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Tag: Alyssa Valdez

  • “We don’t want the teams to be less”: Alyssa Valdez disappointed by PVL team withdrawals 

    “We don’t want the teams to be less”: Alyssa Valdez disappointed by PVL team withdrawals 

    The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) has cemented its status as the Philippines’ premier women’s volleyball competition since its rebranding in 2017, evolving into a highly competitive professional league that continues to attract top local talent and strong fan support across the country.

     

    However, despite its growth and rising profile, the PVL has recently been rocked by a series of franchise withdrawals, raising concerns about league stability even as the level of on-court competition continues to rise. The latest development came with the Cignal Super Spikers announcing their departure from the league, a move that surprised many given the timing of their exit.

     

    Cignal’s withdrawal was particularly striking as it came just days after the franchise completed its most successful campaign to date, finishing runners-up in the PVL 2026 All-Filipino Conference and reaching the Finals for the first time in team history. Their deep playoff run had been viewed as a breakthrough moment for the organization, making their sudden exit all the more unexpected within the volleyball community.

     

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    The Super Spikers now join a growing list of teams that have stepped away from the PVL in recent seasons, following previous exits by franchises such as the Chery Tiggo Crossovers and the Petro Gazz Angels. The pattern of withdrawals has sparked broader conversations about team sustainability, resource allocation, and the evolving structure of professional volleyball in the country.

     

    One of the sport’s biggest stars, Alyssa Valdez, recently addressed the issue, acknowledging both the disappointment and the potential implications of having fewer teams in the league. Valdez, widely regarded as the face of Philippine volleyball, emphasized her desire for continued growth and expansion rather than contraction in the PVL landscape.

    “Honestly, I think if there is one thing that’s sad, we don’t want the teams to be less in the PVL. We want to welcome other teams and clubs that want to join,” Valdez said in a media interaction.

     

    At the same time, the veteran outside hitter also noted that a smaller league could inadvertently lead to a higher level of competition, as remaining teams become more concentrated with elite talent and deeper rosters. She suggested that while the reduction in franchises is concerning from a structural standpoint, it may also raise the overall quality and intensity of matches moving forward.

     

    “But I think if there’s pros and cons, the competition is getting smaller and the teams are more beefed up,” she added.

     

    Valdez’s comments come at a time when the PVL is experiencing both heightened competitiveness and increased scrutiny over its long-term expansion model. With fewer teams in the fold, player distribution, roster depth, and competitive parity are expected to become even more critical factors in upcoming conferences.

     

    Despite the league’s off-court challenges, Creamline once again asserted its dominance in the most recent conference, adding another championship to its already decorated history. The Cool Smashers continue to set the benchmark for consistency and excellence, further strengthening their status as the league’s most successful franchise in the modern PVL era.

     

    However, Valdez acknowledged that sustaining that level of success will only become more difficult moving forward, especially as rival teams continue to strengthen their lineups in response to Creamline’s sustained dominance.

     

    “So, we really need to prepare the team so that we can defend the title,” Valdez concluded.

    As the PVL looks ahead to its next conference, the league finds itself at a crossroads—balancing the challenge of franchise stability with the growing competitiveness on the court, while star players like Valdez prepare for an increasingly demanding title defense.

     

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas gets major lift as SGA-backed stars flood national team pool 

    Alas Pilipinas gets major lift as SGA-backed stars flood national team pool 

    The Alas Pilipinas Women has received a significant boost ahead of the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup, as a deep pool of reinforcements from Strong Group Athletics (SGA) officially joins the national team buildup.

     

    With veterans Alyssa Valdez and Myla Pablo leading the core, the program is now set to benefit from at least 12 SGA-backed players coming from various PVL clubs and collegiate programs as preparations intensify for the tournament in Candon City.

     

    Multiple sources confirmed that several of the invited players have already started training under interim head coach Shaq delos Santos, signaling an early push to build chemistry ahead of the international competition.

