hard, enjoying the process, and playing the sport they love,” he added.


    While expectations remain tempered given the caliber of competition awaiting the Philippines in Aichi-Nagoya, Minowa believes the experience of facing Asia’s elite will be instrumental in accelerating the development of the national team.


    For the Japanese mentor, success at the 2026 Asian Games will not be measured solely by wins and losses, but by the lessons learned against some of the continent’s strongest volleyball programs as Alas Pilipinas continues its journey toward becoming a consistent force in Asian volleyball.

     

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  • Jaja Maraguinot reveals she nearly quit volleyball before joining Capital1

    Jaja Maraguinot reveals she nearly quit volleyball before joining Capital1

    The Capital1 Solar Spikers made headlines during the Premier Volleyball League offseason after assembling one of the league’s most aggressive roster revamps, highlighted by the acquisitions of former Cignal HD Spikers stars Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos to bolster the team’s attacking options.


    The Solar Spikers also addressed their playmaking department by signing veteran setter Jaja Santiago, adding stability, leadership, and championship experience to a squad looking to make a leap in the upcoming season.


    Amid the blockbuster signings, however, another addition quietly strengthened Capital1’s depth. Former Nxled Chameleons setter Jaja Maraguinot officially joined the Solar Spikers after parting ways with Nxled in January, marking a fresh chapter in a career that she admitted was on the verge of ending.

     

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    Speaking to The Game, Maraguinot revealed that she had already begun preparing for life outside volleyball after being released by her former club, believing her professional career had come to an end.


    “Honestly, I was looking for work at that time. I really thought volleyball was already over for me because after that, there was nothing. Then suddenly, this opportunity came, and I just decided to take it,” Maraguinot shared.


    Her unexpected return came through Capital1 head coach Jorge Souza de Brito, who reached out to check on her condition and encouraged her to gradually work her way back into playing shape.

    “Coach Jorge messaged me and asked if I was training with any team or just working out. I told him honestly that I decided to rest first. He just told me to start working out, and after a few weeks, he invited me to train with them. He also gave me time to get back into shape and didn’t force me right away,” she said.


    For Maraguinot, the move represents more than simply joining a new team—it also reunites her with several familiar faces. The veteran playmaker will once again suit up alongside former Ateneo teammates Vanie Gandler, Pauline Gaston, and Roma Mae Doromal, a dynamic that could help accelerate her transition into Capital1’s system.


    Despite the familiarity, Maraguinot understands that earning playing time will not come easily. Capital1 has significantly upgraded its roster, creating healthy competition across multiple positions as the franchise seeks to establish itself as a legitimate contender in the PVL.


    Rather than focusing on minutes, the 27-year-old hopes to contribute through her experience and leadership.


    “Maybe it’s about becoming a more mature player inside the court and in volleyball—how I can help lead the team,” she said.


    After spending several months away from the sport, Maraguinot admitted the break gave her a new perspective on volleyball, a game that has been part of her life since childhood.


    “Volleyball is more than just a sport. I’ve been playing since elementary school, through college, and into the pros. Those four months away made me realize I want to redeem myself and become even more invested in volleyball,” she said.


    Now presented with an opportunity she never expected to receive, Maraguinot enters the new PVL season with renewed motivation and gratitude. While Capital1’s offseason acquisitions have generated excitement, the veteran setter hopes her comeback story will prove just as impactful as the Solar Spikers look to turn their revamped roster into on-court success.

     

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas runs out of answers as Cambodia spoils SEA V Cup redemption bid 

    Alas Pilipinas runs out of answers as Cambodia spoils SEA V Cup redemption bid 

    Alas Pilipinas’ hopes of rewriting the script against Cambodia will have to wait.

     

    A week after pushing the Southeast Asian champions to a thrilling five-set battle in Leg 1, the Filipinos were unable to finish key stretches this time, bowing to Cambodia, 20-25, 21-25, 24-26, in their opening match of the 2026 SEA V Cup Leg 2 on Thursday at the Jakarta International Velodrome.

     

    The defeat immediately puts the Philippines in a difficult position in Pool A, with a showdown against host Indonesia on Friday now carrying must-win implications if Alas Men hopes to keep its semifinal aspirations alive.

     

    The latest meeting looked nothing like their marathon clash in Candon, where the Filipinos forced the eventual champions to five sets before falling, 23-25, 30-28, 20-25, 25-22, 8-15. This time, Cambodia showed why it ruled the first leg, staying composed whenever the Philippines threatened to seize momentum.

     

    Still, Alas Pilipinas made one final push in the third set.

     

    Behind an ace from Adrian Villados and a quick attack by Joshua Magalaman, the Filipinos built a promising 14-9 cushion and looked poised to extend the match.

     

    But Cambodia slowly chipped away at the deficit with its disciplined defense and timely attacks, eventually drawing level at 18-all before setting up a tense finish.

     

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    Neither side gave an inch as the teams traded points late in the set.

