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Tag: Capital1 Solar Spikers

  • Leila Cruz joins PLDT after two seasons with Capital1

    Leila Cruz joins PLDT after two seasons with Capital1

    The PLDT High Speed Hitters have added another promising piece to their roster as they continue to fine-tune their lineup ahead of the 2026-27 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season, signing opposite spiker Leila Cruz from the Capital1 Solar Spikers.

     

    PLDT officially announced Cruz’s arrival on Wednesday, August 12, through its social media platforms, welcoming the former second overall pick as the team looks to build on its championship success from last season.

     

    “Aim just got sharper. You can never be late to your own time to shine. Opposite hitter Leila Cruz joins the High Speed Hitters starting in the 2026-27 PVL season. We are excited to see you at your best on the taraflex court! You got this and we got you,” PLDT said in its announcement.

     

     

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    Cruz joins a PLDT squad that is coming off its breakthrough campaign in the PVL. The High Speed Hitters captured their first league championship last year after ruling the Invitational Conference, giving the team added confidence heading into the new season.

     

    The 26-year-old Cruz was selected by Capital1 with the second overall pick in the inaugural PVL Draft two years ago. Despite her considerable potential, however, injuries hampered her progress during her two seasons with the Solar Spikers and prevented her from establishing herself as a consistent starter.

     

    Her move to PLDT now provides Cruz with a fresh opportunity to revive her career and showcase the talent that made her one of the most highly regarded prospects in her draft class.

     

    Cruz also faced increased competition for playing time at Capital1 following the arrival of Erika Santos, who quickly established herself as one of the league’s premier opposite spikers. With Santos occupying a prominent role in the Solar Spikers’ rotation, Cruz found her opportunities on the wing increasingly limited.

     

    A change of scenery could therefore be exactly what Cruz needs as she looks to regain her rhythm, confidence, and consistency.

    At PLDT, Cruz will also reunite with several familiar faces from her UAAP days with the De La Salle University Lady Spikers. She will once again share the court with former teammates Alleiah Malaluan and Jessa Ordiales, while also joining a group of decorated La Salle alumni that includes Kim Fajardo, Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, and Mika Reyes.

     

    The presence of those familiar teammates could help ease Cruz’s transition into a new system as she works to establish herself in a competitive PLDT lineup.

     

    High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort admitted that the opportunity to acquire Cruz came as a surprise, but said the team was delighted to welcome the young spiker and is eager to help her maximize her potential.

     

    “We were surprised but we are very happy with the acquisition. Hopefully, it’s a good problem to have. She is still young and has faced a few challenges, but hopefully we can help her learn and continue to improve. We will just take it one day at a time,” Ricafort said.

     

    For Ricafort and PLDT, Cruz’s arrival represents more than simply adding another player to an already talented roster. The coaching staff will have the task of helping her regain her form while finding the best way to utilize her attacking ability within the team’s system.

     

    The High Speed Hitters have already seen action in the ongoing 2026 PVL On Tour preseason conference, playing one match so far. PLDT opened its campaign with a victory over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, on Saturday, July 25.

     

    PLDT will return to action on Saturday, August 15, when it takes on the Akari Chargers in Lanao del Norte.

     

    While the On Tour serves as an opportunity for teams to assess their personnel and experiment with different combinations, PLDT will also use the preseason to prepare for the challenges of defending its championship in the upcoming PVL season.

     

    The High Speed Hitters enjoyed a landmark campaign last year, securing their maiden PVL championship by winning the Invitational Conference. With a strong core returning and Cruz now added to the mix, PLDT hopes her arrival can provide another dimension to an already deep roster.

     

    For Cruz, meanwhile, the move represents a chance to turn the page and make the most of a new opportunity.

     

    After two injury-plagued seasons with Capital1, the former La Salle standout will have another opportunity to prove why she was once considered one of the country’s top young volleyball prospects. With PLDT providing a new environment and familiar faces around her, Cruz will look to make her mark and finally establish herself as a key contributor in the PVL.

     

     

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  • PVL postpones Santiago stop as Tropical Depression Maymay forces cancellation of On Tour matches

    PVL postpones Santiago stop as Tropical Depression Maymay forces cancellation of On Tour matches

    The Premier Volleyball League’s return to Santiago City will have to wait a little longer after Tropical Depression Maymay (Kujira) forced the cancellation of the league’s On Tour stop scheduled for Saturday at the Santiago Sports Arena.

