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Category: Volleyball

  • Ian Laurel chooses growth over noise as SSL continues building Philippine volleyball’s future 

    Ian Laurel chooses growth over noise as SSL continues building Philippine volleyball’s future 

    The president of Athletic Events and Sports Management, Inc. (ACES), Ian Laurel has remained focused on his long-term mission for the Shakey’s Super League (SSL)—building a sustainable pathway for young athletes and strengthening the foundation of the sport.


    Recent months have seen Philippine volleyball surrounded by issues involving suspensions, leadership disputes, budget concerns, and administrative challenges. But for Laurel, the direction remains clear: continue developing the game at the grassroots level and create more opportunities for players who dream of reaching the next level.

     

    Having spent decades involved in Philippine volleyball, including his stint as president of the now-defunct Philippine Superliga (PSL), Laurel understands the challenges that come with navigating the sport’s landscape. Rather than getting caught in the ongoing conflicts, he has opted to focus on areas where he believes meaningful change can happen.

     

    Since its launch, the SSL has expanded its footprint by bringing in more collegiate and club teams, welcoming international participation, and taking competitions beyond Metro Manila. The goal has been to make volleyball more accessible while creating a stronger development system for athletes across the country.

     

    For Laurel, that growth has been made possible through the continued backing of Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures, Inc. (SPAVI), a partner that supported volleyball even before the sport reached its current popularity.

     

    “Because of Shakey’s, who has been there from the very start, they allowed us to grow this or to walk this path together with them, and it is such an honor,” Laurel said.

     

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    “Kaya kahit anong nangyayari sa paligid na kaguluhan, as long as we have them and we share the same vision and we have the same goals, I think we’ll be fine. Let’s stay in our lane and just do our best to promote the sport.”

     

    That partnership, Laurel believes, is reflected in the players who have emerged from the league over the years. The SSL and its predecessor programs have become a training ground for athletes who would eventually become recognizable names in Philippine volleyball.

     

    “Nakikita niyo ngayon ‘yung mga ‘volleyball stars natin, dumaan sa Shakey’s ‘yung mga ‘yan. As long as we’re able to produce players that inspire the younger generations, as long as we can produce players who can provide a path for an education, for a profession, for probably a fan base that looks up to them as inspiration, then that’s the goal. We’ve done our part,” he said.

     

    For Laurel, the true measure of success is not only championships or popularity, but whether the sport continues to produce athletes who inspire the future of volleyball.

     

    As Philippine volleyball faces questions about its future, the SSL chairman remains committed to the same vision that has guided him for years: invest in players, grow the game, and build a foundation strong enough to outlast the challenges surrounding the sport.

     

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  • Jaja Santiago begins new chapter, joins San Francisco Signal in LOVB 

    Jaja Santiago begins new chapter, joins San Francisco Signal in LOVB 

    After conquering Japan, Jaja Santiago is taking her talents to a new frontier.

     

    The former Alas Pilipinas star, now competing under the name Sachi Minowa, is set to continue her decorated volleyball career in the United States after signing with expansion franchise San Francisco Signal for the 2027 League One Volleyball (LOVB) season.

     

    The club officially announced Santiago as part of its inaugural roster on Friday, adding one of Asia’s most accomplished middle blockers to its foundation as it prepares for its debut campaign.

     

    Welcoming its newest signing, the franchise highlighted the championship pedigree Santiago brings after spending more than a decade competing at the highest level.

     

    “Philippine-born Japanese middle blocker, Jaja joins the Signal fresh off capturing the prestigious Japan SV.League Championship title! A decorated veteran of the Philippine National Team and one of Japan’s top middle blockers, Jaja is bringing her 12 years of championship experience and elite presence at the net to the Bay,” said the San Francisco Signal in a social media post, welcoming Santiago.

     

    The move marks another major milestone in Santiago’s international journey.

     

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    She arrives in the United States fresh from winning the Japan SV.League championship and after establishing herself as one of the league’s premier middle blockers, earning recognition as one of its top players during her successful stint overseas.

     

    Her transfer also confirms what Santiago had hinted at during the 2026 Volleyball Nations League in Pasig, where she revealed she was preparing for a move to the United States while working to stay in peak condition for the next phase of her career.

