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Category: Volleyball

  • Capital1 Solar Spikers sign eight new players in major PVL roster overhaul

    Capital1 Solar Spikers sign eight new players in major PVL roster overhaul

    The Capital1 Solar Spikers have gone on an aggressive signing spree in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) offseason, with management opting for a full roster overhaul ahead of the upcoming conference.

     

    Over the past two days, the Solar Spikers have brought in eight new players—Shaya Adorador, Jasmine Nador, Rachel Jorvina, Ezra Madrigal, Pauline Gaston, Cherry Nunag, Ysa Jimenez, and France Ronquillo. The fresh additions are expected to bolster the supporting cast around rising talents Leila Cruz and Roma Doromal, as the franchise builds its long-term core around No. 1 rookie pick and projected future star of Philippine volleyball, Bella Belen.

     

    Among the new recruits, the signing of veteran middle blocker Cherry Nunag stands out. The 33-year-old brings championship pedigree, having previously anchored the Choco Mucho Flying Titans for four seasons, helping them reach the PVL Finals. She also won a PVL Reinforced Conference title in 2019 with the Petro Gazz Angels.

     

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    Nunag shared that joining a young and developing roster appealed to her at this stage in her career.

    “I chose Capital1 because I see a young team with so much potential and a strong desire to grow. I want to be part of a team that is still building its identity, learning together, and creating something meaningful over time. Being in an environment where growth, trust, and commitment matter is important to me, and I believe Capital1 is a place where those values are present,” she said in a media interaction.

     

    A member of Alas Pilipinas in 2024, Nunag will also reunite with former national team head coach Jorge Souza de Brito and fellow national standout Bella Belen. She emphasized that her leadership and consistency are the qualities she intends to bring to the squad.

     

    “What I can contribute to the team is my experience, consistency, and love for the game. I show up every day with a growth mindset and discipline, whether in training or during competition. I want to be someone my teammates can rely on, to support them through challenges, and to lead by example not just on the court, but in how we carry ourselves as a team. I hope my dedication and presence can inspire trust, unity, and belief in what we can achieve together,” Nunag added.

     

    With a blend of young talent and seasoned leadership now in the fold, Capital1 is clearly positioning itself for long-term competitiveness. The upcoming conference will reveal how quickly the rebuilt roster can establish chemistry—and whether the Solar Spikers’ bold offseason moves can translate into on-court success.

     

     

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  • Strong Group Athletics signs Imee Hernandez ahead of 2026 PVL season

    Strong Group Athletics signs Imee Hernandez ahead of 2026 PVL season

    Strong Group Athletics has continued its aggressive signing spree in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) offseason, securing the services of former Chery Tiggo Crossovers star Imee Hernandez and adding another crucial piece to its rapidly strengthening roster. The move underscores the organization’s intent to reshape the competitive landscape of the league heading into the 2026 season.

     

    The multi-team franchise — which operates the Farm Fresh Foxies and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles — formally introduced Hernandez on Tuesday, January 6, through a social media announcement. Strong Group welcomed the veteran middle blocker with a message that highlighted not just her physical tools but also the leadership and defensive impact she is expected to provide: “Strong Will. Imee Hernandez adds power and presence to Strong Group’s wall, ready to lock it down at the net. Welcome home, Imee!”

     

    Hernandez, a former University of Santo Tomas standout in the UAAP, turned professional in 2023 when she joined Chery Tiggo for the PVL Invitational Conference. A consistent performer known for her height, mobility, and blocking instincts, she quickly carved a role with the Crossovers. However, her progress was slowed by a significant left knee injury that she sustained during her rookie season, causing her to miss extended time and limiting her opportunities to build momentum.

     

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    Despite the setback, Hernandez fought her way back into competitive shape and returned during the 2025 PVL On Tour preseason tournament, which ultimately became her final outing with Chery Tiggo before the franchise disbanded. Her availability on the market immediately drew interest, and she now becomes the sixth former Crossover to secure a contract with a new club.

    The addition of Hernandez further reinforces Strong Group’s offseason overhaul, joining an incoming class headlined by veteran scorer Royse Tubino, seasoned setter Chie Saet, and middle blocker Remy Palma. Collectively, these signings reflect a clear strategy: pair experience with emerging talent to build well-rounded rosters capable of contending on both ends of the floor.

