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Category: Volleyball

  • “At first, I was shy because I used to idolize them”: Lyann De Guzman on playing with stars at Nxled

    “At first, I was shy because I used to idolize them”: Lyann De Guzman on playing with stars at Nxled

    The Nxled Chameleons leaned on poise, experience, and late-game execution from their star players to survive a gritty five-set battle against the Farm Fresh Foxies, pulling off a 25-23, 13-25, 21-25, 25-15, 15-12 victory in their opening match of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, February 3, at the FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan.

     

    From the opening serve, the match was a back-and-forth affair. Both teams exchanged leads in a contest marked by momentum swings, extended rallies, and tactical adjustments. Nxled showed its composure when it mattered most—particularly in the deciding fifth set—snapping Farm Fresh’s resistance and securing a confidence-boosting win to kick off their campaign.

     

    Reigning PVL Most Valuable Player Brooke Van Sickle led the way in her highly anticipated debut for the Chameleons, delivering an all-around performance with 20 points. Fellow debutant Myla Pablo provided timely scoring and defensive stability, finishing with 19 points and six digs to earn Player of the Game honors, while MJ Phillips contributed 13 points. The trio of former Petro Gazz Angels standouts immediately justified their star billing, providing a combination of experience, skill, and leadership that proved vital in high-pressure moments.

     

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    Adding an extra spark off the bench was Lyann De Guzman, the 23-year-old former UAAP standout and fourth overall pick from last year’s PVL Rookie Draft. De Guzman finished with seven points and was instrumental in helping Nxled force the fourth set and eventually the deciding fifth set. After the match, she admitted it was an honor to share the court with players she once idolized.

     

    “At first, I was shy because I used to idolize them, and now they are my teammates. But I’m really happy because bonding with them has been easy. Everyone’s easy to approach and willing to connect,” De Guzman said.

     

    The young rookie emphasized the value of learning from her more seasoned teammates, particularly Van Sickle and Pablo, who are former PVL MVPs.

    “I have learned so much from my ates, ate Brooke, ate Myla. What’s great is that they are really willing to help us perform at our best. It creates healthy competition because everyone wants to help each other improve. We really feel like one team,” she added.

     

    Van Sickle herself praised De Guzman’s contributions, noting that her energy and scoring in the fourth set were crucial in keeping Nxled alive.

     

    “I thought Lyann, especially being one of the young guns, she did a fantastic job. She came in and produced a lot of points and a lot of energy. Myla as always, killing it. Coach obviously believed in everyone, so it was definitely a full team effort,” Van Sickle said.

     

    Farm Fresh, meanwhile, showed promise under Japanese tactician Koji Tsuzurabara, who led the team to strong defensive plays and solid coordination despite the loss. The Foxies’ ability to counter Nxled’s star trio and extend the match to five sets indicates a team that is growing quickly under his system.

     

    The match was also a showcase of team depth and strategy, with Nxled’s coaches rotating players strategically to manage fatigue and exploit matchups. The combination of veteran experience, rookie energy, and tactical awareness ultimately allowed the Chameleons to withstand Farm Fresh’s surges.

     

    With this win, Nxled not only earns an early confidence boost but also begins to integrate its new roster pieces and establish a cohesive identity heading into the long All-Filipino Conference. The Chameleons will aim to maintain momentum when they face the Capital1 Solar Spikers next on Saturday, February 7, at the Ynares Center in Montalban.

     

    For De Guzman, the game was a reminder of the growth opportunities that come from playing alongside experienced stars. For Nxled as a whole, the match serves as a statement that, with the blend of young talent and veteran leadership, the Chameleons are ready to emerge as one of the early contenders in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

     

     

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  • “He knows what we struggle at”: Brooke Van Sickle on facing former coach Koji Tsuzurabara in Nxled’s win

    “He knows what we struggle at”: Brooke Van Sickle on facing former coach Koji Tsuzurabara in Nxled’s win

    The Nxled Chameleons leaned on poise, experience, and late-game execution from their star players to survive a gritty five-set battle against the Farm Fresh Foxies, pulling off a 25-23, 13-25, 21-25, 25-15, 15-12 victory in their opening match of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, February 3, at the FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan.

     

    In a match marked by momentum swings and extended rallies, Nxled showed composure when it mattered most—particularly in the deciding fifth set—snapping Farm Fresh’s resistance and securing a confidence-boosting win to open their campaign.