     

    Now, that next chapter officially begins.

     

    With San Francisco Signal assembling its first-ever roster, Santiago is expected to provide immediate leadership, championship experience, and a formidable presence at the net as the expansion club enters the rapidly growing professional volleyball landscape in the United States.

     

    For Santiago, the move represents more than just another overseas contract—it is another opportunity to showcase her talent on one of volleyball’s newest professional stages after already leaving her mark in both the Philippines and Japan.

     

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  • Josh Ybañez rallies young Alas Pilipinas ahead of must-win clash with Indonesia 

    Josh Ybañez rallies young Alas Pilipinas ahead of must-win clash with Indonesia 

    The opening-day loss may have put Alas Pilipinas Men in a difficult position, but Josh Ybañez believes the tournament is far from over.

     

    With a semifinal berth hanging in the balance, the veteran libero challenged the national team’s youthful core to quickly move on from its heartbreaking five-set defeat to Cambodia and embrace an even bigger test against regional powerhouse Indonesia on Friday in the 6th SEA V.Cup at the Candon City Arena.

     

    For Ybañez, who experienced his own national team debut just last year during the FIVB Men’s World Championship and the Philippines’ bronze-medal finish in the Southeast Asian Games, the current campaign is about helping a new generation adjust to the pressures of international volleyball.

     

    Despite nursing an ankle sprain suffered on the eve of the tournament, the three-time UAAP MVP still suited up and anchored the Philippine floor defense, refusing to let the injury keep him from representing the country.

     

    “Thanks to the painkillers, I was able to push through. Honestly, even before the competition, I had already set my mindset. I knew it was only a mild sprain. It was painful, but once the game starts, it’s different—you don’t really feel it as much. I just fought through it,” said Ybañez in Filipino.

    The Filipinos pushed Cambodia to the limit before absorbing a 25-23, 28-30, 25-20, 22-25, 15-8 defeat, a result that leaves them needing a strong performance against Indonesia to keep their semifinal hopes alive.

     

    Ybañez, however, refused to dwell on the setback and instead acknowledged the quality of their opening-day opponent.

     

    “Every team is competitive, including Cambodia. Credit to them because they played really well. There were a lot of factors behind our loss, but they deserve the credit because they had a great game,” he added.

     

    The challenge only gets tougher against an Indonesian squad that has long established itself as one of Southeast Asia’s volleyball powerhouses, boasting multiple SEA Games titles and entering the match as the defending SEA V.Cup Leg 2 champion.

     

    Still, Ybañez believes the inexperience of the current Philippine roster should not overshadow the progress it has already shown.

     

    “We came into this tournament with zero expectations because this is a new team made up mostly of young players. I’m really proud of them because we fought until the end. Now, our 

    focus shifts to our next game against Indonesia, and we’ll do our best to give them a good fight,” said Ybañez.

     

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    The rebuilding squad also found encouraging signs in the emergence of several new faces.

    Jude Garcia made an immediate impact in his long-awaited indoor national team debut, finishing with 20 points after years of starring in beach volleyball and the Spikers’ Turf.

     

    “We’ll stick to Coach (Angiolino) Frigoni’s game plan and follow what he wants us to do. We’re going to prepare well because Indonesia is a tough team. Whatever effort we gave today, we’ll have to double or even triple it in our next match,” said Garcia.

     

    Middle blocker Joshua Magalaman also turned heads with a team-high 21 points built on 15 attacks, four blocks, and two service aces, but pointed to one glaring area the team must address before facing Indonesia.

     

    “As a team, we just need to cut down on our errors because that’s really where we lost. We committed too many mistakes. There were also times when they would go on scoring runs and we couldn’t stop their momentum. Reducing our errors is the biggest thing we need to improve,” said Magalaman.

     

    With their backs against the wall, Alas Pilipinas now heads into Friday’s showdown knowing that cleaner execution—and the resilience shown by veterans like Ybañez—could determine whether their SEA V.Cup campaign continues beyond the group stage.