     

    Instead of welcoming fans for another provincial showcase, the league prioritized safety as worsening weather conditions and travel disruptions made it impossible to proceed with the event.

     

    The cancelled doubleheader was supposed to feature ZUS Coffee against PLDT Home Fiber before Capital1 faced Creamline in the featured match.

     

    Aside from concerns over public safety, the league also had to contend with logistical challenges after flights bound for Isabela were suspended beginning Thursday because of the tropical depression.

     

    PVL President Ricky Palou acknowledged the disappointment among volleyball fans in Santiago City and nearby areas but stressed that protecting everyone involved remained the league’s foremost responsibility.

     

    “We sincerely apologize to our fans in Santiago City and the rest of Isabela who were looking forward to the matches,” said Palou.

     

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    “While we share everyone’s disappointment, the safety of our fans, players, coaches, officials, and staff must always come first. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and support during this time.”

     

    Although the cancellation halted this weekend’s schedule, Palou assured local supporters that the PVL remains committed to bringing the country’s premier professional volleyball league back to the province.

     

    “We made a promise to bring the PVL to Santiago City, and we intend to keep that promise.

     

    Although we were forced to cancel this weekend’s games because of circumstances beyond our control, we look forward to returning to Santiago during the upcoming PVL All-Filipino Conference,” he said.

     

    The league also confirmed that spectators who purchased tickets for the cancelled matches will receive refunds, with the complete refund guidelines to be released through Ticketmax’s official channels.

     

     

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  • UAAP standout Detdet Pepito relishes PVL debut despite Capital1’s loss to Nxled

    UAAP standout Detdet Pepito relishes PVL debut despite Capital1’s loss to Nxled

    Capital1 Solar Spikers rookie Detdet Pepito may not have celebrated her professional debut with a victory, but the highly touted libero walked away from her first Premier Volleyball League (PVL) match with valuable lessons and even greater motivation.

     

    The Solar Spikers opened their 2026 PVL On Tour campaign on a disappointing note after suffering a straight-set defeat to the Nxled Chameleons, 25-17, 25-23, 25-18. Despite showing flashes of competitiveness—particularly in the second set—Capital1 struggled to match Nxled’s consistency and execution as the Chameleons completed a convincing sweep.

     

    For Pepito, however, the match represented the realization of a long-awaited dream.

     

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    After establishing herself as one of the most decorated collegiate players in recent memory, the two-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Most Valuable Player officially made the leap to the professional ranks. Although the 23-year-old admitted that nerves and physical discomfort affected her performance, she remained encouraged by how she handled the moment.

     

    “I think it wasn’t bad. As a rookie, there were definitely nerves and excitement, but I think I handled it pretty well. I just need to figure out how to deal with the cramps I have been getting every game. We will try to find a solution,” Pepito said during the postmatch press conference.

     

    The transition from collegiate volleyball to the PVL often presents a significant challenge for young players, with the faster pace, stronger competition, and higher expectations demanding quick adjustments. Yet Pepito believes the transition has been made considerably easier by the welcoming environment within the Capital1 camp.

    Rather than feeling intimidated by the jump to the professional level, the former collegiate standout said the team’s veteran players and coaching staff have helped her settle in comfortably.

     

    “I don’t think much has changed. I can still help push my teammates, and they also push me to be better. As a rookie, it’s actually exciting because I’m learning so much from the veterans. Everyone made it so easy to fit in. They were all easy to get along with, and they never made us feel like rookies. In fact, they treated us so well that it almost felt like I had been with the team for a long time. I’m just really thankful to the veterans for making us feel so welcome from day one,” she added.

     

    Pepito arrived in the PVL carrying lofty expectations after a stellar collegiate career that established her as one of the country’s premier liberos. While her professional debut ended in defeat, the young defensive specialist believes the experience will only accelerate her growth as she adjusts to the demands of the professional game.

     

    Beyond the result, Pepito was also overwhelmed by the reception she received from the fans, particularly the Ilocano crowd that packed the venue. Known primarily for her defensive brilliance rather than scoring, the rookie admitted she never expected to hear her name cheered so loudly during her first PVL appearance.

