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Tag: Alas Pilipinas

  • 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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  • Alas Boys keeps quarterfinal hopes alive with gritty win over Bahrain 

    Alas Boys keeps quarterfinal hopes alive with gritty win over Bahrain 

    Alas Pilipinas refused to let its quarterfinal hopes fade after bouncing back from its opening-day loss with a hard-earned victory over Bahrain in the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Boys’ U18 Championship on Monday at the Wuyuan River Gymnasium in Haikou, China.


    Needing a response after falling to tournament favorite Iran a day earlier, the Filipinos overcame a second-set collapse before regaining control for a 25-22, 13-25, 25-23, 25-14 victory that kept them firmly in the race for one of Pool B’s two quarterfinal spots.

     

    The win lifted the Philippines to a 1-1 record, matching India, with the two nations now headed for a pivotal showdown on Tuesday at 1 p.m. The winner will join unbeaten Iran (2-0) in advancing to the knockout stage.

     

    Terrence Marticion spearheaded the Philippine attack with 16 points built on 15 attacks and one block, delivering when his team needed him most in a match that tested the squad’s composure.

     

    For Marticion, the victory carried extra significance. The outside hitter was also part of the Alas Pilipinas team that finished 11th in the previous edition of the tournament held in Bahrain in 2024, making Monday’s result another step forward for the program.

     

    “First of all, I am really thankful that we got our first win, and we will do better in our next game,” Marticion said.

     

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    He also revealed that the team’s straight-set defeat to Iran on Sunday became the driving force behind their performance against Bahrain.

     

    “This time I am so eager to fight. Last time, we lost, and we are inspiring ourselves to be better and use that loss as an inspiration. I know that we’re underdogs, but we will keep putting up the fight,” the Batang Pinoy 2025 national champion in beach volleyball said.

     

    Head coach Oliver Balse credited his players for responding with determination in a must-win situation.

     

    “They showed heart in today’s match and I told the boys that we need this win for us to improve our chances. Next up is India and we want to give our all,” the national team coach said.

     

    Bahrain drew strong performances from Haram, who finished with 18 points, while Nasralla Haram added 16 markers in the losing effort. Bahrain dropped to 0-2 and will conclude its Pool B campaign against unbeaten Iran on Tuesday.

     

    With only the top two teams from each of the tournament’s four pools advancing to the quarterfinals, Tuesday’s Philippines-India encounter has effectively become a knockout match for both squads.

     

    Elsewhere in the championship, Korea improved to 2-0 to lead its group, while Japan opened its campaign with a 1-0 record. Saudi Arabia slipped to 0-2, and Australia stood at 0-1.

     

    In Pool A, host China improved to 1-0, while Chinese Taipei held a 0-2 mark. Hong Kong and Indonesia were tied at 0-1.

     

    Pakistan strengthened its bid in Pool C by improving to a perfect 2-0 record. Thailand, carrying a 1-0 slate, was set to face Kyrgyzstan (0-1), while Kazakhstan remained winless at 0-2.

     

    For Alas Pilipinas, however, the focus now shifts to the biggest match of its campaign so far—a winner-take-most battle against India that will determine whether the team’s journey in Haikou continues into the quarterfinals.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas in line for possible PVL Invitational appearance 

    Alas Pilipinas in line for possible PVL Invitational appearance 

    PVL officials are once again discussing the possibility of including Alas Pilipinas in next month’s PVL Invitational, a move that could transform the tournament into more than just a preseason competition. 


    With the Asian Games scheduled for September, the event presents a timely opportunity for the national team to gain valuable match experience before heading to the continental stage.

     

    In previous years, scheduling conflicts prevented the plan from materializing. This time, however, the calendars appear to align more favorably, opening the door for new national team head coach Taka Minowa and his squad to use the Invitational as part of their preparations—provided it fits within the federation’s training program.

     

    PVL Control Committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo said the league is carefully studying the possibility but emphasized that the decision is not theirs alone.

     

    “‘Di ko pa kasi alam ‘yung program ni coach Taka at saka ng whoever’s running,” Malonzo said.

     

    He added that Minowa’s primary responsibility is coaching the players placed under his care, while decisions regarding the team’s schedule rest with those managing the national program.

     

    “Si coach Taka kasi, coaching lang ‘yan eh. Kung ano ibigay sa kanya, susunod lang ‘yan. But ultimately, ang trabaho niya is ‘yung team. Where they go, hindi siya ‘yun.”

     

    While discussions continue regarding the national team’s potential participation, the league has already outlined how it intends to complete the tournament field.