     

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  • “It’s very special”: Jude Garcia opens up on long-awaited national team debut

    “It’s very special”: Jude Garcia opens up on long-awaited national team debut

    The Philippine men’s national volleyball team endured a disappointing start to its 2026 Southeast Asian Volleyball League (SEA V.League) campaign after suffering a hard-fought five-set defeat to Cambodia, 23-25, 30-28, 20-25, 25-22, 8-15, on Wednesday, July 15, at the Candon City Arena.

     

    Despite the setback, Alas Pilipinas Men found encouraging signs in the performances of first-time national team members Joshua Magalaman and Jude Garcia, who both impressed in their international debuts.

     

    Magalaman led the Filipinos with 21 points built on 15 attacks, four blocks, and two service aces, while Garcia added 20 markers as the duo spearheaded the home team’s offensive charge. Although their efforts ultimately fell short against a determined Cambodian squad, both newcomers showed they belong on the international stage.

     

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    For Garcia, however, the match carried significance far beyond the final score.

     

    The Far Eastern University (FEU) standout described wearing the Philippine jersey as the fulfillment of a long-held dream, one that had taken years to become reality.

     

    “It’s very special because ever since I entered Far Eastern University (FEU), it’s been my dream to represent the national team in indoor volleyball,” Garcia said after the match. “The opportunity was delayed for a while, but now that I have been given this chance, I’m making the most of it and showing that I deserve this spot.”

     

    Garcia’s national team journey has been anything but straightforward.

     

    The decorated outside hitter was initially called up to Alas Pilipinas last year but made the difficult decision to decline the invitation in order to prioritize his growing family, choosing to stay home and support his pregnant wife during an important chapter in their lives.

     

    Now finally given the opportunity to don the national colors, Garcia is determined to maximize every chance he gets, both as a scorer and as one of the team’s veteran voices despite making his international debut.

     

    Following the heartbreaking loss, Garcia echoed head coach Angiolino Frigoni’s message of learning from adversity rather than dwelling on it.

     

    “As coach Angiolino Frigoni told us, we have to learn from this loss. Now we will prepare for our next game against Indonesia, and we have to be ready for it,” Garcia said.

    Beyond his contributions on the scoreboard, Garcia recognizes that his responsibilities extend to leadership. Although new to international competition, the 27-year-old is among the more experienced players in the current Alas Pilipinas lineup, a role he has embraced during his successful stint with Criss Cross.

     

    “It’s similar to my role with Criss Cross. I’m one of the oldest players on this team, so I have to be a role model for the younger guys,” Garcia explained.

     

    “I have to be mindful of everything I do—how I help keep them composed on the court and how I guide them during the game.”

     

    His leadership will be even more crucial as the Philippines prepares for a must-win showdown against regional powerhouse Indonesia.

     

    The reigning Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Men’s Cup champions represent one of Southeast Asia’s strongest volleyball programs, meaning Alas Pilipinas will need a significantly improved performance to remain in contention in the opening leg of the SEA V.League.

     

    Garcia acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge but expressed confidence that strict adherence to Frigoni’s system will give the Filipinos their best chance of pulling off an upset.

     

    “We will stick to coach Frigoni’s game plan and follow what he wants us to do,” Garcia said.

     

    “We are going to prepare well because Indonesia is a tough team. Whatever effort we gave today, we will have to double or even triple it in our next match.”

     

    Despite the opening-day disappointment, Garcia’s debut offered another reminder of why he has become one of the country’s most accomplished volleyball players.

     

    A standout during his collegiate career with FEU in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Garcia established himself as one of the premier outside hitters of his generation. His dominance continued at the club level, where he collected five Most Valuable Player awards while cementing his reputation as one of Philippine volleyball’s elite talents.

     

    His consistent excellence also earned him back-to-back recognition as the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Press Corps Season Most Valuable Player in 2025 and 2026, further highlighting the pedigree he brings to the national team.

     

    With his long-awaited international debut finally behind him, Garcia now hopes to channel both his experience and leadership into helping Alas Pilipinas bounce back quickly as they seek their first victory of the tournament against Indonesia on Friday, July 17.