     

    “I was actually surprised that so many people were cheering for me. I never expected to be recognized like that as a libero. It feels great, and I hope it inspires future players to see that liberos can make a big impact and perform at a high level,” Pepito said.

     

    Her comments underscored the growing appreciation for defensive specialists in Philippine volleyball, where liberos have increasingly become fan favorites because of their hustle, consistency, and ability to anchor a team’s floor defense.

     

    Although Capital1 left its conference opener empty-handed, the Solar Spikers remain focused on bouncing back as they continue building chemistry with a roster featuring several newcomers. Pepito, for her part, is determined to keep learning from every match while overcoming the physical challenges that surfaced in her debut.

     

    The Solar Spikers will look to notch their first victory of the conference when they face perennial contenders Creamline Cool Smashers on Saturday, August 8, at the City of Santiago, with Pepito hoping to build on the positives from her professional debut and help steer Capital1 toward its first win of the campaign.

     

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  • Shorthanded Capital1, defending champion PLDT open PVL On Tour bids in Vigan 

    Shorthanded Capital1, defending champion PLDT open PVL On Tour bids in Vigan 

    The spotlight shifts to Vigan City this weekend as two teams begin their chase for a strong start in the 2026 PVL On Tour—though they will do so under very different circumstances.

     

    Capital1 enters the tournament looking to prove its depth despite missing several key stars, while defending On Tour champion PLDT begins its title defense with expectations once again resting on its veteran core.

     

    Action resumes Saturday at the Chavit Coliseum in Ilocos Sur, with the Solar Spikers facing the Nxled Chameleons at 4 p.m. before the High Speed Hitters battle the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the 6:30 p.m. main event.

     

    Capital1 faces an immediate challenge after losing several of its biggest names to national team duties. With Bella Belen, Vanie Gandler, and Erika Santos unavailable, the Solar Spikers will lean on the next wave of talent led by No. 2 overall rookie pick Detdet Pepito.

     

    Even without their top wing scorers, Capital1 still boasts one of the deeper middle rotations in the tournament. Cherry Nunag, Ezra Madrigal, KC Galdones, Ponggay Gaston, and Pia Abbu are expected to anchor the team’s net defense and provide stability against an Nxled squad loaded with attacking options.

     

    The Chameleons, meanwhile, are determined to bounce back after falling to Creamline in four sets during their last outing in Ilagan City. Although they rallied to steal the second set, Nxled ultimately failed to sustain its momentum.

     

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    Veterans MJ Phillips, Myla Pablo, and EJ Carino remain at the center of the Chameleons’ offense, while Jonah Sabete and Jovelyn Fernandez look to continue their strong work at the net after combining for seven of the team’s 12 blocks in their previous match.

     

    Later in the evening, PLDT officially begins its title defense with a familiar championship core intact.

     

    The High Speed Hitters once again lean on Savi Davison, Kianna Dy, and Majoy Baron as they seek to open their campaign with a statement victory after winning last year’s PVL On Tour crown.

     

    Standing in their way is a Choco Mucho squad eager to erase the memory of a disappointing straight-set loss to ZUS Coffee in Batangas earlier this month.

     

    With national team standouts Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, and Dawn Catindig unavailable, the Flying Titans will once again rely on Caitlyn Viray and Des Cheng, who both finished in double figures in that defeat.

     

    Isa Molde, Kat Tolentino, and No. 3 overall rookie selection Tin Ubaldo are also expected to shoulder bigger roles as Choco Mucho searches for its first victory of the preseason tournament.

     

    After its Vigan stop, the PVL On Tour heads to South Cotabato for the first time on Aug. 1.

     

    Polomolok will host another doubleheader featuring Nxled against Galeries Tower before Akari takes on Choco Mucho in the evening showcase.

     

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  • Jaja Maraguinot reveals she nearly quit volleyball before joining Capital1

    Jaja Maraguinot reveals she nearly quit volleyball before joining Capital1

    The Capital1 Solar Spikers made headlines during the Premier Volleyball League offseason after assembling one of the league’s most aggressive roster revamps, highlighted by the acquisitions of former Cignal HD Spikers stars Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos to bolster the team’s attacking options.


    The Solar Spikers also addressed their playmaking department by signing veteran setter Jaja Santiago, adding stability, leadership, and championship experience to a squad looking to make a leap in the upcoming season.