     

    Reigning PVL Most Valuable Player Brooke Van Sickle led the way in her highly anticipated debut for the Chameleons, delivering an all-around performance with 20 points. Fellow debutant Myla Pablo provided timely scoring and defensive stability, finishing with 19 points and six digs to earn Player of the Game honors, while MJ Phillips chipped in 13 points.

     

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    The trio of former Petro Gazz Angels standouts immediately justified their superstar billing, showcasing chemistry and composure despite limited time together. Their collective experience proved crucial, especially after Nxled dropped the second and third sets and found themselves on the brink of an opening-day loss.

     

    However, the Foxies—under the guidance of Japanese head coach Koji Tsuzurabara—were anything but pushovers.

     

    Tsuzurabara, who previously steered Petro Gazz to the 2024–25 PVL All-Filipino Conference title, is well-acquainted with Van Sickle, Pablo, and Phillips, having coached them during their championship run. That familiarity showed, as Farm Fresh employed disciplined defense and tactical adjustments that frustrated Nxled for long stretches of the match.

    “I didn’t get to talk to them much, but they looked good. As always coach Koji Tsuzurabara knows us, so he knows what we struggle at and what we are good at, so I already knew it was gonna definitely be hard offensive to score, just because he knows the players and he’s been around the game for a long time,” Van Sickle said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    “I feel like he did a really good job developing Farm Fresh and their defense. I thought they had a lot of good plays, soaked up the ball and playing a lot, making good decisions,” he added.

     

    Farm Fresh’s defensive tenacity forced Nxled into longer rallies and tougher shot selections, particularly during the middle sets where the Foxies seized control and threatened to pull away. Still, Nxled responded with renewed urgency in the fourth set, dominating at the net and rediscovering their offensive rhythm to force a decider.

     

    Van Sickle emphasized the importance of patience and mental toughness in grinding out the win.

     

    “I definitely think that it was a long-rally game. We had to be patient and stay calm on the other side of the court. I’m glad we were able to pull this off and get underway,” Van Sickle concluded.

     

    The victory gives Nxled an early boost as they integrate new pieces and establish identity heading into the long conference. For Farm Fresh, despite the loss, the performance offered encouraging signs under Tsuzurabara’s system, particularly on the defensive end.

     

    With the Chameleons off to a winning start, Van Sickle and company will look to build momentum when they face the Capital1 Solar Spikers next on Saturday, February 7, at the Ynares Center in Montalban, as Nxled continues its push to establish itself as an early contender in the All-Filipino Conference.

     

     

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  • Tonyboy Liao confirms talks with Tai Bundit for Alas Pilipinas head coach role

    Tonyboy Liao confirms talks with Tai Bundit for Alas Pilipinas head coach role

    The Philippine women’s national volleyball team has been without a head coach since the conclusion of the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, where the squad fell short of a podium finish. The disappointing result marked the end of Jorge Souza de Brito’s tenure with the national team, prompting the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) to begin its search for a new leader as the program looks ahead to its next competitive cycle.

     

    Newly elected PNVF president Tonyboy Liao confirmed that the federation is already considering a high-profile replacement, revealing that decorated Thai coach Tai Bundit is being eyed to take over the reins of Alas Pilipinas. Liao noted that initial discussions have already taken place and that formal approval from the federation’s executive board is the next step in the process.

     

    Liao confirmed that the matter will be taken up during the PNVF executive board meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 5, where Bundit’s potential appointment will be presented for approval.

     

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    “It will be discussed in the upcoming board meeting this Thursday. I will have it approved by the PNVF executive board in our meeting on Thursday,” Liao said in a media interaction.

     

    Liao added that Bundit has expressed strong interest in the role and that most of the logistical hurdles have already been addressed, with only final clearances remaining.

    “Actually, I have talked to him about this one. He is very interested. The go-signal now is with the Rebisco management. As for the Thai federation, I have already talked to them and they are very willing to help the Philippines. So that’s one hurdle passed and it’s now up to the Rebisco management,” he added.

     

    Bundit is no stranger to Philippine volleyball, having built a decorated résumé across both the collegiate and professional ranks. The Thai tactician is currently the head coach of the Criss Cross King Crunchers, whom he recently led to the Invitational Conference title in Spikers’ Turf, further underscoring his ability to deliver immediate results.