     

    Cambodia’s Voeurn Veasna first broke a 22-all deadlock with a decisive attack, only for Jude Garcia to answer with an off-the-block hit to keep the Filipinos alive.

     

    The exchange continued until the set reached 24-all, but Kuon Mom delivered another crucial attack to put Cambodia back on match point. On the ensuing rally, Garcia’s attack drifted long, allowing Cambodia to complete the straight-set victory.

     

    The loss leaves Alas Pilipinas with little margin for error heading into its clash against Indonesia, where only a victory will keep its campaign alive in Jakarta.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas gets shot at redemption as Cambodia rematch opens SEA V Cup Leg 2 campaign

    Alas Pilipinas gets shot at redemption as Cambodia rematch opens SEA V Cup Leg 2 campaign

    A week after its toughest result under Angiolino Frigoni, Alas Pilipinas gets an immediate chance to rewrite the story.

     

    The Philippine men’s volleyball team opens its campaign in Leg 2 of the 2026 SEA V Cup on Thursday at the Jakarta International Velodrome with a familiar challenge waiting on the other side of the net — reigning Leg 1 champion Cambodia.

     

    For the Filipinos, the matchup offers more than just another pool game. It is an opportunity to avenge the painful five-set defeat that ultimately denied them a semifinal berth in Candon City, Ilocos Sur and relegated them to a fifth-place finish, their lowest placing in the tournament.

    Despite the disappointing result in the opening leg, Frigoni has stayed true to his long-term vision. 

     

    Rather than overhaul his roster, the veteran Italian coach is keeping faith in the same group of players he believes can eventually elevate Philippine men’s volleyball back among Southeast Asia’s elite.

     

    Leading the squad once again is Josh Ybañez, who emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest bright spots after earning Best Libero honors. The former University of Santo Tomas star anchored the country’s floor defense throughout Leg 1 despite playing through an ankle sprain sustained before the competition.

     

    Ybañez is joined by fellow holdovers Lloyd Josafat, Louie Ramirez, Vince Lorenzo, and beach volleyball standout Jude Garcia, who impressed in his long-awaited indoor national team debut.

    Also returning are Jian Salarzon, Axel Van Book, JJ Macam, Al Bukhari Sali, Rodge Alejos, Trevor Valerra, Lirick Mendoza, Josh Magalaman, Greg Ancheta, Adrian Villados, and Vennie Ceballos.

     

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    Leg 1 showed flashes of promise despite the disappointing finish.

     

    The Philippines pushed eventual champion Cambodia to five sets in its opening assignment before falling, 25-23, 28-30, 25-20, 22-25, 15-8. The heartbreaking defeat proved costly, as Alas eventually missed out on the semifinals after another loss to Indonesia.

     

    Still, the team avoided a winless campaign by ending the tournament on a positive note with a convincing straight-set victory over Myanmar, 25-21, 28-26, 25-22.

     

    That closing win gave the Filipinos momentum heading into Jakarta and offered a glimpse of the progress Frigoni believes his young squad is making despite limited time together.

     

    The Italian mentor has also made it clear that while established stars such as Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo, and Leo Ordiales remain welcome to return to the national team, nobody is guaranteed a spot.

     

    Instead, Frigoni wants competition within the program, with every player expected to earn his place regardless of reputation.

     

    Now, the focus shifts back to Cambodia.

     

    The defending Leg 1 champions enter Jakarta with confidence after completing an unbeaten run in Candon, but the Filipinos believe they are a better team than the one that stumbled a week ago.

     

    With another opportunity against the squad that spoiled their semifinal hopes, Alas Pilipinas begins Leg 2 carrying both unfinished business and renewed belief that its rebuilding process is starting to move in the right direction.

     

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  • Erika Deloria lauded as proof players outside the UAAP and NCAA can make it to the PVL

    Erika Deloria lauded as proof players outside the UAAP and NCAA can make it to the PVL

    Galeries Tower Highrisers outside hitter Erika Deloria has proven that there is more than one path to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), and her journey is now serving as an inspiration for the next generation of players from Enderun Colleges.


    Unlike many of the league’s stars who emerged from traditional collegiate powerhouses in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Deloria carved her own path through Enderun’s volleyball program before earning a spot in the professional ranks.


    The versatile outside hitter was selected by the Chery Tiggo Crossovers with the 20th overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft. Although Chery Tiggo later ceased operations, Deloria remained in the league after being signed by the Galeries Tower Highrisers, where she has continued to showcase her potential at the professional level.

     

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    For Enderun head coach Dong Dela Cruz, Deloria’s rise is proof that talent and hard work can open doors regardless of the school a player comes from. He hopes her success will motivate his current players to believe that they, too, can reach the PVL despite competing outside the country’s most prominent collegiate leagues.