    Amid the blockbuster signings, however, another addition quietly strengthened Capital1’s depth. Former Nxled Chameleons setter Jaja Maraguinot officially joined the Solar Spikers after parting ways with Nxled in January, marking a fresh chapter in a career that she admitted was on the verge of ending.

     

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    Speaking to The Game, Maraguinot revealed that she had already begun preparing for life outside volleyball after being released by her former club, believing her professional career had come to an end.


    “Honestly, I was looking for work at that time. I really thought volleyball was already over for me because after that, there was nothing. Then suddenly, this opportunity came, and I just decided to take it,” Maraguinot shared.


    Her unexpected return came through Capital1 head coach Jorge Souza de Brito, who reached out to check on her condition and encouraged her to gradually work her way back into playing shape.

    “Coach Jorge messaged me and asked if I was training with any team or just working out. I told him honestly that I decided to rest first. He just told me to start working out, and after a few weeks, he invited me to train with them. He also gave me time to get back into shape and didn’t force me right away,” she said.


    For Maraguinot, the move represents more than simply joining a new team—it also reunites her with several familiar faces. The veteran playmaker will once again suit up alongside former Ateneo teammates Vanie Gandler, Pauline Gaston, and Roma Mae Doromal, a dynamic that could help accelerate her transition into Capital1’s system.


    Despite the familiarity, Maraguinot understands that earning playing time will not come easily. Capital1 has significantly upgraded its roster, creating healthy competition across multiple positions as the franchise seeks to establish itself as a legitimate contender in the PVL.


    Rather than focusing on minutes, the 27-year-old hopes to contribute through her experience and leadership.


    “Maybe it’s about becoming a more mature player inside the court and in volleyball—how I can help lead the team,” she said.


    After spending several months away from the sport, Maraguinot admitted the break gave her a new perspective on volleyball, a game that has been part of her life since childhood.


    “Volleyball is more than just a sport. I’ve been playing since elementary school, through college, and into the pros. Those four months away made me realize I want to redeem myself and become even more invested in volleyball,” she said.


    Now presented with an opportunity she never expected to receive, Maraguinot enters the new PVL season with renewed motivation and gratitude. While Capital1’s offseason acquisitions have generated excitement, the veteran setter hopes her comeback story will prove just as impactful as the Solar Spikers look to turn their revamped roster into on-court success.

     

     

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  • Jorge Souza de Brito sees valuable lessons for Capital1 despite loss to Dominican Republic in a friendly

    Jorge Souza de Brito sees valuable lessons for Capital1 despite loss to Dominican Republic in a friendly

    The Capital1 Solar Spikers continue to build chemistry and fine-tune their system ahead of the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour conference, with the team recently testing itself against one of the world’s top national squads in a friendly match against the Dominican Republic.

     

    Although the Solar Spikers were unable to pull off an upset against the powerhouse Dominican side, the exhibition served as an important measuring stick for a Capital1 team that has undergone significant changes during the offseason. Facing a team with extensive international experience gave the Solar Spikers an opportunity to evaluate their progress while exposing areas that still need improvement before the new PVL season begins.

     

    The Dominican Republic arrived in the Philippines as part of its campaign in Week 2 of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) held in Pasig City. Ranked among the world’s strongest women’s volleyball programs, the Caribbean nation showcased its class against Capital1, highlighting the gap between an established international team and a club still working to integrate several new players into its lineup.

     

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    Despite the result, Capital1 head coach Jorge Souza de Brito viewed the match as an invaluable learning experience for his squad.

     

    “As a first friendly match, it was very good. Even without having all the key players on the court at the same time, the system proved to be viable, even against the strong Dominican team. There is no comparison between the level of the teams, but learning how to handle the fundamentals in critical situations may have been the greatest lesson from the game. We will have moments like these in the competitions ahead,” De Brito said in a media interaction.

     

    The Brazilian mentor emphasized that the match was never solely about the final score. Instead, it provided his players with a rare opportunity to compete against elite international talent while testing the team’s execution under pressure. Such experiences are expected to benefit the Solar Spikers as they prepare for the highly competitive PVL On Tour conference, where consistency and composure in crucial moments often determine the outcome of matches.

    Capital1 enters the new season carrying high expectations after assembling one of the league’s busiest and most ambitious offseason rosters. The organization made a series of headline-grabbing acquisitions aimed at surrounding rising star Bella Belen with experienced talent capable of elevating the team’s competitiveness.