     

     

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  • Farm Fresh, ZUS Coffee join forces to represent Philippines in Formosa Volleyball Invitational

    Farm Fresh, ZUS Coffee join forces to represent Philippines in Formosa Volleyball Invitational

    Two Premier Volleyball League (PVL) teams will join forces on the international stage as the Farm Fresh Foxies and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles combine their talents to represent the Philippines at the 2026 Formosa Women’s Volleyball Invitational Tournament in Chinese Taipei.

     

    The tournament, scheduled from July 30 to August 2, will provide the Philippine squad with a valuable opportunity to measure itself against a diverse field featuring club teams and national selections from Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and Hong Kong.

     

    Playing under the Strong Group Pilipinas banner, the collaboration between the sister PVL franchises allows both teams to assemble a deeper and more competitive roster while giving their players much-needed international exposure ahead of the upcoming PVL season.

     

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    Leading the Farm Fresh contingent is reigning PVL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Trisha Tubu, who headlines a talented group that includes Roselyn Doria-Aquino, Maicah Larroza, Ces Molina, Louie Romero, and Jonna Perdido.

     

    The Foxies’ roster will be complemented by key players from ZUS Coffee, including AC Miner, Chinnie Arroyo, Clo Mondonedo, Riza Nogales, Alyssa Eroa, and Zamantha Nolasco, creating a balanced lineup that combines youth, experience, and different playing styles.

    Farm Fresh head coach Koji Tsuzurabara will take charge of the combined squad, while ZUS Coffee head coach Jerry Yee will serve as one of his assistants alongside veteran mentors Kungfu Reyes and Shaq Delos Santos.

     

    For Tsuzurabara, the tournament represents an ideal opportunity for the players to challenge themselves against international competition and continue improving before returning to domestic action.

     

    “This tournament gives us exactly the challenge we are looking for before the PVL season. We will be facing quality teams from different countries with different playing styles, and that’s an opportunity for both Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee to grow. The level of competition will push our players to improve, build chemistry, and gain the experience that will benefit them once the PVL season begins,” Tsuzurabara said in a media interaction.

     

    Beyond the competition itself, the tournament is also expected to strengthen the connection between the two PVL organizations as they work together toward a common goal of representing the country.

     

    Yee expressed his excitement over the opportunity for the players and coaching staff to wear the Strong Group colors, emphasizing the importance of gaining international experience while developing stronger relationships between the two teams.

     

    “It’s an honor for our players and coaching staff to wear the Strong Group colors and represent the Philippines. We hope to make our country proud with the way we compete. At the same time, bringing together players from Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee is a great opportunity to build relationships, learn from one another, and create a strong team culture that will benefit both clubs when we return to the PVL,” Yee added.

     

    With a talented roster and an experienced coaching staff, Strong Group Pilipinas hopes to use the Formosa Women’s Volleyball Invitational as a platform to showcase the depth of Philippine volleyball and prepare its players for the challenges ahead in the PVL season.

     

     

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  • Joshua Magalaman shines in Alas Pilipinas debut despite loss to Cambodia 

    Joshua Magalaman shines in Alas Pilipinas debut despite loss to Cambodia 

    For Joshua Magalaman, wearing the Alas Pilipinas jersey for the first time became more than just a career milestone—it turned into a statement that he may be ready for a much bigger role moving forward.

     

    The De La Salle middle blocker delivered an eye-catching performance in his senior national team debut, pouring in a team-high 21 points despite the Philippines falling to Cambodia in a grueling five-set battle, 23-25, 30-28, 20-25, 25-22, 15-8, on Wednesday at the Candon City Arena.


    While the result left Alas Pilipinas searching for its first win in Pool A of the SEA V Cup, Magalaman’s breakout effort provided one of the brightest takeaways for the host squad.

     

    The 23-year-old finished with 15 attack points on 22 attempts, complemented by four blocks and two service aces, an all-around display that energized the hometown crowd throughout the match.

     

    Even Magalaman admitted he never expected to lead a veteran-filled Philippine lineup in scoring, especially from the middle blocker position.

     

    “Ako po mismo nagulat ako. Like, paano ko ‘yon nagawa? Tapos, inisip ko na lang, eh, nagagawa ko ’yon kasi ’yon yung tine-training namin. Yun yung tinuturo sa akin ni Coach Frigoni. Like, bago ako, pero na-adapt ko yung sistema niya,” said Magalaman.