     

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    According to Malonzo, invitations will first be extended to the top four PVL clubs based on the combined weighted rankings from the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference and the ongoing PVL On Tour. 

     

    Should any of the qualified clubs decline, the league will simply move down the weighted standings until all four PVL representatives have been finalized.

     

    The Invitational is also expected to feature two guest teams, continuing the tournament’s tradition of bringing international competition to the league.

     

    If Alas Pilipinas ultimately joins the field, the national squad would essentially resemble an all-star selection, with many of the country’s top PVL players expected to wear the Philippine colors.

     

    The initial national team pool includes Jia De Guzman, Bella Belen, Eya Laure, Angel Anne Canino, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, Justine Jazareno, Jen Nierva, Dawn Catindig, Vannie Gandler, Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Provido, Nina Ytang, Pangs Panaga, Erika Santos, Arah Panique, Mars Alba, Shaira Jardio, Dell Palomata, and Alyssa Solomon.

     

    Should the invitation push through, those players would compete under one banner instead of representing their respective PVL clubs.

     

    It was also reiterated that players included in the Alas Pilipinas roster will remain unavailable for their club teams for as long as they are carrying out national team duties, making coordination between the league and the national federation a key factor in determining whether the proposal becomes a reality.

     

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  • PVL clarifies Alas Pilipinas policy after Gel Cayuna plays while Fifi Sharma, Pangs Panaga sit out 

    PVL clarifies Alas Pilipinas policy after Gel Cayuna plays while Fifi Sharma, Pangs Panaga sit out 

    The opening week of the PVL On Tour has not only showcased preseason action but has also highlighted the balancing act between club commitments and national team duties.

     

    Questions surfaced after three Alas Pilipinas pool members found themselves in different situations during Wednesday’s games—Gel Cayuna made her debut for Nxled, while Fifi Sharma and Pangs Panaga remained on the bench in street clothes for Akari and Creamline, respectively.

     

    The contrasting scenarios prompted the PVL to reiterate its stance on players currently involved with the national team program.

     

    PVL control committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo emphasized that the league’s directive remains unchanged: players who are part of the Alas Pilipinas pool are expected to prioritize national team responsibilities during the preseason.

     

    “During our team managers’ meeting, sinabi ko naman na those players who are part of the national team, focus sila sa national team. Kung kasama sila dito, if you’ll notice, ‘di naman sila talaga naglaro,” Malonzo said.

     

    The policy was introduced to support the country’s preparations for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, with the league specifying that national team players may only participate in the PVL On Tour if they are not part of the official delegation.

     

    That guideline was evident in the cases of Sharma and Panaga, who stayed on the sidelines throughout their respective teams’ matches despite being in uniform with their clubs.

     

    Cayuna, however, was the lone exception among the three.

     

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    Making her first appearance for Nxled following Cignal’s leave of absence from the league, the veteran setter came off the bench and immediately took charge of the Chameleons’ offense.

     

    She finished with 22 excellent sets and three points, although Nxled eventually fell to defending champion Creamline, 18-25, 23-25, 25-16, 19-25.

     

    Malonzo also revealed that not every player in the current pool remains committed to joining the national team’s preparations, although he declined to identify those who have withdrawn.

     

    “Hindi ko kabisado lahat ng status, pero ‘yung iba yata, parang nag-decline. ‘Yung pag-decline, ibang usapan. ‘Yung iba naman na hindi nag-decline, alam ko hindi naman naglaro rin,” he said.

     

    “Pero like I said, nu’ng team managers’ meeting, in-encourage ko sila to focus on the national team.”

     

    As preparations for the Asian Games continue, several PVL standouts have already reported to the Alas Pilipinas training camp under the supervision of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

     

    Among those already training are Jia de Guzman and Jen Nierva of Creamline, Mars Alba and Justine Jazareno of Akari, Dell Palomata of PLDT, Thea Gagate of ZUS Coffee, and Capital1 stars Bella Belen, Vanie Gandler, and Erika Santos.

     

    The POC also confirmed that several invitees have yet to report, including Sharma and Cayuna, while PLDT’s Alleiah Malaluan continues her rehabilitation from a knee injury.

     

    With the PVL On Tour serving as both a preseason showcase and a bridge to international competition, the league expects national team commitments to remain the priority as the country’s buildup for the Asian Games gains momentum.

     

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  • Lams Lamina trades PVL On Tour for Alas Pilipinas duty after Galeries Tower debut win 

    Lams Lamina trades PVL On Tour for Alas Pilipinas duty after Galeries Tower debut win 

    Lams Lamina’s PVL On Tour journey lasted just one match—but it ended exactly the way she hoped.