     

    Among the biggest additions were former Cignal HD Spikers standouts and Most Valuable Player tandem Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, both expected to provide scoring firepower and veteran leadership. The Solar Spikers also strengthened their playmaking department by signing veteran setter Jaja Maraguinot in free agency, adding another experienced floor general capable of orchestrating the team’s offense.

     

    The roster overhaul continued during the PVL Rookie Draft, where Capital1 selected University of Santo Tomas captain and two-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Best Libero Detdet Pepito with the second overall pick. Widely regarded as one of the country’s top defensive specialists at the collegiate level, Pepito is expected to make an immediate impact in the back row. The club also added University of the East standout Khy Cepada, further boosting the team’s youthful depth.

     

    With an impressive collection of talent now assembled, many observers believe the Solar Spikers have significantly raised their ceiling entering the new campaign. However, De Brito cautioned that talent alone does not automatically translate into victories, stressing that the team’s long-term success will ultimately depend on chemistry and cohesion.

     

    “We are on the right path, and with the support of these new players, Capital1 continues its journey of growth and development. Without a doubt, the quality of the players naturally leads people to expect exponential growth, but performance depends on the chemistry we are building, and of course, on the ups and downs that every new group experiences. Our goal is to exceed expectations through hard work and by doing things the right way for our team,” he added.

     

    As one of the most respected coaches in Philippine volleyball, De Brito understands that integrating multiple new players into a single system requires patience. Building communication, trust, and familiarity on the court often takes weeks or even months, particularly with several key newcomers expected to play major roles immediately.

     

    Fortunately for Capital1, there is still valuable preparation time before meaningful games begin. Training sessions and additional practice matches will give the coaching staff more opportunities to experiment with different combinations while allowing the team’s new acquisitions to further develop their understanding of De Brito’s system.

     

    The Solar Spikers will officially begin their PVL On Tour campaign on Saturday, July 25, when they face the Nxled Chameleons in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. By then, Capital1 hopes the lessons learned from competing against one of the world’s premier volleyball nations will translate into stronger performances as the club looks to establish itself as a legitimate contender in the upcoming conference.

     

     

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  • PVL teams’ offseason latest signings ahead of the 2026 On Tour 

    PVL teams’ offseason latest signings ahead of the 2026 On Tour 

    As the 2026 PVL On Tour approaches, teams are no longer waiting for the action to begin before making their statements. The offseason has become a battleground of its own as franchises reshape their rosters, bringing in proven veterans, and former rivals to create stronger title contenders.

     

    The biggest movement came after the Cignal Super Spikers stepped away from the league, opening the door for several of their key players to find new homes. Their former stars have become among the most sought-after names in the market, with teams hoping that experience from a silver medal campaign can immediately translate into success.

     

    Akari Chargers

     

    The Akari Chargers added former Cignal Super Spikers outside hitter Tin Tiamzon, who brings experience and offensive firepower from her previous PVL stint. They also secured libero Ann Monares from the Farm Fresh Foxies, giving Akari another defensive option, while middle blocker Sharya Ancheta joined from Galeries Tower to strengthen their frontline.

     

    The team also made bold roster decisions by parting ways with Dani Ravena, Max Juangco, Bea Bonafe, Joan Doguna, and Steph Bustrillo.

     

    Furthermore, Akari did not select any players in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft after skipping both rounds, meaning their offseason focus remained on veteran acquisitions and experienced players.

     

    Capital1 Solar Spikers

     

    Capital1 made one of the biggest moves of the offseason after adding two of the league’s most impactful players.

     

    The Solar Spikers landed former Cignal stars Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos. Gandler, an outside hitter known as one of the league’s top young talents and was recognized as the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference MVP.

     

    Santos, meanwhile, arrives with her own winning credentials after being named the 2025 PVL On Tour MVP. Her addition gives Capital1 another reliable scoring option.

    The team also welcomed veteran setter Jaja Maraguinot, who returns after a six-month break following her stint with Nxled.

     

    With three high-level additions, Capital1 is shaping up as one of the teams expected to make a major jump.

     

    Choco Mucho Flying Titans

     

    Choco Mucho strengthened its defensive identity by adding one of the most decorated liberos in Philippine volleyball.