     

    At this point, Strong Group Athletics has yet to disclose which of its two PVL squads — Farm Fresh or ZUS Coffee — Hernandez will join. The lack of clarity has fueled speculation among fans and analysts, as both clubs present compelling pathways. Farm Fresh, anchored by a youthful core, could benefit from Hernandez’s stability and leadership, while the rebuilding Thunderbelles could lean on her defensive presence to establish a stronger identity at the net. Either way, her arrival promises to elevate internal competition and add versatility to training rotations.

     

    Strong Group’s aggressive approach this offseason also signals a shifting dynamic in the PVL. With multiple franchises undergoing roster changes and new contenders emerging, teams are taking bold steps to solidify their competitive footing. For Strong Group, the strategy is clear: strengthen every position, deepen its talent pool, and create lineups that can adapt to the evolving pace and physicality of the league.

     

    With Hernandez now part of their expanding arsenal, Strong Group Athletics is positioning itself as a formidable force ahead of the 2026 All-Filipino Conference. Whether she ends up with the Foxies or Thunderbelles, her experience, resilience, and defensive prowess make her a valuable asset — and her arrival signals that Strong Group is not just filling holes, but actively building a roster capable of challenging the PVL’s elite from Day 1.

     

     

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  • Proposed Petro Gazz–Nxled union threatens to test PVL balance of power ahead of 2026

    Proposed Petro Gazz–Nxled union threatens to test PVL balance of power ahead of 2026

    What began as a routine offseason realignment could soon evolve into one of the most divisive moments in recent PVL history.

     

    Plans involving Petro Gazz and Nxled joining forces ahead of the 2026 season have introduced a layer of uncertainty—and tension—into an already active offseason. Whether the arrangement is formally branded as a merger or framed under a different structure, the idea alone has stirred resistance from within league circles.

     

    SPIN.ph has learned that several teams are prepared to challenge the proposal if it is elevated to a vote, signaling that the issue may extend beyond roster construction and into questions of competitive integrity.

     

    Under the current framework being discussed, the consolidated squad would compete under the Nxled name. 

     

    Nxled head coach Ettore Guidetti is expected to remain at the helm, a scenario that would keep him in front of Petro Gazz’s championship-winning mentors Gary and Lisa Van Sickle—at least in terms of official hierarchy.

     

    Yet while the banner and head coach may remain unchanged, much of the operational backbone is projected to shift. 

     

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    A significant portion of the coaching and support staff is expected to come from Petro Gazz’s setup, which delivered back-to-back titles last season. 

     

    On the court, the restructured team would retain a portion of Nxled’s core while absorbing players who remain from the Angels, effectively blending two established programs into a single competitive unit.

     

    That structure has not sat well with rivals.

     

    The Strong Group Athletics stable, which operates Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee, is believed to be among the most outspoken opponents of the plan. Other teams reportedly share concerns that the move could allow the Akari group to consolidate talent in a way that strengthens what is effectively its secondary team, tilting the league’s competitive balance.

     

    For now, the proposal remains in limbo. The PVL has yet to formally act on the matter, and it is still unclear whether either Petro Gazz or Nxled has officially submitted documentation for approval.

     

    Until then, the situation hangs over the offseason as a potential flashpoint—one that could force the league to clarify where it draws the line between organizational flexibility and competitive fairness.

     

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  • Capital1 fires first salvo in PVL offseason with four-signing reset led by Shaya Adorador, Jas Nabor

    Capital1 fires first salvo in PVL offseason with four-signing reset led by Shaya Adorador, Jas Nabor

    Capital1 wasted no time inserting itself into the heart of PVL free agency, unveiling a four-player haul that signals a clear shift from patience to urgency ahead of the 2026 season.

     

    In one coordinated move, the Solar Spikers formally introduced Shaya Adorador, Jas Nabor, Rachel Jorvina, and Ezra Madrigal—each signing on Tuesday as part of the franchise’s opening step toward redefining its competitive core.

     

    The announcement immediately tied Capital1 to one of the offseason’s biggest storylines: the ripple effects of Chery Tiggo’s disbandment. 

