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Category: Volleyball

  • Nxled suffers major blow as Brooke Van Sickle misses PVL On Tour preseason due to shoulder injury

    Nxled suffers major blow as Brooke Van Sickle misses PVL On Tour preseason due to shoulder injury

    The Nxled Chameleons have been dealt a significant setback in their preparations for the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour preseason after star player Brooke Van Sickle was ruled out for the entire conference due to a shoulder injury.

     

    The three-time PVL Most Valuable Player will miss the preseason tournament as she continues her recovery from a minor right shoulder tear, leaving Nxled without one of the league’s most impactful all-around players during their campaign.

     

    Chameleon’s head coach Ettore Guidetti confirmed Van Sickle’s absence during a media interaction, explaining that the team has decided to prioritize the long-term health of their franchise player rather than risk further aggravating the injury.

     

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    According to Guidetti, Van Sickle is expected to make her return in the next conference, giving the team confidence that the setback will only be temporary.

     

    “We have an almost complete team. Only Brooke Van Sickle is out. She is dealing with a minor tear on her shoulder but will return for the next conference,” Guidetti said.

     

    While the injury is considered minor, Nxled’s decision reflects the importance of having Van Sickle fully healthy for the more competitive stages of the PVL season. The team is taking a cautious approach with one of the league’s most valuable performers, especially given her importance to both their offensive production and defensive stability.

     

    Van Sickle’s absence is a considerable challenge for Nxled, as the 28-year-old has established herself as one of the most complete players in the PVL. Her ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game—including attacking, receiving, serving, and defending—has made her one of the most reliable players in the league.

    The American-Filipino standout entered the PVL in January 2024 after signing with the Petro Gazz Angels and immediately made an impact. Her performances helped the franchise achieve success, playing a key role in Petro Gazz’s championship campaigns in the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference and the 2025 Reinforced Conference.

     

    Beyond team success, Van Sickle has also built an impressive individual résumé. She has collected three PVL Most Valuable Player awards, earning recognition as the league’s Best Player during the 2024 All-Filipino Conference, the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference, and the 2025 Reinforced Conference.

     

    She has also been recognized among the league’s elite outside hitters, securing Best Outside Hitter honors in the 2024 and 2025 Reinforced Conferences. Her consistency, leadership, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations have made her a centerpiece of every team she has represented, making her absence a major storyline heading into Nxled’s preseason campaign.

     

    Although losing Van Sickle is a difficult blow, her absence provides an opportunity for Nxled’s other players to step into bigger roles and showcase their abilities. The preseason tournament will allow the Chameleons’ coaching staff to evaluate their roster depth, assess new additions, and determine which players can provide valuable contributions once the regular season begins.

     

    Without their star player on the floor, Nxled will be challenged to find new sources of offense and establish stronger team chemistry. The situation also gives younger players and emerging talents a chance to gain valuable experience against some of the league’s top teams.

    Early test against Creamline

     

    The impact of Van Sickle’s absence was immediately noticeable in Nxled’s opening match of the PVL On Tour preseason. The Chameleons struggled against the defending powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers, falling in straight sets after a competitive start. Nxled suffered a 25-16, 25-23, 16-25, 15-19 defeat on Wednesday, July 8, at Ilagan City in Isabela.

     

    Despite the result, the preseason provides Nxled with an important opportunity to experiment with their lineup and build confidence ahead of future competitions.

     

    The Chameleons will look to bounce back and secure their first victory of the tournament when they face the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Saturday, July 25, in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

     

    As Nxled continues its preseason journey without Van Sickle, the focus will be on how the team responds to adversity and whether its supporting cast can rise to the challenge until its star player returns.

     

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  • Gel Cayuna prioritizes Nxled chemistry, withdraws from Alas Pilipinas pool for Asian Games 

    Gel Cayuna prioritizes Nxled chemistry, withdraws from Alas Pilipinas pool for Asian Games 

    Gel Cayuna has made an early commitment to her new chapter with Nxled.

     

    Rather than splitting her attention between club and national team duties, the veteran setter has decided to focus entirely on helping the Chameleons build cohesion ahead of the upcoming PVL season, opting to withdraw from the Alas Pilipinas pool for the 2026 Asian Games.

     

    Nxled head coach Ettore Guidetti disclosed Cayuna’s decision as the Chameleons continue integrating several new faces into their lineup during the offseason.