     

    The Flying Titans acquired Dawn Macandili-Catindig from Cignal, a veteran defensive specialist and former national team player known for her elite floor defense.

     

    They also added Jewel Encarnacion, another former Cignal player who brings youth and power to the lineup, along with veteran spiker Ivy Perez, who is set to join her seventh PVL team.

    The additions are expected to give Choco Mucho a deeper defensive structure as they continue building around their core.

     

    The team also parted ways with Tia Andaya, who decided to step away from volleyball after one season with the Flying Titans.

     

    Creamline Cool Smashers


    The defending champions, Creamline added former Cignal opposite hitter Erin Pangilinan, who gives the team another attacking option, along with outside hitter Ishie Lalongisip, another former Cignal player known for her scoring ability. The Cool Smashers also secured setter Donna Paralejas to add depth in the playmaking.

     

    With its championship core intact, Creamline’s additions provide more flexibility as the team looks to remain among the league’s elite.

     

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    Farm Fresh Foxies

     

    Farm Fresh focused on adding experience to its roster by acquiring two former Cignal players.

    The Foxies signed veteran middle blocker Roselyn Doria-Aquino, who brings years of experience and net presence. They also added libero Buding Duremdes, giving Farm Fresh another defensive weapon as they aim to continue their rise in the league.

     

    Nxled Chameleons

     

    Nxled landed two major names that immediately upgraded its lineup.

     

    The Chameleons acquired veteran setter Gel Cayuna, a multiple-time PVL award winner who brings leadership and playmaking experience. They also added middle blocker Jacqueline Acuña, who provides size and blocking strength at the net.

     

    Both players came from Cignal’s successful run, where they helped the team secure a silver medal finish before the franchise made a leave of absence from the league. Their arrival gives Nxled more stability as the young franchise continues to build.

     

    PLDT High Speed Hitters

     

    PLDT also took advantage of the offseason movement by adding multiple pieces.

     

    The High Speed Hitters acquired free agent outside hitter Joan Monares, middle blocker Winnie Bedana from Galeries Tower, and former Cignal middle blocker Jessa Ordiales.

     

    The new additions add more depth to PLDT’s rotation and give the team additional options heading into the 2026 PVL on Tour.

     

    Galeries Tower Highrisers and Zus Coffee Thunderbelles

     

    Unlike other teams making major changes, Galeries Tower Highrisers and Zus Coffee Thunderbelles have yet to announce new signings.

     

    Both teams will enter the next phase of preparation with their current rosters while monitoring possible additions.

     

    With the PVL becoming more competitive every season, the 2026 On Tour will showcase more than just new faces — it will feature new identities. Teams are no longer relying only on established stars, they are building deeper lineups designed to survive the long grind of professional volleyball.

     

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  • Pauline Gaston takes the lead as Capital1 ushers in a new era 

    Pauline Gaston takes the lead as Capital1 ushers in a new era 

    Leadership often arrives quietly.

     

    For the Capital1 Solar Spikers, it comes in the form of a veteran who has spent years building a reputation as a dependable presence at the net and in the locker room.

     

    As the franchise prepares for what could be its most ambitious campaign yet, Capital1 has officially named Pauline Gaston as its new team captain for the 2026 Premier Volleyball League season, placing one of its most experienced players at the forefront of a rapidly evolving roster.

     

    The appointment signals more than a change in leadership. It reflects the direction the Solar Spikers are taking as they continue their transformation from expansion team to legitimate contender.

     

    Gaston arrived in Capital1 earlier this year after the disbandment of Chery Tiggo Crossovers, becoming one of several veteran acquisitions brought in to accelerate the team’s growth. The former Chery Tiggo middle blocker was part of an aggressive recruitment drive that saw Capital1 add experienced names such as Jasmine Nabor, Shaya Adorador, Cherry Nunag, and others in an effort to surround its young core with proven talent.

     

    Now, Gaston assumes an even larger role.Her promotion comes at a pivotal time for the franchise, which has undergone one of the biggest roster overhauls in the league while continuing to build around reigning PVL Press Corps Rookie of the Year Bella Belen. 

     

    The Solar Spikers further strengthened their lineup this offseason with the arrivals of former Cignal standouts Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, while also selecting two-time UAAP Best Libero Detdet Pepito in the PVL Draft.

     

    The expectation is clear: Capital1 is no longer simply developing for the future. It wants to compete now.