     

    Adorador and Nabor became the sixth and seventh former Crossovers to land new PVL homes, extending a shared volleyball journey that has followed them since the league entered its professional era in 2021.

     

    Off the court, the two are partners. On it, their paths have remained tightly aligned. From Chery Tiggo’s original pandemic-era lineup to the club’s breakthrough 2021 Open Conference title—the PVL’s first professional championship—Adorador and Nabor were fixtures in the franchise’s rise.

     Even brief stops elsewhere, including a short stint with Foton, ultimately led them back to the Crossovers during the 2023 Invitational Conference.

     

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    Now, Capital1 offers a new chapter—and immediate responsibility.

     

    Adorador slots into an outside-hitting group anchored by Bella Belen and Trisha Genesis, adding proven scoring depth to a young roster. Nabor, meanwhile, brings veteran calm to a playmaking rotation that includes Iris Tolenada and Nikka Yandoc, a stabilizing presence for a team still shaping its on-court identity.

     

    While the former Crossovers drew early attention, Madrigal and Jorvina represent a quieter but equally meaningful shift. Both players are stepping outside the Akari ecosystem for the first time in their PVL careers, turning the page after years spent within a familiar system.

     

    Madrigal arrives with experience and hardware, reinforcing Capital1’s net defense alongside Rachel Austero, KC Galdones, Julia Ipac, and Ivy Aquino. Her presence also helps address the departure of Sydney Niegos, who exited the Solar Spikers after two seasons.

     

    Jorvina, on the other hand, strengthens the team from the back line, joining Roma Doromal and Rica Rivera-Pancho to form a more rounded floor-defense unit—one that reflects Capital1’s intent to build balance rather than rely on a single star axis.

     

    Taken together, the quartet forms more than a list of names. It marks Capital1’s first real attempt to define what kind of team it wants to be in the next phase of the PVL—experienced enough to compete now, but structured to grow with its younger core.

     

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  • Akari turns the page as Ezra Madrigal, Cams Victoria exit ahead of 2026 PVL Season

    Akari turns the page as Ezra Madrigal, Cams Victoria exit ahead of 2026 PVL Season

    Change has finally arrived for Akari, and it comes at a symbolic moment in the Chargers’ young PVL history.

     

    Fresh off a bronze medal finish in the 2025 Reinforced Conference, the Chargers have confirmed the departures of two familiar faces—Ezra Madrigal and Cams Victoria—marking the team’s first major offseason shakeup heading into the 2026 Premier Volleyball League season.

     

    For a franchise that leaned heavily on continuity during its early years, the move signals a conscious shift from building around familiarity to actively redefining its identity.

     

    Madrigal’s exit, in particular, closes a foundational chapter. A member of Akari’s original PVL roster when the team debuted in 2022, the 5-foot-11 Far Eastern University product became a fixture in the middle during the Chargers’ formative seasons. 

     

    Her presence helped stabilize a young squad navigating its way through the league’s import-heavy era.

     

    Her tenure with Akari, however, is remembered not only for on-court contributions but also for being entwined with one of the PVL’s most debated moments. During the 2024 Reinforced Conference semifinals against PLDT, a net-touch call involving Madrigal in the deciding fifth set ignited controversy, eventually leading to a successful protest and an overturned ruling.

     

    More than a year later, that incident now stands as a historical footnote to a chapter that has officially closed.

     

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    Madrigal leaves behind a résumé that includes two bronze medals and a runner-up finish, along with a noticeable void in Akari’s middle blocker rotation. 


    That responsibility now shifts to Alas Pilipinas standout Fifi Sharma, who is set to anchor the frontline alongside Ced Domingo and developing middle Jamaica Villena.


    Victoria’s departure, meanwhile, reflects a quieter but equally meaningful transition. The former University of Santo Tomas standout joined the Chargers in 2023 and steadily carved out her role as a dependable opposite hitter. Initially backing up veteran Eli Soyud, the 6-foot-1 attacker later became part of a deeper right-side rotation that featured emerging scorer Steph Bustrillo.


    With both Madrigal and Victoria moving on, Akari’s roster evolution under head coach Tina Salak officially begins in earnest. 