     

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    His performance marked another significant chapter in a journey that has steadily gained momentum.

     

    Magalaman transferred to De La Salle University before UAAP Season 87 but did not crack the final roster that year. He eventually suited up for the Green Spikers in Season 88, where flashes of his talent emerged, though opportunities remained limited.

     

    Now competing against Southeast Asia’s top national teams, the 6-foot-5 middle blocker believes the experience will accelerate his development ahead of his next collegiate campaign.

     

    “Napakalaking experience po ’yung ito. Gagamitin ko po ’to sa mga susunod na liga, Season 89, ganon,” he said.

     

    Despite the individual success, Magalaman stressed that the Philippines has plenty to clean up after committing 46 unforced errors—mistakes that ultimately allowed Cambodia to complete its comeback after dropping the opening set.

     

    The loss overshadowed strong offensive performances across the lineup. Jude Garcia backed Magalaman with 20 points, while Louie Ramirez added 17 markers. Al-Bukharie Sali and Lirick Mendoza also chipped in 10 and eight points, respectively, as Alas Pilipinas showed flashes of its offensive potential.

     

    Still, the costly errors proved too much to overcome against a disciplined Cambodian side that capitalized late to secure the five-set victory.

     

    Now carrying an 0-1 record in Pool A, the Philippines heads into a crucial matchup against reigning AVC Men’s Cup champion Indonesia on Friday, with a victory needed to keep its semifinal hopes alive.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Men kicks off SEA V Cup against Cambodia in Candon

    Alas Pilipinas Men kicks off SEA V Cup against Cambodia in Candon

    After falling short of the podium a year ago, Alas Pilipinas enters the 2026 SEA V Cup with a renewed opportunity to reestablish itself among Southeast Asia’s volleyball contenders.


    The national men’s team begins its Group B campaign on Wednesday against Cambodia at 5:30 p.m. at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur, hoping to build momentum in a tournament that not only offers regional bragging rights but also valuable FIVB World Ranking points.


    The Philippines is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign, when it finished fourth in both legs of the tournament, then known as the SEA V.League. 


    Before that, the Filipinos captured bronze medals in both legs of the 2024 edition, a standard they are determined to reach again.


    Veteran leadership will once more anchor the squad as Josh Ybañez, Lloyd Josafat, Louie Ramirez, and Vince Lorenzo spearhead the team’s bid under Italian head coach Angiolino Frigoni.


    Although Alas Pilipinas will be without two of its biggest stars in Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, the roster welcomes additional versatility through SEA Games beach volleyball bronze medalist Jude Garcia, who strengthens the team’s wing rotation.


    Joining the lineup are setters Greg Ancheta and Adrian Villados, spikers Jian Salarzon, Axel Van Book, Lirick Mendoza, and Al-Bukharie Sali and middle blockers Rodge Alejos and Joshua Magalaman.


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    The SEA V Cup also serves as an important measure for Alas Pilipinas following its breakthrough campaign at the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship. 


    With FIVB World Ranking points at stake, every match carries added significance as the Filipinos look to improve their standing internationally while building momentum for future continental competitions. 


    The six-team tournament has also grown more competitive this year with the inclusion of Myanmar, expanding the field from five to six nations.


    Myanmar joins defending 2025 first-leg champion Thailand and Vietnam in Group A, while Indonesia rounds out Group B alongside the Philippines and Cambodia.


    The tournament opens with Thailand facing Vietnam at 2 p.m. before Alas Pilipinas takes the court in the second match of the day.


    Only the top two teams from each group will advance to Saturday’s semifinals, with the gold and bronze medal matches scheduled on Sunday.


    Hosted by Candon City Mayor Eric Singson and backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, the SEA V Cup gives Alas Pilipinas another chance to measure its progress on the regional stage while collecting crucial ranking points that could boost its standing in international competition.