     

    The move underscores the importance both player and team place on developing chemistry after a major roster overhaul, with Cayuna expected to play a central role in orchestrating Nxled’s offense.

     

    The 27-year-old setter arrived at the Chameleons after Cignal elected to take a leave of absence from the PVL, making her one of the biggest acquisitions of the offseason.

     

    With years of experience running one of the league’s most efficient offenses, Cayuna is expected to provide the stability and leadership needed to elevate a talented Nxled squad seeking to contend for a championship.

     

    She joins the team fresh off another stellar campaign with the HD Spikers, where she once again established herself as the league’s premier playmaker.

     

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    Cayuna captured her second straight Best Setter award and the fifth positional award of her PVL career after helping Cignal reach the All-Filipino Conference Finals.

     

    Her consistency was reflected in the numbers as she led the league with 4.48 excellent sets per frame while also contributing 0.34 service aces per set, showcasing her ability to impact matches beyond playmaking.

     

    Now tasked with directing Nxled’s offense, Cayuna’s immediate priority is developing familiarity with a roster loaded with attacking options, including reigning MVP Brooke Van Sickle, veterans Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips, and several key offseason additions.

     

    By choosing to remain with her club instead of joining the national team’s Asian Games preparations, Cayuna is betting that time spent building chemistry now can help Nxled take a significant step forward when the new PVL season begins.

     

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  • Zam Nolasco wastes no time making impact as ZUS Coffee rookie credits familiar system

    Zam Nolasco wastes no time making impact as ZUS Coffee rookie credits familiar system

    For many rookies, the jump from college to the professional ranks comes with a steep learning curve.

     

    For Zam Nolasco, it felt more like picking up where she left off.

     

    The former College of Saint Benilde standout enjoyed a dream debut in the PVL, firing a team-high 15 points to power ZUS Coffee to a 25-11, 25-23, 26-28, 25-17 victory over Akari in the opening match of the 2026 PVL On Tour on Wednesday in Ilagan City, Isabela.

     

    Instead of spending her first professional appearance adjusting to a new environment, Nolasco looked comfortable from the opening set—a familiarity she credits to head coach Jerry Yee, who also mentored her during her collegiate career at Saint Benilde.

     

    “Same lang din po ng coach sa college, tapos same lang sa pro,” Nolasco said. “Pinag-usapan na rin namin ni Coach Jerry [Yee] na ayun yung plano after college. Okay naman po siya sa akin.”

     

    Long before she officially entered the PVL, the move to ZUS Coffee had already been discussed between player and coach, allowing both sides to prepare for a seamless transition.

     

    That continuity showed in her confident performance against the Chargers, where she immediately emerged as one of the Thunderbelles’ primary offensive weapons.

     

    Although Nolasco’s collegiate career ended without an NCAA championship, Yee has already shifted her focus toward accomplishing that goal in the professional ranks.

     

    “Sinabihan niya po ako during training dito sa ZUS. Sinabi niya sa akin, dito na lang kami kumuha ng championship,” she shared.

     

    “Okay lang kasi makakabawi pa ako. Madami pa namang time para mag-prepare, at madami pang games na pagsasamahan namin ni Coach [Jerry].”

     

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    The smooth adjustment hasn’t been limited to the coaching staff.

     

    Nolasco also pointed to the welcoming environment created by her veteran teammates, saying their support made it easier to settle into her new role.

     

    “Sobrang gaan lang din po sila makasama sa loob ng court, which became very helpful for me as a rookie,” she said.

     

    “Familiar na rin kami sa program, sa system, at sa players. Wala naman pong sobrang adjustments. Kine-keep ko lang kung paano ako maglaro.”

     

    Her previous exposure to the PVL also played a role.

     

    Before the Rookie Draft era, Nolasco had already experienced competing against professional clubs, including ZUS Coffee during tune-up matches while she was still with the Lady Blazers.

     

     Those encounters gave her a clearer picture of the level of competition awaiting her after college.

     

    “Na-experience ko na rin po yung PVL, so alam ko na ‘yung feeling ng makipaglaro sa mga pros,” Nolasco said. “Sa teammates naman, kilala ko na sila. Nung college ako, nakakalaro na rin namin yung ZUS sa tune-up.”

     

    If her first outing is any indication, Nolasco’s transition to the professional game may not take long at all.