    Beyond selections made in the 2025 PVL Draft, this offseason represents Salak’s first true chance to reshape the team, stepping away from a largely untouched core and toward a lineup built with long-term contention in mind.


    As the Chargers set their sights on 2026, the message is clear: Akari is no longer content with incremental progress. The next phase will be defined by deliberate change—and the departures of two long-time contributors are the first signs of that shift. 


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  • Choco Mucho lured prized Eya Laure with P620,000 per month contract

    Choco Mucho lured prized Eya Laure with P620,000 per month contract

    Signing one of the most exciting players in the PVL is not an easy task, as shown by the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, who snagged Eya Laure after a tight race with a reportedly hefty contract worth P650,000 per month.

     

    The Flying Titans reportedly outpaced several interested PVL franchises, including Cignal, Capital1 Solar Spikers, and Farm Fresh Foxies, in the bid to land the 26-year-old spiker.

     

    The former UST Golden Tigresses star has been away from the PVL for more than a year now and has since dedicated her time to the national team with Alas Pilipinas.

     

    Eya Laure had spent more than a year away from the domestic league due to a non-compete clause tied to her exit from the now-disbanded Chery Tiggo franchise.

     

    The restriction, which followed her final PVL appearance during the 2024 All-Filipino Conference, kept her off the court for several conferences.

     

    During her time with the national squad, Laure made significant contributions, helping the Philippines secure a silver medal at the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup and back-to-back bronze medals in the 2025 SEA V.League legs. 

     

    Her international experience and offensive firepower were key factors in Choco Mucho’s pursuit, with team officials viewing her as a transformative addition capable of elevating the franchise’s championship prospects.

     

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    In addition to Laure, Choco Mucho’s offseason roster retooling includes the signings of middle blocker Jaila Atienza, setter Alina Bicar, and the return of outside hitter Caitlin Viray. 

     

    These four newcomers join an already talented core that features Maddie Madayag, Kat Tolentino, Deanna Wong, and Des Cheng, among others, under the guidance of head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

     

    The Flying Titans’ aggressive moves follow a 2025 campaign that yielded mixed results, with a fourth-place finish in the All-Filipino Conference, a 10th-place result in the PVL on Tour, and a ninth-place finish in the Reinforced Conference. 

     

    Laure is expected to impact Choco Mucho’s offensive output with her scoring prowess and veteran leadership. 

     

    Her reunion with fellow UST alumna Sisi Rondina, who is set to return to indoor play after her successful 2025 beach volleyball stint, adds excitement and intrigue to a bolstered Choco Mucho roster.

     

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  • Royse Tubino headlines Strong Group’s latest veteran signings ahead of 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference

    Royse Tubino headlines Strong Group’s latest veteran signings ahead of 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference

    Royse Tubino emerged as the headline addition as Strong Group Athletics continued to fortify its Premier Volleyball League rosters, announcing a new wave of veteran signings ahead of the 2026 season.

     

    Tubino, a proven opposite spiker known for her steady scoring and versatility, leads a quartet of experienced reinforcements that also includes setter Chie Saet and middle blocker Remy Palma from Petro Gazz, along with libero Bia General of Choco Mucho. 

     

    The moves further strengthen Strong Group’s twin franchises, ZUS Coffee and Farm Fresh, as both teams look to build on promising campaigns last season.

     

    At 32, Tubino brings reliability forged through years of PVL battles. She most recently suited up for Choco Mucho, where she served as a dependable offensive option off the bench, providing timely points and stability whenever called upon. 

     

    Her arrival gives Strong Group a seasoned attacker capable of contributing immediately, whether in a starting role or as a key rotation piece.

     

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    Saet adds championship pedigree to the group. The 41-year-old veteran setter spent her entire PVL career with Petro Gazz since 2019 and was instrumental in four title runs, three of which came during the league’s professional era.

     

    Her experience and court leadership offer Strong Group a calming presence in high-pressure moments.

     

    Palma, meanwhile, strengthens the middle while bringing leadership off the floor. A three-time PVL champion at 30, she is set to take on a dual role as a playing assistant coach, blending on-court contributions with mentorship for younger teammates.