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  • PVL and Alas stars bring volleyball flair to Star Magic All-Star Games 

    PVL and Alas stars bring volleyball flair to Star Magic All-Star Games 

    The Star Magic All-Star Games are adding even more firepower to this year’s festivities—and this time, some of the country’s top volleyball stars are stepping onto the entertainment stage.

     

    Professional standouts and collegiate stars will headline the women’s volleyball exhibition on August 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena, bringing together athletes and celebrities in one of the marquee events of the annual showcase.

     

    Leading the cast is multi-time PVL champion Risa Sato, who will reinforce the Lady Warriors after establishing herself as one of the league’s most accomplished middle blockers.

     

    Currently suiting up for the Akari Chargers, Sato brings an impressive résumé that includes 11 Premier Volleyball League championships and years of experience competing at the highest level of Philippine volleyball.

     

    Joining the opposing Lady Spikers is Alas Pilipinas Women’s standout Niña Ytang, who continues to cement her reputation as one of the country’s premier middle blockers.

     

    The former collegiate star enters the event as a four-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker and remains a key member of the national team program.

     

    The Lady Spikers will also receive a boost from veteran setter Jules Tolentino, who helped steer the now-defunct Petro Gazz franchise to the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference championship.

     

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    Familiar faces will also return to the annual spectacle.

     

    San Beda standout Erin Navarro is back for another appearance after participating in last year’s edition, while Adamson University’s Bella Sapienza is set to make her Star Magic All-Star Games debut.

     

    The Lady Spikers’ lineup is rounded out by Analain Salvador, Lella Ford, Fyang Smith, Vivoree, Magui Ford, Janah Zaplan, Ai dela Cruz, Isabel Laohoo, and Sophie Reyes.

     

    On the other side, Sato and the Lady Warriors will be joined by Reign Parani, Rans Rifol, Gillian Vicencio, Jas Dudley, Rain Celmar, Kolette Madelo, and Leona Andalio.

     

    With PVL champions, national team standouts, collegiate stars, and entertainment personalities sharing the same court, this year’s women’s volleyball match is shaping up to be one of the biggest attractions of the 2026 Star Magic All-Star Games.

     

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  • Alas Boys let quarterfinal dream slip away after reverse-sweep loss to India 

    Alas Boys let quarterfinal dream slip away after reverse-sweep loss to India 

    Alas Pilipinas Boys stood just one set away from making history.

     

    Instead, the young Nationals were left to wonder what could have been after India stormed back from two sets down to complete a stunning 16-25, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23, 15-4 victory on Tuesday at the Wuyuan River Gymnasium in Haikou, China, ending the Philippines’ bid for a breakthrough quarterfinal appearance in the AVC Boys’ U18 Volleyball Championship.

     

    The heartbreaking defeat dropped Alas Pilipinas to third place in Pool B with a 1-2 record, leaving the Philippines out of the knockout stage as Iran (3-0) and India (2-1) secured the group’s two quarterfinal berths. Bahrain finished winless at 0-3.

     

    The Filipinos appeared to be in complete control early.

     

    Behind the attacking trio of Terrence Marticion, Ar-Raquib Dais, Djomari Gamotea, and John Daniel Dela Cruz, Alas dictated the pace in the opening two sets, overwhelming India with balanced offense and aggressive net play to move within a frame of the last eight.

     

    But the momentum slowly shifted.

     

    India settled into the match in the third and fourth sets, making key defensive adjustments while finding answers to the offensive schemes orchestrated by Alas captain Howard Guerra.

     

    The comeback forced a winner-take-all fifth set, where the Philippines attempted another tactical adjustment by moving Guerra to an open hitter role while Louie Jeff Gallego took over playmaking duties.

     

    The gamble, however, failed to slow down an Indian side that entered the decider full of confidence.

     

    Team captain Sourabh Kashma, together with Adarsh Singh and Deepak Deepak, fueled a blistering start that gave India an early 8-2 advantage.

     

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    Gamotea briefly halted the run with a block on Kashma, but India immediately answered with four straight points to seize complete control at 12-3.

     

    Guerra managed one final crosscourt kill, yet a costly net violation pushed India to match point before Kashma capped his stellar performance with back-to-back service aces to complete the dramatic comeback.