     

    With confidence, familiarity, and a coach who already understands how to maximize her strengths, the rookie now turns her attention to an even bigger test when ZUS Coffee faces Choco Mucho on Saturday in Batangas City, where she’ll look to build on an impressive first chapter of her PVL career.

     

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  • Fresh start fuels Jolina Dela Cruz as ZUS Coffee opens PVL On Tour with win over Akari 

    Fresh start fuels Jolina Dela Cruz as ZUS Coffee opens PVL On Tour with win over Akari 

    For Jolina Dela Cruz, changing teams was about more than wearing a different jersey—it was about finding the confidence and opportunity she felt had slipped away.


    That decision immediately paid off on Wednesday as Dela Cruz impressed in her ZUS Coffee debut, helping the Thunderbelles defeat the Akari Chargers, 25-11, 25-23, 26-28, 25-17, to kick off their Premier Volleyball League On Tour campaign at the Capital Arena.

     

    After her contract with Farm Fresh expired, the former De La Salle standout was offered an extension by the Foxies. Instead of staying, she chose to pursue a fresh challenge, believing a move to ZUS Coffee would provide the chance to reclaim the form that once made her one of the league’s brightest young outside hitters.

     

    Her first match with the Thunderbelles offered an encouraging glimpse of that potential.

    Dela Cruz contributed 12 points while anchoring the team’s passing game with 13 excellent receptions, providing the all-around performance ZUS Coffee needed to secure an impressive opening victory under head coach Jerry Yee.

     

    The performance was especially meaningful for Dela Cruz after a difficult stretch with Farm Fresh.

     

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    She joined the Foxies in 2024 following the disbandment of F2 Logistics but had to delay her debut as she recovered from a torn ACL in her right knee. Although she made an immediate impact upon returning, her opportunities gradually became limited as Farm Fresh continued experimenting with different lineups.

     

    Rather than settle for a reduced role, Dela Cruz decided it was time for a new beginning.

     

    “Ayun nga, tapos na rin naman ‘yung contract ko with Farm Fresh and that time dapat i-renew rin (nila ako). Pero ayun nga, nag-request na rin ako na (‘wag na),” Dela Cruz said.

     

    More than anything, the move was driven by her desire to regain the belief she once had in her game.

     

    “Siyempre, una, ‘yung kumpiyansa talaga kasi last conference rin. Ang hirap din ng kumpiyansa; wala rin talagang playing time that time. So eto, super big opportunity ‘to talaga para sa akin,” the former DLSU Lady Spikers standout said.

     

    With the trust of Yee and her new teammates, Dela Cruz now hopes her debut is only the beginning of a steady climb back to peak form as she embraces a bigger role with the Thunderbelles.

     

    The victory also earned ZUS Coffee P100,000 under the PVL On Tour incentive program, while Akari received P50,000 as the losing team.

     

    The Thunderbelles continue their campaign against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on July 11 in Batangas City, while Akari looks to bounce back when it faces the same opponent on August 1 in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

     

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  • Michele Gumabao powers shorthanded Creamline past Nxled with 18 points in PVL On Tour opener 

    Michele Gumabao powers shorthanded Creamline past Nxled with 18 points in PVL On Tour opener 

    With several of Creamline’s biggest stars watching from the sidelines, Michele Gumabao made sure the defending champions never missed a beat. 


    Showing both poise and experience, Gumabao delivered 18 points built on 16 attacks, one block, and one ace to spearhead Creamline’s offense.

     

    Cool Smashers proved that its championship pedigree runs far deeper than its star-studded lineup, opening its 2026 Premier Volleyball League On Tour Showdown campaign with a convincing 25-18, 25-23, 16-25, 25-19 victory over Nxled on Wednesday at the Capital Arena.

     

    Creamline entered the tournament without several of their biggest names. Tots Carlos, Alyssa Valdez, Bea De Leon, and Pangs Panaga were all unavailable, while veteran setter Jia De Guzman remained on national team duty with Alas Pilipinas. 

     

    Yet the depleted roster showed little sign of slowing down, relying on contributions from both veterans and fresh faces to secure the opening-day win.

     

    Lorie Bernardo also provided steady support with 13 points, while newcomer Ishie Lalongisip wasted no time making an impact in her first outing for the Cool Smashers after transferring from Cignal, finishing with nine points.