     

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    Gaston’s leadership credentials have been evident throughout her career. Known for her versatility and ability to contribute both as a middle blocker and wing attacker, she has become one of the stabilizing figures in Capital1’s frontline rotation. Coaches and teammates have frequently leaned on her experience as the franchise navigates its rapid rise in the PVL.

     

    For a team loaded with youthful stars and high-profile newcomers, the captaincy places Gaston in charge of balancing expectations while helping shape the identity of a roster many believe could emerge as one of the league’s biggest stories this season.

     

    Capital1’s front office has long maintained that building a winning culture would take time. But with an increasingly stacked lineup and one of the most active offseasons in recent PVL memory, the timeline appears to be accelerating.

     

    And as the Solar Spikers prepare for the challenges ahead, they will do so under the guidance of a player tasked with leading one of the PVL’s most intriguing transformations.

     

    For Gaston, the responsibility is simple: help turn potential into results. 

     

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  • Top 3 teams to watch out for in the upcoming PVL On Tour conference 

    Top 3 teams to watch out for in the upcoming PVL On Tour conference 

    The PVL On Tour is more than just a preseason exhibition. For many teams, it’s the first opportunity to test rebuilt rosters, integrate new stars, and gauge whether offseason moves can translate into championship contention. While every team will have something to prove, three squads enter the tour carrying the biggest storylines.

     

    1. Capital1 Solar Spikers

     

    No team generated more buzz this offseason than the Capital1 Solar Spikers.

     

    After reaching the PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals and establishing themselves as one of the league’s fastest-rising franchises, Capital1 went all-in by signing reigning league MVP Vanie Gandler and fellow former MVP Erika Santos following Cignal’s leave of absence from the league. Both were key pieces of the Super Spikers squad that reached the All-Filipino Finals.

     

    What makes the Solar Spikers particularly dangerous is that they were already winning before these additions arrived. Bella Belen, the reigning PVL Press Corps Rookie of the Year, quickly emerged as one of the league’s premier scorers and even produced a career-high 29-point outing during the All-Filipino Conference.

     

    The Solar Spikers also strengthened their floor defense by drafting former UST standout and two-time UAAP Best Libero Detdet Pepito, adding another proven collegiate star to an already loaded core.

     

    Instead of relying solely on Belen, Capital1 now has multiple high-level scoring options capable of carrying the offense on any given night. The biggest question entering the tour is how quickly Gandler, Santos, Belen, and Pepito can develop chemistry. If they click early, Capital1 could enter the next PVL season as a legitimate championship favorite rather than simply a dark horse.

     

    2. Nxled Chameleons

     

    The Nxled Chameleons were already one of the most intriguing teams in the league before the latest round of acquisitions.

     

    Nxled built its roster around a championship-caliber core led by three-time PVL MVP Brooke Van Sickle alongside proven winners MJ Phillips and Myla Pablo, a trio that immediately transformed expectations for the franchise.

     

    The Chameleons showed flashes of their potential during the All-Filipino Conference, even opening the tournament with an unbeaten stretch while Van Sickle, Phillips, and Pablo consistently powered the offense.

     

    This offseason, Nxled addressed one of its biggest needs by acquiring five-time PVL Best Setter Gel Cayuna and veteran middle blocker Jackie Acuña from Cignal. Cayuna’s arrival could be the missing piece that unlocks the full potential of Nxled’s star-studded attack.

     

    With Van Sickle serving as the primary scorer and Phillips and Pablo providing additional firepower, Cayuna’s ability to orchestrate the offense and maximize her hitters may determine whether Nxled finally breaks through as a serious title contender.

     

    Among all teams entering the PVL On Tour, Nxled may have the highest ceiling if its new pieces fit together quickly. 

     

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    3. Creamline Cool Smashers

     

    Until proven otherwise, the road to any PVL championship still goes through the Creamline Cool Smashers.

     

    Creamline reclaimed the All-Filipino Conference crown in 2026 and continued to showcase the championship pedigree that has made it the league’s gold standard. The Cool Smashers relied on their battle-tested core throughout another title run, with Bernadeth Pons eventually earning Finals MVP honors.

     

    Unlike many contenders that underwent major roster changes, Creamline’s biggest strength remains continuity. The championship nucleus remains intact, preserving the chemistry, system, and winning culture that have produced one of the most successful dynasties in PVL history.