     

    His local coaching pedigree includes a successful stint with the Ateneo women’s volleyball team from 2014 to 2018, followed by a championship-laden run with the Creamline Cool Smashers from 2017 to 2021. During that span, Bundit guided both programs to multiple Premier Volleyball League (PVL) titles, establishing himself as one of the most respected foreign coaches in the country.

     

    Meanwhile, De Brito leaves behind a meaningful legacy with Alas Pilipinas, having overseen one of the most productive periods in the program’s recent history. Under his leadership, the national team enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2024, capturing three bronze medals across the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Nations Cup and the Southeast Asian Volleyball League legs held in Vinh Phuc and Nakhon Ratchasima.

     

    The Brazilian coach built on that momentum in 2025, steering the team to a silver medal at the AVC Nations Cup and adding two more bronze medals in the V.League, further raising the program’s regional standing. Although the SEA Games podium eluded Alas Pilipinas in Bangkok, De Brito’s tenure helped lay a solid foundation of competitiveness, discipline, and belief within the squad.

     

    As the PNVF moves forward, the combination of De Brito’s groundwork and the potential arrival of Bundit offers renewed optimism for Philippine volleyball. With a coach deeply familiar with the local volleyball landscape and a roster gaining valuable international experience, Alas Pilipinas could soon find itself back on the Southeast Asian podium, poised to challenge the region’s traditional powers once more.

     

     

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  • Nxled debuts reloaded roster as PVL All-Filipino Conference tips off

    Nxled debuts reloaded roster as PVL All-Filipino Conference tips off

    Expectation is a heavy thing to carry—and no team enters the PVL All-Filipino Conference carrying more of it than Nxled.

     

    After months of offseason buzz and a sweeping transformation that reshaped both identity and ambition, the Chameleons finally step into the spotlight Tuesday afternoon, facing Farm Fresh in a matchup that feels less like an opener and more like a referendum on whether hype can translate into results.

     

    Nxled’s rebuild wasn’t subtle. It was a statement. A franchise once defined by potential now finds itself powered by the backbone of a four-time championship core, tasked with accelerating a timeline that had previously stalled since the team’s league entry in late 2023. This conference is no longer about waiting—it’s about delivering.

     

    Farm Fresh draws first crack at that test at 4 p.m. at the FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan, before ZUS Coffee and Capital1 take center stage in the nightcap at 6:30 p.m. All four teams are chasing early momentum and a chance to join opening-day winners Cignal and Choco Mucho atop the standings.

     

    If chemistry decides games, Nxled may already be playing from ahead. Head coach Ettore Guidetti inherits a lineup rich in shared history, anchored by Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips—veterans of championship wars during their Petro Gazz run. 

     

    That familiarity stretches across the roster, reconnecting former teammates Djanel Cheng, Jonah Sabete, Bang Pineda, Jellie Tempiatuira, Nicole Tiamzon and Ranya Musa. 

     

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    The additions of Aby Maraño and Aduke Ogunsanya only deepen the wealth of experience, turning lineup selection into Guidetti’s biggest puzzle. For returning players Lyann de Guzman, Chiara Permentilla, Krich Macaslang, Mayang Nuique, Lucille Almonte, EJ Laure and Jovelyn Fernandez, opportunity now comes with competition unlike anything the franchise has seen.

     

    With depth that borders on excess, Guidetti’s role shifts from builder to balancer.

     

    “Well, it’s obviously a challenge and it’s something that I accept, embrace, and I am blessed to be the coach (of this team). So yes, it will be difficult. Yes, it will be hard. But honestly, I’m not scared. I’m excited,” said Guidetti.

     

    Yet across the net stands a Farm Fresh squad eager to disrupt the narrative.

     

    Under new head coach Koji Tsuzurabara, the Foxies bring more than fresh energy—they bring insight. Tsuzurabara previously coached several of Nxled’s newly acquired stars during her championship stint with the Angels, a familiarity that could blunt the Chameleons’ edge and turn preparation into a tactical equalizer.

     

    Farm Fresh enters the conference determined to shed underdog status and carve its own path in what many expect to be one of the most balanced All-Filipino fields in recent years. The Foxies lean on a mix of continuity and reinforcements, led by Trisha Tubu, Alohi Robins-Hardy, Jolina dela Cruz, Ces Molina, Riri Meneses, Rizza Cruz, Alyssa Bertolano and Louie Romero, strengthened by the arrival of Ara Galang, Mylene Paat, Royse Tubino, Remy Palma, Bia General and Imee Hernandez.

     

    The evening’s second act brings another clash shaped by ambition.