     

    Creamline’s offense also flowed smoothly under the direction of Kyle Negrito, who produced 16 excellent sets. On the defensive end, Denden Revilla anchored the serve reception with 16 excellent receptions, while Ella De Jesus contributed nine excellent digs to help neutralize Nxled’s attacks.

     

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    The victory also came with P100,000 in prize money for Creamline, while Nxled received P50,000 as runner-up.

     

    “Siyempre, masaya ako kasi nag-perform nang maganda ‘yung team namin. Kahit ‘yung mga seniors namin ‘di nakalaro, ‘yun naman ‘yung maka-experience sila ng ganitong laro. Magandang laro. So masaya,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.

     

    Despite falling short, Nxled showed resilience after extending the match to four sets by claiming the third frame.

     

    Middle blocker MJ Phillips paced the Chameleons with 13 points, while EJ Laure chipped in 12 markers. Rookie Irah Jaboneta and veteran Jonah Sabete-Escamillan also reached double figures with 11 points apiece.

     

    Another notable storyline was the appearance of former Cignal standouts in new uniforms. Lalongisip suited up for Creamline, while Gel Cayuna, Jackie Acuna, and Erin Pangilinan now represented Nxled, adding an extra layer of familiarity to the season-opening encounter.

     

    Cayuna, who was invited to the Alas Pilipinas pool but reportedly begged off, handled playmaking duties for the Chameleons and finished with 22 excellent sets.

     

    Creamline returns to action on August 8 against a revamped Capital1 squad in Santiago, Isabela, looking to build on a strong opening performance led by Gumabao. Nxled, meanwhile, will seek its first win when it takes on the Solar Spikers on July 25 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. 

     

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  • Four foreign teams set to test PH volleyball talent in 2026 Shakey’s Super League Invitationals

    Four foreign teams set to test PH volleyball talent in 2026 Shakey’s Super League Invitationals

    The Philippines is set to become a meeting point for rising volleyball talents from different countries as the 2026 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals expands its reach beyond local competition, bringing in international teams to challenge the country’s young players.


    ACES president Dr. Ian Laurel revealed during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex that four foreign teams are expected to participate in this year’s preseason tournament, marking a significant step in SSL’s push to create a stronger global exposure for Filipino volleyball.

     

    The international lineup will feature representatives from the United States, Guam, Australia, and Vietnam, allowing local players to measure their development against athletes trained in different volleyball systems.

     

    “This year is very different, it’s very special. It is something that we aligned with the push of the good chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, chair Pato Gregorio, regarding sports tourism. This time, we have foreign teams coming to compete with our local teams,” said Laurel.

     

    The juniors’ division will welcome California-based Perfect Set Dream Makers and Guam’s Pacific Volleyball Academy, two visiting squads that will go up against local programs University of Santo Tomas, Pusong Azul, St. John’s University, Arellano University, and One La Salle.

     

    One La Salle will feature varsity players from De La Salle Zobel, Green Hills, and Dasmarinas, adding another layer of competition among some of the country’s promising young volleyball talents.

     

    The junior tournament is scheduled from July 11 to 18 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

     

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    Meanwhile, the collegiate division will bring a more international flavor to the competition with Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City Volleyball Club and Australia’s Southern Storm Melbourne joining local teams Enderun Colleges, UST, Letran College, and College of Saint Benilde.

     

    The collegiate matches are set from July 19 to 26 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

    Beyond the competition itself, Laurel sees the foreign participation as an opportunity to create pathways for athletes who dream of playing at a higher level. 

     

    Visiting players are also expected to use the tournament as a platform to showcase their skills in hopes of securing recruitment opportunities and athletic scholarships from Philippine universities.

     

    “Another motivation for these teams is that they know how popular volleyball is here,” Laurel said.

     

    The growing popularity of volleyball in the country has made the Philippines an attractive destination for international players looking for competitive opportunities and exposure.

     

    Aside from the matches, SSL organizers are incorporating tourism activities into the program to give visiting teams and their families a chance to experience the country outside the volleyball court.

     

    “This is where the sports tourism aspect becomes more meaningful,” said Laurel.

     

    Helping highlight the country’s attractions will be ACES executive Allen Reyes, who has been tasked with organizing tours for the visiting players and their families around various tourist destinations in Metro Manila.

     

    Arellano University coach Obet Javier, Ateneo de Manila University coach Watta Macalanggan, and ACES executives Ginio Panganiban and Allen Reyes also made an appearance at the PSA Forum.