     

    The Cool Smashers also added Adamson standout Barbie Jamili through the PVL Draft, giving the team another promising young talent who can develop behind an already stacked lineup. Jamili’s athletic profile generated significant attention leading into the draft, and many observers believe she has considerable upside at the professional level.

     

    While Capital1 and Nxled may have made bigger offseason headlines, Creamline remains the benchmark every contender is chasing.

     

    Capital1 boasts the league’s most exciting collection of new stars. Nxled appears to have addressed one of its biggest weaknesses by adding an elite playmaker. Creamline, meanwhile, continues to operate from a position every team envies: defending champion with a championship core still intact.

     

    The PVL On Tour could offer the first glimpse of which of these three teams is best positioned to shape the next chapter of the league. 

     

     

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  • Detdet Pepito ready for next chapter with Capital1 after lifelong PVL dream comes true

    Detdet Pepito ready for next chapter with Capital1 after lifelong PVL dream comes true

    Long before Detdet Pepito became one of the most decorated liberos in UAAP history, she was simply a young girl sitting on the sidelines, watching her older sisters play the sport she would eventually make her own.

     

    Years before the bright lights of the Premier Volleyball League and long before she became a household name at the University of Santo Tomas, Pepito’s first connection to volleyball came through family.

     

    Her sisters, Marge and MJ, were already competing at a high level for San Sebastian College in the NCAA during the late 2000s. While they battled on the court, their youngest sibling watched from afar, unknowingly planting the seeds for a journey that would one day bring her to the professional ranks.

     

    That dream officially became reality on draft night.

     

    Selected by Capital1 as one of the top picks in the 2026 PVL Draft, Pepito now finds herself stepping into the very league she once only imagined reaching.

     

    “I’m really grateful because this is a huge opportunity. During my final playing year, making it to the PVL was one of my main goals. That’s why I gave my best every game to prepare for this draft,” said Pepito.

     

    The road to that moment was anything but easy.

     

    Pepito built her reputation through years of consistency, discipline, and relentless defensive work. From her days representing UST in high school to becoming the heart of the Golden Tigresses’ floor defense in college, she established herself as one of the country’s premier liberos.

     

    Her collection of individual awards only reinforced that status, but behind every accolade was a dream that remained unchanged since childhood — earning a place in the country’s top professional league.

     

    For Marge, seeing her younger sister reach that milestone carried special meaning.

     

    “She grew up watching us play and saw our journey in the sport. She got inspired by what we were doing, and from there, volleyball became a big part of her life. I’m very happy that she has made it all the way to the PVL,” Marge said.

     

    Now Pepito joins a Capital1 team that suddenly finds itself among the most intriguing squads in the league.

     

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    The Solar Spikers already feature reigning Rookie of the Year Bella Belen, one of Pepito’s closest friends dating back to their elementary school days. The franchise also strengthened its roster by adding former Cignal stars Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, creating a core filled with proven winners and award-winning talents.

     

    For Pepito, joining such a loaded lineup only added to the excitement.

     

    “When I heard there were already three MVPs on the team, I thought, ‘Wow, this team is really strong.’ When my name was called, it definitely added some pressure, but I’m more excited than anything,” Pepito said.

     

    “I know I’ll learn a lot from them, and hopefully we can build chemistry quickly since PVL On Tour is coming up. I’ll just keep giving my best.”

     

    While individual recognition helped define her collegiate career, Pepito enters the professional ranks with a different challenge ahead.

     

    Instead of carrying the expectations of being UST’s defensive anchor, she now joins a team with championship aspirations and a roster full of players expected to compete immediately.

     

    Her role may be different, but the approach remains the same.

     

    Pepito plans to bring the leadership, composure, and defensive stability that made her one of the UAAP’s most reliable players while adapting quickly to the system of head coach Jorge Souza de Brito.

     

    And just like the young girl who once watched her sisters chase their volleyball dreams, she is allowing herself to dream again.

     

    “Mangangarap kami, siyempre, na hopefully, sa amin din mapunta ‘yung championship,” Pepito said.

     

    This time, however, the dream is no longer about simply reaching the PVL.

     

    It’s about helping bring a title to Capital1 and writing the next chapter of a volleyball journey that started years ago on the sidelines.

     

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