    “That’s what I keep telling our players—that even if you are not from the UAAP or NCAA, it’s still possible to get drafted into the PVL. You can still build a volleyball career after college. I already saw her potential because Erika is a very talented player. She’s naturally quiet, so during her final year I made her team captain to help her find her voice and develop as a leader. I was really preparing her to get drafted into the PVL,” Dela Cruz said.


    According to Dela Cruz, Deloria’s growth extended well beyond her abilities on the volleyball court. While she developed into one of Enderun’s most dependable players, she also excelled academically, balancing the demands of collegiate athletics with outstanding classroom performance.


    The veteran coach said her achievements as both a student and an athlete make her an ideal role model for aspiring volleyball players.

    “I’m very proud of what she’s achieved. Erika isn’t just an excellent volleyball player—she also graduated magna cum laude. I know she will do well wherever she goes. She still has room to improve, but the most important thing is that she is making the most of the playing time she’s getting and showing everyone her talent,” he added.


    As Deloria continues to establish herself in the PVL, Enderun’s current squad is seeking to make its own mark in collegiate volleyball.


    The Lady Titans are currently competing in the Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals, where they have been given the opportunity to test themselves against some of the country’s top collegiate programs as well as international clubs from Vietnam and Australia.


    Although Enderun dropped its opening three matches of the tournament, the Lady Titans responded with an impressive straight-set victory over Ho Chi Minh City, 25-16, 29-27, 25-16, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday, July 22.


    The victory provided a welcome confidence boost for the squad as it continues to gain valuable experience against stronger competition.


    For Dela Cruz, competing in the National Invitationals is about more than wins and losses. He believes the tournament offers his players an opportunity to accelerate their development while demonstrating that Enderun can compete with established volleyball programs.


    “Our goal is to gain experience by playing against some of the best NCAA and UAAP teams. This is a different level of competition. We will also be facing international teams from Vietnam and Australia, so it’s a great opportunity for us. This is the first time we will be competing at this level, and we also want to show everyone that Enderun Colleges has a good volleyball program,” Dela Cruz concluded.


    With Deloria already making her presence felt in the professional ranks, Enderun hopes her story will inspire more Lady Titans to chase their PVL dreams and prove that success is possible regardless of where their collegiate journey begins.

     

     

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  • Angiolino Frigoni keeps faith in same roster as Alas Pilipinas Men eye redemption in SEA V Cup Leg 2

    Angiolino Frigoni keeps faith in same roster as Alas Pilipinas Men eye redemption in SEA V Cup Leg 2

    Alas Pilipinas Men head coach Angiolino Frigoni has opted to bring back the same 14-man roster that competed in the opening leg of the Southeast Asian Volleyball (SEA V) Cup, expressing confidence that the team’s steady progress outweighs the final standings. 


    The men’s national team now heads to Jakarta for Leg 2 of the tournament, scheduled from July 22 to 26, with another opportunity to measure its growth against the region’s best.

     

    Their campaign begins with an immediate test—a rematch against first-leg champion Cambodia, the same squad that denied the Filipinos in a gripping five-set battle during the preliminary round in Candon.

     

    For Frigoni, however, the encouraging signs came not from the results alone but from how his team competed throughout the tournament.

     

    “I am more satisfied with the performance of the team in the matches that we lost than the one that we won,” Frigoni said.

     

    That statement reflected the veteran Italian coach’s belief that the squad showed resilience despite falling just short against stronger opposition. 

     

    Aside from the five-set defeat to eventual champion Cambodia, Alas Pilipinas also pushed finalist Indonesia before absorbing a competitive straight-set loss. The Filipinos eventually salvaged fifth place by defeating Myanmar in the classification match.

     

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    Those performances convinced Frigoni that the current group deserves another opportunity together rather than a major overhaul.

     

    The returning roster will once again be anchored by Josh Ybanez, who earned Best Libero honors in Candon despite the team’s non-podium finish. 

     

    He is joined by fellow FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship campaigners Lloyd Josafat, Louie Ramirez, and Vince Lorenzo, along with Southeast Asian Games beach volleyball medalist Jude Garcia.

     

    Also making the trip to Jakarta are Jian Salarzon, Axel Van Book, JJ Macam, Al Bukhari Sali, Rodge Alejos, Trevor Valerra, Lirick Mendoza, Josh Magalaman, Greg Ancheta, Adrian Villados, and Vennie Ceballos.

     

    Although Frigoni kept his roster intact, he made it clear that no position within the national team is guaranteed. Players who were unavailable during the first leg still have a chance to return, but they must earn their place through competition.

     

    “I am proud of everybody. They made improvements,” Frigoni said.

     

    With confidence in his squad’s development, Frigoni hopes those lessons from Candon will translate into better finishes in Jakarta.

     

    The road begins on Thursday, July 23, with a chance to avenge the heartbreaking five-set loss to Cambodia. Another stern challenge follows on Friday, July 24, when Alas Pilipinas takes on regional powerhouse Indonesia, looking to turn its promising performances into breakthrough victories.

     

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