     

    With international squads joining the field, the 2026 Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals will serve not only as a test of Filipino volleyball talent but also as a stage where competition, recruitment opportunities, and sports tourism come together.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas U18 ends AVC campaign on winning note with sweep of Chinese Taipei 

    Alas Pilipinas U18 ends AVC campaign on winning note with sweep of Chinese Taipei 

    Alas Pilipinas U18 made sure its final impression at the 2026 AVC Girls’ U18 Volleyball Championship was its strongest.

     

    The young Filipinas capped their campaign with a commanding 25-20, 25-20, 25-21 victory over Chinese Taipei on Tuesday at Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University in Thailand, securing a ninth-place finish in the 16-nation tournament.

     

    While a quarterfinal berth ultimately slipped away earlier in the competition, the national youth squad refused to dwell on missed opportunities. Instead, it responded by winning its last three matches in dominant fashion, closing the tournament with confidence and momentum.

     

    Leading the way in the finale was Ma. Ellanie Lorraine Gonzalvo, who once again spearheaded the Philippine attack with 15 points built on 14 kills and an ace. She also contributed seven digs to help the team control both ends of the floor.

     

    Sharina Rhyza Lleses provided another reliable scoring option, tallying 11 points on attacks while adding six digs, as the Filipinas consistently found answers against the Chinese Taipei defense.

     

    Jhaynna Bulandres also delivered an all-around effort with 10 points, highlighted by seven attacks, two blocks, and an ace. Ysabella Patricia Cruz and Adeleine Terese Agustin chipped in five markers each, with Agustin making her presence felt at the net through three blocks.

     

    Running the offense was setter Micaella Gould, who finished with 69 excellent sets while contributing two points and four digs. Irish May Mahinay added an ace, while libero Frances Dianne Ramos anchored the backcourt with eight digs and four excellent receptions. Ghenievib Belen also helped stabilize the defense with three digs.

     

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    The victory completed a strong turnaround for the Philippines after a challenging preliminary round.

     

    Alas Pilipinas opened its campaign by defeating Iran in four sets before consecutive losses to regional power Japan and Indonesia denied the squad a chance to advance into the championship bracket.

     

    Rather than letting those setbacks define its tournament, the Filipinas regrouped in the classification phase, sweeping Uzbekistan and Hong Kong, China before finishing with another convincing straight-set victory over Chinese Taipei.

     

    The three-match winning streak allowed the Philippines to end the continental tournament with a 4-2 record, a respectable finish that highlighted the team’s resilience and continued development against some of Asia’s top youth volleyball programs.

     

    Although the championship rounds continued without them, Alas Pilipinas U18 departed Thailand with valuable international experience and the satisfaction of ending its campaign with three consecutive victories, providing a solid foundation for the country’s next generation of volleyball talent.

     

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  • Creamline begins title defense as Nxled eyes statement start in PVL On Tour 

    Creamline begins title defense as Nxled eyes statement start in PVL On Tour 

    The first challenge awaiting Creamline in its latest title defense comes from a team determined to prove that last conference’s disappointment no longer defines its identity.

     

    When the PVL On Tour opens in Ilagan City, Isabela, on Wednesday, the spotlight will immediately fall on the 6:30 p.m. showdown between the reigning All-Filipino Conference champions and an Nxled squad eager to show that months of preparation have transformed it into a legitimate contender.

     

    The Chameleons entered the previous conference carrying high expectations after assembling one of the league’s deepest lineups. Instead, they settled for a fifth-place finish after struggling to find consistency and chemistry when it mattered most.

     

    Head coach Ettore Guidetti believes the long offseason has given his squad the opportunity to address those issues ahead of another campaign.

     

    “As usual it’s difficult because Creamline has a bunch of combinations, a bunch of possibilities to play, so we will try to summarize as much as we can. We are in a good moment. The team is playing good day after day after day. We are trying to automatize the new players. So let’s see if we can give a good performance against the champions,” said Guidetti.

     

    Nxled once again leans on reigning MVP Brooke Van Sickle alongside veterans Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips, while expecting a deeper supporting cast to make the difference this time around. 

     

    The Chameleons also feature Lyann de Guzman, Ranya Musa, Aduke Ogunsanya, Chiara Permentilla, Jonah Escamillan, Jovelyn Fernandez, Jackie Acuña, and experienced setter Gel Cayuna as they look to finally convert potential into victories.