     

    ZUS Coffee enters with confidence after a breakthrough finals appearance in the Reinforced Conference, and head coach Jerry Yee hopes the lessons from that run translate into staying power. In a league where parity is growing, he welcomes the challenge of facing teams stacked with talent.

     

    “‘Yung mga loaded na teams, ‘yan ang masarap na makalaban. Nxled malakas, Choco Mucho malakas. Well, lahat naman ‘yan malakas eh. So bahala na,” said Yee.

     

    The Thunderbelles are built around Riza Nogales, Thea Gagate, Chai Troncoso, Chinnie Arroyo, Kate Santiago, Fiola Ceballos and elite setter Cloanne Mondonedo, bolstered further by experienced additions Cess Robles, Rachel Anne Daquis, Chie Saet, Ren Peñafiel and Karen Verdeflor.

     

    Capital1, however, arrives with its own quiet resolve. The Solar Spikers believe cohesion can close the gap against more decorated opponents, blending newcomers Pauline Gaston, Jasmine Nabor and Shaya Adorador with a steady core of Cherry Nunag, Ezra Madrigal, Ysa Jimenez, France Ronquillo, Rachel Jorvina, Bella Belen, Trisha Genesis, Leila Cruz, KC Galdones, Sydney Niegos, Jorelle Singh, Pia Abbu and Iris Tolenada.

     

    As the All-Filipino Conference opens, one truth already feels clear: star power alone won’t dictate outcomes. With familiarity everywhere and coaching chess matches unfolding nightly, execution in tight moments may matter more than reputation.

     

    In a season defined by depth and unpredictability, no debut comes without pressure—and no matchup arrives with guarantees.

     

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  • AC Miner to miss ZUS Coffee’s opener against Capital1 due to a recurring shin injury

    AC Miner to miss ZUS Coffee’s opener against Capital1 due to a recurring shin injury

    The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles are set to open their 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference campaign against the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Tuesday, February 3, at the FilOil EcoOil Center, but the squad will do so shorthanded in their season debut.

     

    The Thunderbelles will be without reigning Rookie of the Conference AC Miner, who has been ruled out of the opener as she continues to recover from a lingering shin injury. Miner’s absence puts the team at an immediate disadvantage as it begins its All-Filipino Conference run against a Solar Spikers side eager to make an early statement.

     

    Strong Group Athletics (SGA) head of volleyball operations Kiara Cruz confirmed in a media interaction that Miner has been dealing with a recurring shin injury since 2025. According to Cruz, team management made the decision to prioritize Miner’s long-term health, opting to give the promising middle blocker ample time to fully recover rather than risk worsening the injury early in the conference.

     

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    “AC Miner has been dealing with a recurring shin injury since last year. She can play through it, but we opted to let her heal so that she can be 100 percent for the rest of the year,” Cruz said in a statement.

    Selected fifth overall in the PVL Rookie Draft last June, Miner quickly established herself as one of the league’s brightest young talents. She capped an impressive debut by winning the Rookie of the Conference award in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference, emerging as a key contributor on both ends of the floor despite her limited experience at the professional level.

     

    Miner finished her first conference with 82 total points, the second-highest output among all rookies, while averaging 10.25 points per match. Her impact was especially evident at the net, where she ranked eighth in the league in blocking with 0.55 blocks per set—numbers that underscored her rapid development into a dependable presence in the middle.

     

    While Miner’s absence will be felt, the Thunderbelles are not without options as they look to shore up their defense and maintain competitiveness at the net. Former No. 1 overall draft pick Thea Gagate is expected to take on a larger role in the middle, supported by the veteran presence of Riza Nogales and Maika Ortiz, along with the athleticism of Caroline Santos. All four are capable of anchoring the front line and providing the blocking stability needed to offset Miner’s temporary absence.

     

    The opener against Capital1 will serve as an early test of the Thunderbelles’ depth and adaptability as they navigate the opening stages of the All-Filipino Conference. With Miner expected to return later in the season once fully healthy, ZUS Coffee’s focus remains on building momentum while ensuring their prized rookie is ready for a sustained run when it matters most.