     

    At the forefront of the new additions are Farm Fresh standouts Ces Molina and Trisha Tubu, along with University of the Philippines middle blocker Nina Ytang, a dominant force in the UAAP who has earned multiple individual distinctions and is widely regarded as one of the country’s top young frontliners.

     

    ZUS Coffee provides the biggest bulk of reinforcements, sending a loaded group that includes Jov Gonzaga, Riza Nogales, Alyssa Eroa, Thea Gagate, Clo Mondonedo, Royse Tubino, and NCAA Season 101 MVP Zam Nolasco from the Lady Blazers, strengthening the national pool with both experience and emerging talent.

     

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    The collegiate representation continues with the Colegio de San Juan de Letran trio of Vanessa Sarie, Lara Mae Silva, and Natalie Estreller, adding more depth across multiple positions.

     

    Rounding out the expanded roster are a mix of PVL and UAAP standouts, including Creamline’s Kyla Atienza and Nxled’s Jules Tolentino, Far Eastern University’s Cla Loresco, Tin Ubaldo, and Jaz Ellarina, Adamson’s Lhouriz Tuddao, and a strong National University contingent composed of Arah Panique, Vange Alinsug, Celine Marsh, and Shaira Jardio.

     

    With a deeper and more diverse pool now in place, Alas Pilipinas enters its next phase of preparation with heightened expectations and a significantly strengthened lineup heading into its AVC campaign.

     

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  • Ian Umali pushes for youth golf development after NCAA Golf Tournament win 

    Ian Umali pushes for youth golf development after NCAA Golf Tournament win 

    The inaugural National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Golf Tournament recently teed off at the historic Wack Wack Golf and Country Club, marking a significant step in the league’s efforts to broaden its sporting landscape beyond traditional mainstream events.

     

    Emerging victorious in the Guest Division was Filipino entrepreneur and fitness industry figure Ian Tantoco Umali, who clinched the championship title in dramatic fashion after finishing with a score of 80, equivalent to 28 points. Umali ultimately secured the crown via tiebreak after finishing level with Mark Ronquillo, who also carded an identical 80 for 28 points.

     

    The championship was decided by a narrow margin in the final stretch, where Umali proved superior under pressure. He tallied 16 points in the closing nine holes, edging Ronquillo, who managed 15 points in the same stretch, to seal the victory in one of the closest finishes of the tournament.

     

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    Despite walking away as champion, Umali admitted that he was far from satisfied with his overall performance during the competition, describing it as an unexpected triumph given his struggles on the course.

     

    “Actually, medyo nagulat ako because I actually felt like I didn’t play so well,” Umali said in a media interaction.

     

    Beyond his individual achievement, Umali emphasized the broader significance of the NCAA Golf Tournament, highlighting its potential role in developing young Filipino golfers and strengthening grassroots participation in the sport.

    “For me kasi this is really about just the younger generation. We are really trying to help them grow. Because golf for the NCAA is very, very good. It’s actually the first year we are doing the NCAA golf tournament. We were talking to the San Beda golf team nga. And we were telling them na we will support them, we will do training with them, they can go play with us also,” he added.

     

    Umali underscored that the long-term goal of initiatives like the NCAA Golf Tournament is to make golf more accessible to student-athletes, especially at a time when basketball continues to dominate the Philippine sporting landscape. Through his company, Quantum Golf, he aims to help bridge that gap by providing training opportunities and access to facilities for aspiring players.

     

    “So for me, I was telling the San Beda team and probably other teams in the future that they can use my facility for free in order to be able to train,” Umali continued.

     

    The entrepreneur also lauded Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio for supporting initiatives that allow golfers aged 18 and under to access public golf courses free of charge, a policy he believes could significantly boost grassroots development.

     

    “Nung panahon ko, grabe. I always had to ask money from my dad for me to be able to play. But now, because of the PSC and their initiatives, grabe, libre na ang 18 and below to play. So hopefully, we can produce great talent and more individuals to be interested in golf,” Umali stated.