     

    Standing in their way, however, is the league’s modern-day dynasty.

     

    Fresh from capturing an 11th PVL championship, Creamline enters the preseason with much of its championship nucleus intact. Jema Galanza, Tots Carlos, Alyssa Valdez, Pangs Panaga, Bea de Leon, Jia de Guzman, and Kyle Negrito remain at the heart of the Cool Smashers, who further reinforced their roster by adding Dona Paralejas, Erin Pangilinan, Ishie Lalongisip, and promising rookie Barbie Jamili.

     

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    Team captain Alyssa Valdez believes the extended preparation has allowed the team to integrate its newest additions while maintaining the chemistry that has fueled Creamline’s sustained success.

     

    “Medyo mas matagal ata ‘yung preparation ngayon. Wala kaming camp or anything but medyo ilang months din nakapag-training ‘yung buong team for the PVL On Tour Showdown and very excited kasi may mga bago kami – sila Erin, si Dona – for this conference,” Valdez said. 

     

    The day’s action begins at 4 p.m., where ZUS Coffee and Akari look to start their preseason campaigns on the right foot in a matchup featuring two teams eager to erase the frustrations of their previous conference.

     

    ZUS Coffee enters the PVL On Tour looking for a fresh start after finishing at the bottom of the All-Filipino Conference standings, a campaign derailed by injuries to several key players. Now healthier and deeper, the Thunderbelles hope to show they are capable of climbing back into playoff contention.

     

    The return of middle blocker AC Miner bolsters a lineup that already features Thea Gagate, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Chinnie Arroyo, Fiola Ceballos, Jolina dela Cruz, Riza Nogales, Cess Robles, Chai Troncoso, Kate Santiago, and veteran setter Cloanne Mondonedo.

     

    Akari, meanwhile, also has unfinished business after ending its previous campaign in sixth place despite flashes of strong play. The Chargers have since reinforced an already talented roster and will look to hit the ground running in Isabela.

     

    Leading the way are Ivy Lacsina, Fifi Sharma, Grethcel Soltones, Ced Domingo, and Eli Soyud, while Faith Nisperos is expected to return alongside new additions Ann Monares, Sharya Ancheta, and Risa Sato, giving Akari one of its deepest squads in recent seasons.

     

    That opening clash serves as the perfect appetizer before the marquee encounter later in the evening, when reigning champion Creamline begins its latest title defense against an Nxled squad determined to prove it belongs among the league’s contenders. 

     

    After Ilagan, the tour heads to Batangas City on Saturday, where Galeries Tower takes on Farm Fresh before Choco Mucho faces ZUS Coffee in another marquee matchup. The succeeding legs will be held in Vigan, Polomolok, Santiago City, and Lanao del Norte before concluding on Aug. 22 at a venue that has yet to be announced.

     

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  • PVL On Tour brings preseason action and new twists to fans across the country 

    PVL On Tour brings preseason action and new twists to fans across the country 

    The road to the new Premier Volleyball League season begins far from its usual Metro Manila stage.

     

    Instead of opening inside the country’s biggest arenas, the league is taking professional volleyball on the road once again as the PVL On Tour officially gets underway on Wednesday in Ilagan City, Isabela, kicking off a seven-leg preseason caravan that aims to bring the sport closer to fans across the Philippines.

     

    Four of the league’s top clubs will headline the opening doubleheader, marking the start of a month-long tour that will also visit Batangas on July 11, Vigan City in Ilocos Sur on July 25, Polomolok, South Cotabato on August 1, the City of Santiago on August 8, Lanao del Norte on August 15, before wrapping up on August 22 at a venue that will be announced later.

     

    Beyond preparing teams for the upcoming conference, the league views the preseason showcase as an opportunity to strengthen its connection with volleyball supporters outside the capital.

     

    “The PVL On Tour is our way, together with the teams, of bringing the game closer to our fans during the preseason. It allows supporters from different parts of the country to experience PVL volleyball firsthand, while giving our teams valuable opportunities to build chemistry and prepare for the season ahead,” said PVL Control Committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo.

     

    Every match will also carry financial rewards, with the winning team receiving P100,000 while the losing squad will still earn P50,000, ensuring that every contest has something at stake despite being part of the preseason.

     

    The league has also introduced competition guidelines designed to maximize player development.