     

     

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  • “Take in the things you can handle”: Eya Laure reflects on winning PVL return after 630-day absence

    “Take in the things you can handle”: Eya Laure reflects on winning PVL return after 630-day absence

    The Choco Mucho Flying Titans kicked off their 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference campaign in style, securing a straight-sets victory over the Akari Chargers, 25-17, 25-23, 25-20, on Saturday, January 31, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

     

    The Flying Titans showcased a balanced and disciplined performance on both ends of the floor, setting the tone for what they hope will be a deep run in the conference. Central to their success was the return of star Eya Laure, who tallied 11 points in her first PVL match in 630 days.

     

    Laure’s comeback carries added significance given the controversy surrounding her exit from the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in October 2024. Reports at the time indicated that she formally requested a contract release from the franchise. While her request was granted, a non-compete clause temporarily barred her from signing with any of Chery Tiggo’s rivals, forcing her to sit out of the league for an extended period.

     

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    Speaking about her return, Laure admitted that adapting to the circumstances was challenging, but credited her support system for helping her navigate the situation.

     

    “I’m really blessed and grateful for the people who pushed me to keep fighting, especially mentally, through those tough situations I was able to overcome. And that’s why I’m here today in front of you,” Laure said in a media interaction.

    She also spoke about the importance of protecting her mental health, particularly amid the pressures of social media and public scrutiny.

     

    “The most important thing for me are the people around me. Second, I really don’t spend much time on social media. I only use it when I’m posting something, but I don’t read the comments because they don’t really help my mental health.

     

    “You just take in the things you can handle—things that will help you grow and improve. You have to know what works for you, especially during moments when you feel low or unsure who you can trust,” she added.

     

    During her absence from the PVL, Laure maintained her fitness by training with her alma mater, the University of Santo Tomas, as well as with guest PVL team Kurashiki Ablaze in Japan. She also credited the management of Alas Pilipinas for nurturing her confidence and ensuring she stayed mentally prepared for her return.

     

    “With the national team, they trained me for a long time until I was able to keep up. They were extremely patient with me and helped me rebuild my confidence. If they hadn’t been patient with me back then, I think it would have been much harder for me to build my confidence now,” Laure said.

     

    With the opening victory in the books, Laure and the Flying Titans will have a few days to rest before facing their next challenge. Choco Mucho is set to take on the Cignal Super Spikers in their second preliminary-round match on Thursday, February 5, once again at the FilOil EcoOil Centre, as they look to build early momentum in the All-Filipino Conference.

     

     

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  • “Honestly, it was really hard”: Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina opens up on return to indoor volleyball

    “Honestly, it was really hard”: Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina opens up on return to indoor volleyball

    The Choco Mucho Flying Titans opened their campaign in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on a high note, delivering a confident straight-sets victory over the Akari Chargers, 25-17, 25-23, 25-20, on Saturday, January 31, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

     

    Anchored by a strong collective effort, the Flying Titans showed early poise and balance on both ends of the floor, setting the tone for what they hope will be a deep conference run. Leading the charge was former PVL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Sisi Rondina, who made a much-anticipated return to indoor volleyball and immediately reminded fans of her all-around brilliance.

     

    Rondina finished with 16 points in her first indoor match in over eight months, providing timely scoring, energy, and leadership for Choco Mucho. Beyond the numbers, her presence on the court gave the Flying Titans a much-needed emotional and tactical boost, especially in crucial moments of the second and third sets when Akari threatened to gain momentum.

     

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    What made the season opener even more meaningful for the 29-year-old Rondina was the opportunity to share the court once again with former University of Santo Tomas teammate Eya Laure, rekindling a partnership that once electrified the collegiate ranks.

     

    “I’m happy because I really missed playing indoors again with Choco Mucho, and it’s even better now that I get to play with Eya Laure. Like the coach said, hopefully this continues, even though there’s still a lot of work to be done. We will take it one game at a time,” Rondina said during the post-match press conference.

     

    Rondina’s return to indoor play comes after a historic stint in beach volleyball, where she etched her name in Philippine sports history by winning the gold medal in women’s beach volleyball at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. While the triumph elevated her status as one of the country’s most versatile volleyball stars, it also meant a lengthy adjustment period back to the faster pace and physical demands of indoor competition.

    The Cebuana admitted that the transition was far from easy, especially with a compressed timetable leading into the All-Filipino Conference.

     

    “Honestly, it was really hard for me, especially adjusting back to indoor play, since I was supposed to have two months to adapt. I only found out later that the All-Filipino Conference would be in January. I could have taken a break, but I chose not to because once I knew the AFC was coming up, I went straight into adaptation.