     

    The No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft walked away from the preseason tournament with her first professional victory before immediately answering a bigger responsibility, as she joins the Alas Pilipinas Women training pool beginning Monday.

     

    The timing means Lamina will miss the remainder of the PVL On Tour, with league regulations preventing players who are actively involved in official national team preparations from participating in the preseason competition.

     

    Instead of continuing her rookie campaign with Galeries Tower, the young setter now shifts her attention to helping the national team prepare for a packed international calendar.

    Fortunately for the Highrisers, Lamina left on a high note.

     

    Coming off the bench against Farm Fresh, the former National University standout provided stability to Galeries Tower’s offense, finishing with seven excellent sets as the Highrisers secured a breakthrough four-set victory.

     

    It turned out to be a memorable send-off before temporarily exchanging club colors for the Philippine jersey once again.

     

    The move was confirmed shortly after the match by Galeries Tower and National University strength and conditioning coach Kim Bejo through social media.

     

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    “First and last game for Lamina today before she joins the national team on loan starting Monday,” Bejo wrote.

     

    Her return to the national team was also welcomed by one of her closest former teammates.

    Alas Pilipinas standout Bella Belen, who won multiple championships alongside Lamina at National University, greeted the rookie setter as she prepared to report for duty.

     

    “Congrats and see [you] on Monday,” Belen posted.

     

    Lamina’s arrival gives Alas Pilipinas another talented option at setter as preparations intensify for a busy stretch of international competitions, including the Southeast Asian V. Cup and the 2026 Asian Games.

     

    She joins an experienced playmaking group headlined by national team captain Jia de Guzman and Akari setter Mars Alba, adding another young talent expected to contribute to the team’s long-term future.

     

    For Lamina, the transition reflects how quickly her volleyball career continues to evolve.

     

    Only days after beginning her professional journey with Galeries Tower, she is once again wearing national colors, balancing the early stages of her PVL career with the opportunity to represent the Philippines on the international stage.

     

    While her PVL On Tour stint has been put on hold after just one appearance, the rookie setter now faces an even bigger challenge as she helps Alas Pilipinas prepare for another crucial year of international competition.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Women ramp up Asian Games preparations as 17 of 22 pool members begin training 

    Alas Pilipinas Women ramp up Asian Games preparations as 17 of 22 pool members begin training 

    The countdown to the Asian Games has officially begun for Alas Pilipinas Women, and the national team is wasting no time building chemistry ahead of its biggest international test in Nagoya, Japan.


    A 17 of the 22-player pool has started intensive training under Japanese head coach Taka Minowa, with a mix of established PVL standouts, young collegiate talents, and returning national team prospects forming the core of the squad.

     

    Leading the early preparations are 17 players already present in camp, including Creamline’s Jia De Guzman and Jennifer Nierva, PLDT’s Dell Palomata, ZUS Coffee’s Thea Gagate, Akari’s Mars Alba and Justine Jazareno, and Capital1’s Bella Belen, Vanie Gandler, and Erika Santos.

     

    The group also features Choco Mucho’s Dawn Catindig and Eya Laure, National University’s Arah Panique, Shaira Jardio, Celine Marsh, and Vange Alinsug, as well as free agents Alyssa Solomon and Niña Ytang, giving Minowa a wide range of experience and playing styles to evaluate.

     

    More reinforcements are still expected to arrive. Akari’s Fifi Sharma, La Salle standouts Angel Canino and Amie Provido, and PLDT’s Alleiah Malaluan remain part of the pool, although Malaluan continues her recovery from a knee injury. Adamson rookie Shaina Nitura is also unavailable while recovering from surgery.

     

    Meanwhile, Nxled setter Gel Cayuna will not join the national team program after deciding to step away from duties, according to Chameleons head coach Ettore Guidetti.

     

    The team’s weekday sessions run from 12 noon to 3:00 PM as Minowa begins shaping the identity of a squad that hopes to make a strong impression in Nagoya. 

     

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    Training was initially held at Gameville in Mandaluyong City and MPire Center in Quezon City before the team transferred its camp to the Philippine Sports Commission’s PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

     

    Adding a familiar presence to the training environment was former national team star Jaja Santiago, now known as Sachi. Santiago, the wife of coach Minowa, was spotted observing the sessions as she continues to support her husband’s coaching role.