     

    In addition to his growing profile in sports development, Umali has also recently been in the public eye following his attendance at Creamline Cool Smashers games in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, where he has been linked to Philippine volleyball star Alyssa Valdez.

     

    Despite the attention, Umali kept his focus on supporting athletes and local sports programs, expressing enthusiasm for being part of the broader sporting community.

     

    “I’m so excited to just be part of the journey and watch and support all the teams, and especially Alyssa,” he concluded.

     

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez keeps door open for Alas return: ‘I will never get tired of representing the country’ 

    Alyssa Valdez keeps door open for Alas return: ‘I will never get tired of representing the country’ 

    As Alas Pilipinas Women continues to navigate a major transition ahead of the AVC Women’s Cup, one familiar figure once again emerged willing to answer the call for the country.

     

    Alyssa Valdez may no longer be the young face of Philippine volleyball she once was, but the passion to represent the flag clearly remains unchanged. 

     

    Amid reports linking her to a possible return to the national team setup following several withdrawals from the previous Alas core, the longtime team captain admitted she remains open to helping the program in whatever way she can.

     

    “I will never get tired of representing the country,” Valdez said during a thanksgiving event on Wednesday in Makati.

     

    The 32-year-old, however, stopped short of fully confirming whether she would officially suit up for Alas Pilipinas once more in the upcoming continental tournament set for June 6 to 14 in Candon, Ilocos Sur. Valdez explained that she herself is still waiting for clarity regarding the plans surrounding the team moving forward.

     

    “Hopefully, hopefully, makatulong po tayo in our own little ways,” she shared. “‘Yung mga details and every other things, pasensiya na po, wala rin po ako masyadong alam. But definitely, once we all have the answers, we will all let you know and sana maintindihan niyo po.”

     

    Her comments come during a crucial period for the national volleyball program after several key members of the 2025 Alas Pilipinas squad reportedly begged off from rejoining the training pool. 

     

    Among the most notable names was team captain Jia de Guzman, whose absence leaves a significant leadership void within the squad as the federation works to rebuild the roster ahead of international competitions.

     

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    That situation has naturally shifted attention toward veteran players capable of helping stabilize the team, both on and off the floor. 

     

    Few names carry as much experience and influence within Philippine volleyball as Valdez, who has represented the country in multiple international tournaments over the years and became one of the defining figures of the sport’s rise in popularity locally.

     

    Still, what stood out most from Valdez’s remarks was not necessarily her openness to return, but the excitement she expressed about being around the younger generation expected to carry the future of Alas Pilipinas.

     

    “Napakasaya to be surrounded by young, talented girls. Hopefully, dumami pa rin. Sana talaga magtulung-tulungan din tayo in supporting these girls kasi… they deserve to be here,” she said.

     

    At this point in her career, Valdez no longer needs to cement her legacy. She has already become one of the most accomplished and respected athletes in Philippine volleyball history. Yet despite everything she has already achieved, the opportunity to once again wear the national colors still clearly means something deeply personal to her.

     

    Whether she ultimately joins the final lineup or contributes in another capacity, Valdez’s message remained clear: her commitment to Philippine volleyball and the national team has never faded.

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez, Myla Pablo, Trisha Tubu banner retooled Alas Pilipinas pool for AVC Women’s Cup 

    Alyssa Valdez, Myla Pablo, Trisha Tubu banner retooled Alas Pilipinas pool for AVC Women’s Cup 

    When the original core of Alas Pilipinas Women slowly began thinning out ahead of the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup, the national team found itself turning toward a different kind of solution.

     

    Not just younger players. But proven survivors.

     

    Leading that retooled pool are three names from different generations of Philippine volleyball — Alyssa Valdez, Myla Pablo, and Trisha Tubu — players who arrive carrying completely different journeys, yet now share the same responsibility of stabilizing a national team suddenly in transition.

     

    For Valdez, the return marks another chapter in a national team career that has already spanned nearly two decades.

     

    The longtime Creamline star once again answered the call after several former Alas mainstays withdrew from the continental tournament set from June 6 to 14 at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.