     

    General rounds out the signings as a defensive specialist. During her stint with Choco Mucho, she served as the primary backup to multi-time Best Libero Thang Ponce, giving Strong Group a reliable option in the backcourt with experience in structured defensive systems.

     

    The latest acquisitions come just a month after Strong Group secured former Chery Tiggo standouts Cess Robles, Karen Verdeflor, and Renee Peñafiel, highlighting a clear strategy of surrounding its teams with veteran leadership.

     

    ZUS Coffee is coming off a breakthrough Reinforced Conference run that ended with a maiden Finals appearance, while Farm Fresh registered a franchise-best 7–1 elimination-round record before exiting in the quarterfinals. 

     

    With Tubino leading the newest batch of additions, Strong Group appears intent on turning last season’s gains into sustained contention in 2026.

     

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  • PVL to finally give teams a share of league revenues

    PVL to finally give teams a share of league revenues

    From sold-out arenas to strong television and streaming numbers, the Premier Volleyball League has long looked like a thriving sports property. Fans see the spectacle, brands see the exposure, and players see a platform that keeps growing bigger every season. Behind the scenes, however, team owners have continued to shoulder most of the financial burden—until now.

     

    For the first time since turning professional in 2020, the PVL is set to formally return a portion of league revenues to its teams, marking a significant shift in how the country’s top volleyball league operates. The move signals that the PVL is no longer just surviving on popularity, but is now confident enough in its business model to start sharing the fruits of its success.

     

    “30 percent of what the league makes (every year),” PVL president Ricky Palou told the Inquirer over the phone a couple of days back, outlining how teams will finally begin receiving league-generated income. “That would be 30 percent divided by all the teams that are playing.”

     

    The remaining funds, Palou explained, will be reinvested into keeping the league running smoothly. “Palou went on to say that the remaining 70 percent will be used for operating expenses.” In effect, the PVL is balancing two goals at once: rewarding its stakeholders while ensuring the league itself remains financially healthy.

     

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    This revenue-sharing plan is not an isolated decision. It follows another major structural change introduced in recent years—the Rookie Draft—which brought a new level of parity and long-term planning to the league, highlighted by former La Salle star Thea Gagate being selected first overall. Together, these initiatives point to a league that is thinking beyond short-term hype and toward sustainability.

     

    “This will help ensure the stability of the league,” Palou added, stressing that the timing of the move is deliberate as the PVL continues talks with Cignal for a renewal of its broadcast deal. Media rights remain a cornerstone of the league’s income, and Palou acknowledged how crucial that relationship is to making revenue sharing viable for all teams.

     

    “We knew that somewhere down the road that this will happen,” he said. “And we are just happy and proud that we can start doing it starting this year.”

     

    Palou’s confidence is shaped by experience. Having previously served as chief finance officer of the Philippine Basketball Association during the tenure of the late Jun Bernardino, he understands how leagues dependent on gate receipts and broadcast deals must evolve to keep franchises afloat. It is no coincidence that the PVL’s approach mirrors models used by the PBA and even collegiate powerhouses like the UAAP and NCAA.

     

    The long-term objective is clear: reduce the financial gap between teams and eventually help them break even. “That’s the target, hopefully,” Palou said.

     

    While concrete figures in volleyball remain unclear, comparisons with the PBA—where top teams are estimated to spend P50 to P60 million annually—offer perspective. The PVL may not yet operate on the same financial scale, but its rapidly expanding fanbase and commercial pull suggest that investments made by team owners are becoming increasingly justifiable.

     

    Five years into its professional journey, the PVL is no longer just a showcase for elite volleyball talent. With revenue sharing now on the table, it is positioning itself as a mature, forward-thinking league—one that recognizes that sustained success depends not only on packed crowds, but on making sure its teams can thrive alongside it.

     

     

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  • Veteran setter Chie Saet joins Strong Group Athletics after leaving Petro Gazz Angels

    Veteran setter Chie Saet joins Strong Group Athletics after leaving Petro Gazz Angels

    Strong Group Athletics have bolstered their Premier Volleyball League (PVL) presence after securing the services of veteran setter Chie Saet, who has decided to part ways with the Petro Gazz Angels ahead of the upcoming PVL conference.