     

    The 6-foot-5 middle blocker, who represented the Philippines in the 2018 Asian Games and last played for the national team during the 2022 Southeast Asian Games, previously shared that one of her plans was to assist her husband before heading to the United States for the League One Volleyball season beginning in January.

     

    Her visit comes as Alas Pilipinas prepares for a demanding stretch that will test both its depth and adaptability.

     

    The Philippine Volleyball League has also reinforced its national team policy during this preparation period. Players officially included in the Philippine delegation for international competitions or those actively involved in official national team activities will not be permitted to play in PVL On Tour matches.

     

    National team players may only see action in PVL events if they are not part of an official delegation and have no scheduled commitments with Alas Pilipinas.

     

    Before turning their full attention to the Asian Games, the Filipinas will first face international competition in the Southeast Asian V.League. 

     

    Week 1 will take place in Ninh Binh, Vietnam from August 1 to 3, followed by Week 2 in Chiang Mai, Thailand from August 7 to 9.

     

    Alas Pilipinas will shift its focus toward the Nagoya Asian Games, scheduled from September 19 to October 4, where the team hopes that months of preparation, system-building, and international exposure will translate into a competitive showing on the continental stage.

     

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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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  • 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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  • PVL bars Alas Pilipinas players from suiting up for their clubs in the 2026 On Tour preseason

    PVL bars Alas Pilipinas players from suiting up for their clubs in the 2026 On Tour preseason

    The 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour preseason conference is set to officially begin on Wednesday, July 8, in Ilagan City, Isabela, ushering in a new chapter for Philippine club volleyball with a series of significant rule changes designed to strengthen the league’s alignment with the national team’s international commitments while enhancing the overall fan experience.

     

    As the preseason tournament travels to different parts of the country, the league is aiming to provide valuable game action for its member clubs while bringing high-level volleyball closer to supporters outside Metro Manila. At the same time, the competition will serve as an important platform for teams to develop chemistry, evaluate new combinations, and prepare for the upcoming PVL season.

     

    Ahead of the tournament, however, the league announced one of its most notable policy changes in recent years, ruling that players currently committed to or selected for Alas Pilipinas will not be allowed to suit up for their respective club teams during the On Tour conference.

     

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    Under the new policy, the only exception applies to players who are not included in the official delegation of the Philippine women’s national volleyball team and who do not have scheduled national team commitments. Those athletes will be permitted to rejoin their respective PVL clubs for the duration of the preseason tournament.

     

    The move comes in response to new guidelines established by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) following the suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF). The policy is intended to ensure that club competitions are better synchronized with the country’s international volleyball calendar while allowing national team preparations to proceed without conflict.

     

    The absence of several Alas Pilipinas standouts is expected to create opportunities for younger players and newcomers to take on larger roles throughout the tournament. Coaches will also have a chance to assess the depth of their rosters as teams navigate the preseason without some of their marquee players.

     

    Beyond the national team eligibility policy, the PVL has introduced several innovations aimed at making every match more competitive while encouraging full-team participation.

    For the first time, every game in the On Tour conference will carry guaranteed cash incentives for both teams. The winning squad will receive P100,000, while the losing team will still earn P50,000, providing added motivation throughout the preseason despite the tournament’s exhibition nature.

     

    The league has also implemented a mandatory player participation rule designed to maximize exposure and development for every athlete on the roster. All 14 players listed on a team’s lineup must have entered the court by the end of the second set, with each player required to participate in at least three rallies before coaches regain full substitution flexibility.

     

    Perhaps the most intriguing innovation is the official introduction of the two-point Premier Ball into preseason competition after its successful debut during the PVL All-Star festivities.

     

    Under the rule, teams may activate the special ball until reaching 22 points in Sets 1 through 4 and 12 points in the deciding fifth set. If activated, the next rally will be worth two points instead of the traditional single point, adding another layer of strategy that could dramatically alter momentum and late-set tactics.

     

    League officials believe the new rules will not only improve player development but also make matches more entertaining for spectators as clubs adapt to fresh tactical challenges throughout the conference.

     

    “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,” PVL Control Committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo said in a media interaction.

     

    The 2026 PVL On Tour opens with a doubleheader on Wednesday in Ilagan City, featuring the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles against the Akari Chargers in the curtain-raiser before the Creamline Cool Smashers take on the Nxled Chameleons in the evening’s featured matchup.

     

    With new rules, fresh incentives, and a renewed emphasis on player development and nationwide fan engagement, the PVL On Tour is expected to offer an entertaining and competitive buildup to the league’s 2026 season while providing clubs with a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their squads before the campaign officially begins.

     

     

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