     

    Despite years of mileage, injuries, and countless international appearances, Valdez remains one of the country’s most recognizable volleyball figures and among the few players in the pool with extensive national team experience dating back to 2008.

     

    Alongside her comes Pablo, another veteran scorer whose return adds even more stability to the squad.

     

    The former Pocari Sweat star continues to command respect as one of the PVL’s battle-tested veterans, bringing leadership and offensive firepower to a team currently searching for continuity amid major roster changes.

     

    But perhaps the most intriguing inclusion is Tubu.

     

    Unlike Valdez and Pablo, the Farm Fresh Foxies standout enters the national pool carrying the momentum of a breakthrough conference.

     

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    Tubu emerged as one of the PVL’s biggest revelations after leading Farm Fresh to a semifinal appearance in the previous conference while finishing as the league’s second-best scorer.

     

    Her explosive rise transformed her from a promising wing spiker into one of the most dangerous local scorers in the professional ranks — making her inclusion one of the most significant additions to the revamped Alas setup.

     

    The national pool also received support from several PVL clubs willing to release players for international duty.

     

    Pablo’s club, Nxled Chameleons, agreed to lend a player to the national team for the first time, while Strong Group Athletics cleared players under its umbrella to participate in the program.

     

    Also joining the pool are Creamline libero Kyla Atienza, Nxled’s Julyana Tolentino, and Farm Fresh contributors Frances Xynia Molina.

     

    Several collegiate standouts were likewise tapped, including Tin Ubaldo, Clarisse Loresco, Jazlyn Ellarina, Lhoriz Tudao, Niña Ytang, Natalie Estreller, and Lara Mae Silva.

     

    Four players from NU Lady Bulldogs were also included in the training pool.

     

    But as Alas Pilipinas prepares for another turbulent international campaign, much of the attention now falls on the trio tasked to steady the program — the veteran leadership of Valdez and Pablo, and the rising confidence of Tubu.

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez emerges as steadying presence for depleted Alas Pilipinas ahead of AVC Women’s Cup 

    Alyssa Valdez emerges as steadying presence for depleted Alas Pilipinas ahead of AVC Women’s Cup 

    At a time when Alas Pilipinas is scrambling to rebuild its roster just weeks before the AVC Women’s Cup, one of the most familiar names in Philippine volleyball may once again be stepping forward.

     

    Alyssa Valdez — long regarded as the face of the national team through multiple generations — is reportedly willing to suit up again for the country as Alas prepares to open training camp on Monday for the June 6 to 14 tournament in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

     

    “Very willing to support,” Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Tonyboy Liao said Sunday, referring to Valdez.

     

    And this time, the support could come from inside the court once more.

    Asked in what capacity the longtime Creamline star would help the national team, Liao answered directly: as a “player.”

     

    The possible return of Valdez arrives at a critical stretch for Alas Pilipinas, which has spent the past several weeks navigating uncertainty surrounding both its roster and coaching staff.

     

    Multiple key players from previous national team campaigns have already reportedly declined participation in the upcoming AVC Women’s Cup, including current team captain Jia de Guzman, former UAAP MVPs Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon, as well as injured Adamson standout Shaina Nitura.

     

    Meanwhile, the program also absorbed another major setback after head coach Tai Bundit suffered an ankle injury following a scooter accident in Bangkok, temporarily sidelining the decorated Thai mentor during a crucial buildup period.

     

    With the team still trying to finalize its lineup and interim coaching setup, Valdez’s willingness to return suddenly carries weight beyond statistics or scoring.

     

    It offers familiarity.

     

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    Few players understand the emotional demands of carrying the national team better than Valdez herself, who spent years serving as one of the pillars of Philippine volleyball during both rebuilding years and breakthrough moments. From SEA Games campaigns to regional tournaments, she became the constant face of Alas through changing rosters, coaches, and systems.

     

    Now, with the current program once again facing instability, the possibility of her return feels less about nostalgia and more about leadership.