     

    Strong Group, the organization behind PVL teams Farm Fresh Foxies and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, officially announced Saet’s arrival through a social media post on Sunday, January 4. The franchise welcomed the seasoned playmaker with a message that highlighted the intangibles she brings to the court: “Strong Mind, Strong Heart. Chie Saet joins Strong Group, bringing leadership, experience, and calm under pressure to the squad. Welcome, Chie!”

     

    Saet’s acquisition is widely seen as a major boost for any roster she eventually joins, given her wealth of experience and proven ability to steady a team in high-pressure situations. A former standout from De La Salle University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Saet has long been regarded as one of the country’s most reliable setters. Her collegiate success paved the way for a professional career that included a stint with the Cignal HD Spikers in the Philippine Super Liga before she moved to the PVL.

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    In 2018, Saet joined the Petro Gazz Angels and quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise. Despite being in the latter stages of her career, the 41-year-old continued to perform at a high level, providing composure, leadership, and consistency from the setter position. Her steady hand played a crucial role in Petro Gazz’s rise as one of the league’s dominant teams, helping the Angels capture four PVL championships during her tenure. Beyond her on-court contributions, Saet was also widely respected for her mentorship of younger players and her ability to organize the team during critical moments.

     

    At this point, Strong Group Athletics has yet to confirm which of its two PVL teams—Farm Fresh or ZUS Coffee—Saet will suit up for in the upcoming conference. The uncertainty has sparked speculation among fans and observers, with both squads standing to benefit significantly from the presence of a veteran setter of Saet’s caliber.

     

    Regardless of where she ultimately lands, Saet’s move represents a significant addition to the Strong Group franchise and underscores the organization’s intent to be more competitive in the next PVL season. With her experience, leadership, and championship pedigree, Saet is expected to have an immediate impact and help elevate her new team’s performance as the league prepares for another highly competitive conference.

     

     

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  • PLDT moves fast to plug middle gap, brings in Seth Rodriguez ahead of PVL All-Filipino tilt

    PLDT moves fast to plug middle gap, brings in Seth Rodriguez ahead of PVL All-Filipino tilt

    PLDT wasted no time addressing a looming hole in its frontline, securing the services of veteran middle blocker Seth Rodriguez as preparations ramp up for the 2026 PVL season.

     

    The two-time champions officially welcomed the 5-foot-10 net defender on Saturday night, marking Rodriguez as the High Speed Hitters’ first roster move of the offseason and an immediate solution to an early challenge.

     

    Her arrival comes at a critical juncture for PLDT, which will open the All-Filipino Conference without resident middle blocker Dell Palomata. 


    The 6-foot-3 cornerstone was cleared by the club to take an overseas stint with the Medan Falcons in the 2026 Indonesian Proliga, where she is set to play until May. 

     

    Palomata is expected to rejoin PLDT once her international campaign wraps up, but the temporary absence created an opening the team was eager to fill.

     

     

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    Rather than wait, the High Speed Hitters turned to a familiar and proven option. Rodriguez, a former Chery Tiggo mainstay, became available following the franchise’s dissolution earlier in the offseason. Her experience and readiness made her a natural fit for a PLDT squad eyeing continuity rather than reinvention.

     

    Rodriguez is among a wave of former Crossovers who have found new homes in the league.

     

    Since Chery Tiggo folded last December, Cess Robles, Ren Peñafiel and Karen Verdeflor have joined the Strong Group Athletics stable, while Alina Bicar landed with Choco Mucho. Rodriguez now adds her name to that list, stepping into a system that values stability and depth at the net.

     

    At PLDT, she joins a veteran-heavy rotation featuring Majoy Baron, Mika Reyes, Zen Perolino and Mary Anne Esguerra. The added piece gives head coach Rald Ricafort flexibility in managing matchups and workloads as the conference unfolds, particularly during Palomata’s absence.

     

    With the All-Filipino Conference drawing closer, Rodriguez’s signing signals more than just a stopgap move.

     

    It underscores PLDT’s intent to stay competitive from opening serve, reinforcing its championship ambitions while ensuring the middle remains a position of strength—even amid early-season adjustments.

     

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