     

    “After the SEA Games, it was just one day off and then straight back to adapting for indoor volleyball. So that hunger to come back was still there. I’m just happy that, somehow, I was able to show something and perform again indoors,” she added.

     

    Despite the physical and mental challenges, Rondina’s performance against Akari suggested that her trademark explosiveness and competitiveness remain intact. Her ability to score in transition, stabilize the defense, and provide veteran composure proved vital as Choco Mucho controlled the tempo throughout the match.

     

    A native of Compostela, Cebu, Rondina also expressed gratitude for being reunited with head coach Dante Alinsunurin, whom she credits as a key figure in her development. Having missed the last two PVL conferences, the Flying Titans’ star emphasized how much she valued returning to a familiar system and leadership style.

     

    “What I really missed was coach Dante. For eight months, I was listening to English all the time, and now it’s Tagalog again. I also missed his guidance. He has so much patience with us, and we will make sure to work properly and improve on what we still need to improve,” Rondina concluded.

     

    With the opening win in the books, Rondina and the Flying Titans will enjoy a brief rest before turning their attention to their next challenge. Choco Mucho is set to face the Cignal Super Spikers in their second preliminary-round match on Thursday, February 5, once again at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City, as they look to build momentum early in the All-Filipino Conference.

     

     

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  • Tin Tiamzon makes immediate impact as Cignal opens PVL campaign strong

    Tin Tiamzon makes immediate impact as Cignal opens PVL campaign strong

    Sometimes, a comeback doesn’t need time to warm up.

     

    Tin Tiamzon wasted little time showing why Cignal took a chance on her, delivering a statement performance in the Super Spikers’ opening match of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference. 

     

    Her all-around brilliance powered Cignal to a dominant straight-sets win over Galeries Tower, 25-17, 25-14, 25-11, on Saturday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

     

    Fresh off a return from retirement last year, Tiamzon played with the urgency of someone eager to justify renewed belief. The Filipino-Canadian spiker tallied 18 points, built on six service aces, 10 attacks, and two blocks, setting the tone early and never letting Galeries find its footing.

     

    “I think I really just want to perform for the team. I want to give back to the coaches and the management for the investment they made and the risk they took in bringing me back from retirement,” said Tiamzon in Filipino. 

     

    “Over the past year, especially in 2025, I’ve learned so much from coach, and I just want to repay all the trust and investment the team has given me.”

     

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    Cignal’s dominance went beyond one player. While many teams entered the conference reshuffled, the Super Spikers leaned on continuity—and it showed. Alas Pilipinas standout Vanie Gandler added 14 points, while PVL on Tour MVP Erika Santos chipped in 13, keeping the pressure constant from first serve to final point.

     

    For head coach Shaq Delos Santos, the performance reflected work done long before opening day.

     

    “I think one big factor is the investment we made during the offseason. One of our advantages was our training camp in Japan,” said Delos Santos.

     

    “To be honest, we saw that it really helped our movement, and we’re going to keep working to improve that even more. Especially since our upcoming games will be more intense, and of course, everyone will be preparing really hard.”

     

    The victory also marked a rough return for Galeries Tower coach Aying Esteban, whose squad struggled to keep pace with Cignal’s tempo and execution. Erika Deloria led the Highrisers with 10 points, while veteran Aiza Maizo-Pointillas was held to five.

     

    With confidence high, Cignal now sets its sights on a tougher test against Choco Mucho on Thursday at the same venue. Galeries, meanwhile, will regroup during a week-long break before facing ZUS Coffee next Saturday.

     

    For now, though, opening night belonged to Tiamzon—proof that sometimes, the biggest risks deliver the quickest rewards.

     

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  • “I’m really happy about it” — Bella Belen excited by Capital1’s new-look roster

    “I’m really happy about it” — Bella Belen excited by Capital1’s new-look roster

    The Capital1 Solar Spikers have undergone a significant roster overhaul in the offseason as they gear up for the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, opting to blend veteran experience with youthful energy in hopes of making a deeper run this season.

     

    In a busy transfer period, Solar Spikers management bolstered the lineup by acquiring a host of seasoned players from across the league. The new additions include Pauline Gaston, Shaya Adorador, and Jasmine Nabor from the now-defunct Chery Tiggo Crossovers; former Choco Mucho Flying Titans middle blocker Cherry Nunag; Ezra Madrigal from the Akari Chargers; France Ronquillo and Ysa Jimenez from the Galeries Tower Highrisers; and Rachel Jorvina from the Nxled Chameleons. The influx of experience is expected to provide stability and leadership to a roster anchored by young talent.