     

    Liao, however, remained non-committal regarding the final composition of the roster as well as who will temporarily call the shots while Bundit recovers.

     

    The federation chief hinted the interim coach could come from the existing staff composed of Creamline mentor Sherwin Meneses, Cignal coach Shaq delos Santos, La Salle assistant Benson Bocboc, and Adamson’s JP Yude.

     

    With the AVC Women’s Cup drawing closer and uncertainty continuing to surround the program, the possible return of Valdez provides the national team something it badly needs right now:

    stability from someone who has seen — and survived — almost everything in an Alas Pilipinas jersey.

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez, Kianna Dy, and Erika Santos headline honorees at the PVL Press Corps Awards Night 

    Alyssa Valdez, Kianna Dy, and Erika Santos headline honorees at the PVL Press Corps Awards Night 

    The spotlight of the Philippine volleyball season will shift to one stage on May 30 at Novotel Manila Araneta City, where the PVL Press Corps Awards Night returns to recognize the league’s defining performers and players whose impact went beyond numbers. 


    Three of the biggest names in the past PVL season will be formally honored on the awards night. Alyssa Valdez, Kianna Dy, and Erika Santos will all be recognized for their respective achievements that shaped their teams’ campaigns throughout the season.

     

    The Phenom Alyssa Valdez will once again take center stage, earning the Miss Quality Minutes honor after anchoring the Creamline Cool Smashers during one of their most testing campaigns in recent years. 

     

    With key teammates sidelined by injuries in the All-Filipino Conference, Valdez stepped into crucial moments and delivered steady, timely performances that helped stabilize Creamline on its way to an 11th PVL championship.

     

    Her consistency in pressure situations earned her 10.2 media votes and 2.8 team votes, topping fellow nominees Chennie Tagaod of Akari and Royse Tubino of Farm Fresh in the category backed by Rebisco and Immuni+.

     

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    For Kianna Dy, the recognition tells a different kind of comeback story. After missing 559 days due to a knee injury, the PLDT opposite hitter returned in January 2025.

     

    She quickly re-established herself as one of the league’s most dependable closers, powering the PLDT High Speed Hitters to titles in both the PVL On Tour and Invitational Conference.

     

    Her impact extended into the All-Filipino Conference, where she helped PLDT secure a bronze medal finish — the franchise’s best result in the tournament was highlighted by clutch championship-sealing blocks in key matches. 

     

    Dy topped the Comeback Player of the Year voting with 10.2 media votes and 4.8 team votes, beating Ces Molina, Jema Galanza, and Kat Tolentino.

     

    Meanwhile, Erika Santos represents the season’s breakthrough narrative after transforming into a primary scoring force. After her move from PLDT to Cignal, Santos embraced a bigger offensive role and quickly emerged as one of the league’s most dangerous hitters.

     

    Her rise was highlighted by a Most Valuable Player award in the 2025 PVL On Tour and a Finals appearance in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference marking the Cignal HD Spikers’ first Finals berth in two years. 

     

    She dominated the Most Improved Player voting with 12.0 media votes and 4.4 team votes before later joining the Capital1 Solar Spikers following Cignal’s leave of absence.

     

    She topped the field over fellow finalists Justine Jazareno of Akari, as well as Cloanne Mondonedo and Chinnie Arroyo of ZUS Coffee, to claim the honor.

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez sees bright future in Philippine volleyball following PVL All-Star Showcase 

    Alyssa Valdez sees bright future in Philippine volleyball following PVL All-Star Showcase 

    For Alyssa Valdez, the PVL All-Star Game wasn’t just a celebration—it felt like a checkpoint.

     

    Not a lot of what has already been achieved, but of what is now possible.

     

    In a setting designed to entertain, the Creamline Cool Smashers captain found something more meaningful: a clear snapshot of the sport’s direction. Surrounded by a mix of proven veterans and emerging standouts, Valdez saw firsthand how deep the talent pool has become—and how quickly it continues to grow.