     

    “We were so close; we were already there, but we fell short. We did not hold on until the end. There are situations where we could take the set and win, but maybe this match is not for us,” head coach Oliver Balse said.

     

    “I am still happy with how they performed, because I can really see the skills, but the maturity is something that we really need to work on,” he added.

     

    Marticion paced the Philippines with 16 points built on 14 attacks and two service aces.

     

    Galapin and Dais backed him with 14 points apiece, while Gamotea and Dela Cruz added nine markers each in the losing effort.

     

    Despite the painful exit from quarterfinal contention, the players remained determined to finish the tournament on a positive note.

     

    “We are thankful since we gave our best. No one was injured, and we will do our best in the classification round,” Marticion said.

     

    “We still keep our heads up high, and this serves as a hard-learned lesson for us. Still, we are inspired to do better in our own leagues in the Philippines,” he added.

     

    Kashma powered India with a match-high 31 points, while Deepak contributed 16 as India completed one of the tournament’s biggest comebacks to keep its medal hopes alive.

     

    The Philippines will now shift its focus to the classification phase, with its next opponent to be determined after the conclusion of the remaining Day 3 matches.

     

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  • PVL explores new calendar as FIVB rules reshape 2027 season 

    PVL explores new calendar as FIVB rules reshape 2027 season 

    The PVL is already preparing for a future that could look very different—but not necessarily quieter.

     

    With the FIVB set to enforce a new international calendar beginning in 2027, the country’s premier professional volleyball league is mapping out ways to keep fans engaged without compromising the growing demands of Alas Pilipinas.

     

    Rather than disappearing for nearly five months during the FIVB’s designated national team season, the PVL is studying alternative formats that can coexist with international commitments, according to league control committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo.

     

    The discussion stems from one of the key conditions attached to the Philippine National Volleyball Federation’s reinstatement by the FIVB.

     

    Among the federation’s requirements is a written commitment that the PVL calendar will align with the FIVB Volleyball Calendar Framework starting in 2027, while ensuring national team players are released for international duty whenever called upon.

     

    Under the FIVB schedule, the annual national team window will run from May 3 to October 3, a period that traditionally overlaps with much of the PVL season.

     

    However, Malonzo clarified that the international federation’s regulations do not prohibit domestic leagues from holding competitions during that stretch.

     

    “Actually, if you read the rules, it doesn’t say naman na no league eh. Hindi naman sinasabing bawal,” Malonzo told SPIN.ph.

     

    “If you notice, may mga tournaments pa rin sa Korea, sa Vietnam, sa Indonesia. During the national team period, meron silang mga pocket tournaments, so it’s short tournaments usually.”

     

    Instead of banning leagues outright, Malonzo explained that the framework is designed to ensure national federations maintain authority over player availability and that national team commitments always take precedence.

     

    “It’s really about asking permission before hosting that league or organizing that league. That’s how I understood it. Based du’n din sa rules ng sports regulations ni FIVB, as long as the national team players must prioritize the national team,” he added.

     

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    That philosophy has already been put into practice this year through the PVL On Tour.

     

    With several Alas Pilipinas standouts unavailable because of national team duties, the preseason showcase shifted its focus toward developing younger players, giving reserve talents meaningful playing time while allowing established stars to concentrate on international preparations.

     

    For Malonzo, the tour serves as proof that the league and the national team can thrive side by side.

     

    “‘Yung ‘On Tour’ kasi, ‘di naman siya talagang tournament. We just need people to promote the league. If you’ll notice, ‘di naglaro ‘yung mga top players ng mga teams,” Malonzo said.

     

    The setup has also created opportunities for clubs to evaluate their full rosters instead of relying solely on their marquee players.

     

    “Kumbaga, opportunity to rest for them and opportunity for the other players to play. It’s a balance,” he added.

     

    As Philippine volleyball enters a new era under the FIVB’s calendar, the PVL appears intent on adapting rather than slowing down.

     

    Instead of leaving a lengthy gap in the domestic schedule, league officials are exploring shorter events and innovative formats that can sustain fan interest while fully respecting the international federation’s rules—ensuring that when the national team calls, Alas Pilipinas will always come first.

     

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