     

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    Each team will be required to field all 14 players on its roster before the end of the second set, with every player seeing action in at least three rallies. Once the second set is completed, coaches will regain full control of their rotations under the modified substitution rules.

     

    Meanwhile, the PVL reiterated that players currently committed to official Philippine national team duties will not be eligible to participate in the tour. Athletes may only suit up if they are not part of an official national team delegation and have no scheduled international commitments.

     

    Perhaps the biggest attraction this year is the introduction of the Premier Ball, a rule first unveiled during the PVL All-Star festivities.

     

    Once per set, the serving team’s captain can activate a specially colored ball that turns the next rally into a two-point opportunity instead of the usual single point, adding another layer of strategy for both teams.

     

    To preserve the integrity of close finishes, however, the Premier Ball cannot be used to clinch a set. In the first four sets, teams may only activate it before either side reaches 22 points, while in a deciding fifth set, it may only be used before the score reaches the league’s designated cutoff.

     

    As the tour begins another journey around the country, the PVL is hoping to achieve two goals at once — helping teams prepare for the new season while giving thousands of fans outside Metro Manila a front-row seat to the country’s premier professional volleyball league.reaches 12 points.

     

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  • Brian Castro follows Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo path as latest Filipino to break into Japan’s SV.League 

    Brian Castro follows Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo path as latest Filipino to break into Japan’s SV.League 

    Ateneo standout Brian Castro always had Japan in mind as the next destination for his volleyball journey. Now, just after completing his UAAP chapter with the Blue Eagles, the Filipino-American middle blocker is turning that vision into reality.


    Castro is set to become the newest Filipino player to compete in Japan’s premier volleyball scene after securing an Asian import role with Fragolad Kagoshima for the 2026-27 SV.League season.

     

    The move comes at a historic time for Kagoshima, which is preparing for its first-ever appearance in the SV.League after earning promotion to Division 1. 

     

    With the help of VP Global Management and FIVB-licensed agent Alessandro Castro, the former Blue Eagle found an opportunity to continue developing his career against some of the best players in the world.

     

    Castro will become the fourth Filipino men’s volleyball player to make the jump to Japan, following the footsteps of fellow Ateneo standout Marck Espejo, National University star Bryan Bagunas, and Leo Aringo.

     

    Espejo built a strong reputation in Japan after playing for three different clubs before eventually moving to Taiwan’s Professional Volleyball League, while Bagunas became one of the country’s most recognized imports with Osaka Bluteon.

     

    For Castro, their success served as proof that Filipino volleyball players can compete on the international stage.

     

    “They’ve always inspired me ever since I watched them back in their UAAP days. I actually got to play against Kuya Marck [Espejo] last year during our training camp in Osaka when he was with his Japanese team, and it was such a great experience,” he said.

     

    However, Castro understands that stepping into the SV.League will require an entirely different level of preparation. Japan’s volleyball system is known for its speed, discipline, and technical execution, standards that have helped the country remain one of the world’s strongest volleyball nations.

     

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    “Here in the Philippines, it’s a lot faster pace of volleyball. In Japan, it’s even much, much faster. The SV.League, it’s Division 1, so it’s the highest league in Japan and it’s going to have really one of the best talents in the world,” he said.

     

    The opportunity also represents the fulfillment of a personal goal Castro set even before beginning his collegiate career in the Philippines.

     

    After leaving the United States, the middle blocker envisioned spending two seasons with Ateneo before taking his talents overseas—and Japan was always the destination he wanted.

     

    “Before I left the U.S., I was telling myself that my plan is to play for Ateneo for two years and then play overseas. And I specifically said to myself, I’m going to play in Japan. No matter how long it takes me, I’m going to play in Japan. To do it right after Ateneo, it’s a surreal experience,” he said.

     

    Beyond personal growth, Castro also sees the move as an opportunity to carry the name of Philippine volleyball abroad.

     

    “I’d like to represent this country well and represent, you know, everyone, the volleyball community, the sports Philippines community. I’m going to be there to represent you guys as much as I can.”

     

    Aside from Castro, three more international reinforcements will join the club, including Finnish national team middle blocker Petteri Tyynismaa, Canadian national team opposite Christopher Byam, and outside hitter Jesse Elser. 

     

    With Kagoshima set to begin its historic SV.League debut in October, Castro now prepares for a new challenge—one that places him alongside the Filipino players who helped open the door and gives him the chance to create his own mark in Japan.

     

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