     

    “Nakakatuwa kasi ‘yung players are quality talaga. Talagang marami tayong volleyball players and I would say they are quality players,” she said.

     

    “That’s, I think, one thing that we can bank on looking forward in the next few years na meron tayong volleyball community na susuportahan at meron tayong opportunity to have a career in volleyball.”

     

    The All-Star stage brought together players who, in most cases, spend the season competing against each other. But for one night, rivalries gave way to collaboration, offering a different lens through which to view the game.

     

    It was in that shared space where the contrast—and connection—between generations became more visible.

     

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    Young stars like Bella Belen and Jean Asis didn’t just hold their own—they thrived alongside established names such as Myla Pablo and Jia De Guzman. The result was more than a competitive match; it was a glimpse of continuity, where the present and future of Philippine volleyball met on equal footing.

     

    “We’re very happy and sana, magtuloy-tuloy lang. I think it’s because also for sure, ‘yan sila Bella na ‘yung mga magli-lead diyan sa mga younger generations and sa amin din na nagiging inspirasyon namin ‘yung mga kabataan,” Valdez said.

     

    That dynamic—where veterans inspire and are inspired in return—has become one of the defining traits of the league’s current era.

     

    But beyond the talent and the match itself, Valdez pointed to something less tangible yet equally important: the sense of community. The All-Star event, in her eyes, reinforced the idea that volleyball in the Philippines is no longer just growing—it is connecting.

     

    “I’m very, very happy and sana, sana, sana, isa lang ‘yung wish ko talaga, to spread good vibes in the whole community on and off the court,” she said.

     

    In that sense, the All-Star Game wasn’t just about highlights or recognition. It was about direction.

     

    And if Valdez’s perspective holds true, the sport isn’t just moving forward—it’s building something that can last.

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez and Bella Belen share the spotlight in dream PVL All-Star team-up

    Alyssa Valdez and Bella Belen share the spotlight in dream PVL All-Star team-up

    In a league built on rivalries, Friday’s PVL All-Star Showcase offers something the fans rarely get to see—former opponents suddenly wearing the same colors.

     

    For Alyssa Valdez, the moment feels less about spectacle and more about curiosity. The Creamline star is used to facing the league’s rising talents from across the net. This time, she’ll be sharing the floor with them.

     

    “It’s my first time to play with Bella and Vanie,” Valdez said. “It’s nice na maka-team ‘yung mga iniidolo ng kabataan ngayon. Gusto ko rin makita kung paano sila mag-prepare, ‘yung mga little things. Nakaka-inspire rin sa akin.”

     

    In Team Heart, that curiosity turns into collaboration. What used to be scouting opponents becomes a chance to learn directly from them—small habits, preparation routines, and the subtle details that often decide matches.

     

    For Bella Belen, the feeling goes both ways. The Capital1 standout has spent much of her early PVL career competing against established stars like Valdez. Now, she gets a front-row seat as a teammate instead of an adversary.

     

    “‘Yun talaga ‘yung nilu-look forward ko—makalaro ‘yung hindi ko pa naging teammates,” she said. “Excited lang din ako kasi iba ‘yung team composition, iba ‘yung magkaka-team.”

     

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    There’s even a playful edge to the new pairing. With a mix of personalities and playing styles coming together, Belen admitted there’s been lighthearted talk of switching things up on the court.

    “Nagbibiro nga kami na baka mag-change kami ng position para masaya,” she added.

     

    But beneath the smiles and exhibition atmosphere, both players are clear-eyed about one thing: competition doesn’t disappear just because the stakes are different.

     

    “At the end of the day, we’re all athletes,” Valdez said. “Hindi mawawala ‘yung competitiveness. Lalabas at lalabas ‘yung gusto manalo.”

     

    “Feeling ko lalabas din talaga ‘yan,” Belen echoed. “Siguro fun sa simula, pero kapag malapit na, lalabas din ‘yung pagiging competitive.”