     

    At the forefront of that youthful core is Bella Belen, Capital1’s star player and the first overall pick in last year’s PVL Rookie Draft. Heading into her second season with the franchise, the 23-year-old expressed excitement over the team’s revamped roster and optimism about the direction the Solar Spikers are headed.

     

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    “Of course, I’m really happy because the league has become more competitive, every team added new players. On our team, almost half of the roster is new, and I’m really happy about it. I know the players who joined us can really help the team. I’m excited about what I can learn from them and what we can bring into this conference. The new players adjusted well, so it doesn’t feel like a totally new environment,” Belen said in a media interaction.

    Belen played a key role in Capital1’s breakthrough campaign last season, helping the Solar Spikers reach the quarterfinals of the Reinforced Conference. Now more experienced and confident, she is expected to take on a larger leadership role as the team aims to take the next step forward in an increasingly competitive league.

     

    Still, Belen is well aware that the road ahead will not be easy. With all nine other PVL teams also reinforcing their rosters during the offseason, the All-Filipino Conference promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.

     

    “It’s definitely a big challenge. Even if we have faced each other before, this conference is different because every team has really leveled up. We are giving our best in every training to improve our game and show a good performance at this conference,” she added.

     

    Adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming conference is the prospect of Belen facing familiar faces from Alas Pilipinas. She is particularly looking forward to going up against longtime teammates Jia De Guzman and Eya Laure, both of whom will suit up for new teams this season. De Guzman returns to the Creamline Cool Smashers after a three-year absence, while Laure has joined the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.

     

    “I used to joke with them back when we were on the national team, telling them not to play if we ever faced each other. I have been teammates with them for a long time, so I’m really excited to see how I will perform against them. I know them well, but every team has a different system, so I’m really looking forward to our matchup,” Belen concluded.

     

    Capital1 will look to carry its renewed optimism into the start of the All-Filipino Conference when the Solar Spikers open their campaign against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on Tuesday, February 3, at the FilOil Center in San Juan City. With a revamped roster, a growing star in Belen, and heightened competition across the league, the Solar Spikers are eager to see how their offseason gamble pays off on the court.

     

     

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  • Creamline eyes PVL All-Filipino title after star-studded comeback

    Creamline eyes PVL All-Filipino title after star-studded comeback

    Even after missing out on a title last season, Creamline remains the team to watch as the PVL All-Filipino Conference kicks off Saturday in San Juan. 

     

    Despite roster shake-ups across the league, rival coaches are wary of the Cool Smashers’ mix of championship pedigree, returning stars, and depth.

     

    Eight-time Best Setter Jia de Guzman makes her much-anticipated return after nearly three years abroad with Japan’s Denso Airybees, where she captured a V.Cup title. 

     

    Alongside her, former league MVP Bernadeth Pons comes off a busy national team season, which included winning the country’s first-ever SEA Games beach volleyball gold medal with Sisi Rondina and others.

     

    “The return of Jia really makes a difference,” noted Capital1 coach Jorge Souza de Brito. Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin agreed: “Sa’kin siguro ‘yung Creamline pa rin kasi maraming nagbalik, maraming naghahangad na matalo sila.”

     

    Adding more firepower is Jema Galanza, who sat out last season’s import-laden conference with a foot injury, and former Chery Tiggo libero Jennifer Nierva, strengthening Creamline’s defensive wall. 

     

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    Even as teams like PLDT, Akari, and Choco Mucho refresh their lineups, coaches admit Creamline remains the benchmark. “Agree ako kay coach Shaq saka kay coach Sherwin – sarili muna, tapos Creamline,” said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort, acknowledging the Cool Smashers’ intimidating presence.

     

    Cignal head coach Shaq Delos Santos echoed the sentiment: “I think siguro ‘yung pinaka-excited kami makalaban ‘yung team muna namin… but to be honest PLDT, Creamline, Akari, Choco – lahat talaga.” Nxled coach Ettore Guidetti also singled out Creamline as a team he’s most eager to face, along with the High Speed Hitters.

     

     With 10 teams competing and talent spread evenly across the league, parity has never been higher. Yet, as the All-Filipino Conference begins, it’s the seasoned, reloaded, and refocused Creamline Cool Smashers who command the spotlight—and the questions: can they reclaim their place atop the PVL, or will last year’s empty finish cast a shadow?

     

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