     

    That blend of respect and rivalry is what makes the matchup compelling.

     

    For one night, Valdez and Belen aren’t symbols of different eras—they’re teammates sharing the same goal, if only briefly. And in a league constantly defined by competition, even a short crossover like this feels like a preview of volleyball’s evolving future.

     

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  • “I still have it”: Alyssa Valdez sends a strong message after winning 11th PVL title 

    “I still have it”: Alyssa Valdez sends a strong message after winning 11th PVL title 

    The Creamline Cool Smashers returned to the summit of Philippine volleyball, capturing their 11th championship in the Premier Volleyball League after surviving a grueling five-set battle against the Cignal HD Spikers in Game 2 of the All-Filipino Conference Finals, 25-23, 22-25, 25-16, 16-25, 15-11, on Thursday, April 23 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Backed by a packed and roaring crowd, the Cool Smashers leaned on their championship experience to weather a determined challenge from Cignal, which pushed the defending powerhouse to the limit in a match that showcased the intensity, grit, and high-level execution expected from a title decider.

     

    Both teams traded blows from the opening set, with momentum swinging wildly throughout the contest. Creamline drew first blood in a tightly contested opening frame before Cignal responded with composure to even the match. The Cool Smashers then surged ahead with a dominant third-set performance, only for the HD Spikers to answer back in the fourth, forcing a winner-take-all fifth set that had the crowd on edge.

     

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    When it mattered most, Creamline’s poise and championship pedigree came to the fore. The Cool Smashers executed with precision in the deciding frame, capitalizing on crucial points and minimizing errors to close out the match and seal the title, denying Cignal any chance of extending the series.

     

    Leading the charge was Bernadeth Pons, who delivered a sensational all-around performance. Pons tallied 22 points while anchoring the defense with 25 excellent digs and 15 receptions, completing a rare triple-double effort that earned her Finals Most Valuable Player honors.

     

    She was ably supported by Tots Carlos, who contributed 18 points, while Jema Galanza and Pangs Panaga added 12 and 10 points, respectively, in a balanced offensive display that proved crucial in outlasting their opponents.

     

    The victory also added another chapter to the storied career of Alyssa Valdez, widely regarded as the face of Philippine volleyball. The Cool Smashers captain secured her 11th PVL championship, further cementing her legacy as one of the sport’s most influential figures.

     

    Despite an already decorated career, Valdez emphasized that her motivation continues to come from within.

    “At this point in my career, I want to prove not to other people, but to myself that I’m here because I still want it and I still have it,” Valdez said after the match.

     

    Creamline’s title run was particularly meaningful given the adversity the team faced in the previous season, where they failed to secure a championship—an unusual drought for the league’s most dominant franchise. Entering the All-Filipino Conference, the team found itself in unfamiliar territory, forced to rediscover its identity and hunger.

     

    Valdez acknowledged the challenges that shaped their journey back to the top.

     

    “Yung Creamline ngayon, I would say seasoned talaga kasi throughout the conference, ang daming struggles. Honestly, parang bumalik kami sa first-ever time kasi ang hirap din. Tagal naming hindi nakakuha ng championship. Ang gusto lang namin is one, makilala namin yung sarili namin. And two, ibalik lang namin yung joy sa paglalaro ng volleyball,” she shared.

     

    That renewed sense of purpose translated into a resilient campaign, with the Cool Smashers navigating tough matches and growing stronger as the tournament progressed—hallmarks of a championship team.

     

    For Cignal, the loss was a heartbreaking end to an impressive finals run. The HD Spikers displayed remarkable grit and refused to be intimidated, pushing Creamline to the brink and proving they are a legitimate contender moving forward.

     

    As for Valdez, even with her legacy firmly secured, the passion for the game remains as strong as ever.

     

    “I just really wanna enjoy playing volleyball,” she said.

     

    With the title reclaimed and their dynasty reaffirmed, Creamline once again stands atop the PVL, a testament to its enduring excellence and the winning culture that continues to define the franchise.

     

     

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