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Tag: Gel Cayuna

  • Myla Pablo sees Nxled’s chemistry growing as Gel Cayuna settles into setter role 

    Myla Pablo sees Nxled’s chemistry growing as Gel Cayuna settles into setter role 

    Nxled’s newest playmaker may have arrived with an impressive résumé, but for Myla Pablo, the real breakthrough is happening beyond the stat sheet.

     

    After just two matches together, the veteran outside hitter believes Gel Cayuna is beginning to unlock the chemistry that could elevate the Chameleons into one of the PVL’s more dangerous teams.

     

    That progress was evident during Nxled’s convincing straight-set victory over Capital1 in the 2026 PVL On Tour, where Cayuna efficiently distributed the offense with 17 excellent sets while Pablo finished as the team’s leading scorer with 17 points.

     

    For Pablo, the performance wasn’t simply about numbers. It was proof that the team’s growing familiarity is starting to translate into smoother execution on the floor.

     

    “Well, Gel Cayuna is one of the best setters talaga sa PVL,” Pablo told reporters.

     

    “Nung una talaga medyo nahirapan talaga lahat kasi ‘yung communication ng bawa’t isa, pero ngayon naman, nakukuha niya ‘yung mga gusto i-set ng mga spikers din talaga.”

     

    Cayuna arrived at Nxled during the offseason after Cignal took a leave of absence from the league, bringing with her five Best Setter awards and years of experience directing elite offenses.

     

    But joining a new team also meant learning a different group of hitters, each with unique timing, tendencies, and preferred sets.

     

    Pablo revealed that beyond their work in training, she has constantly reminded Cayuna to stay patient and trust the process instead of trying to force everything into place immediately.

     

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    “Sabi ko sa kanya, patience lang talaga at huwag siyang mataranta at pangunahan ang lahat ng ginagawa niya,” she added.

    The early signs have been encouraging, as Nxled continues to build cohesion while integrating new pieces into its lineup ahead of the regular season.

     

    Pablo also praised the PVL On Tour’s “all-to-play” format, saying it has accelerated the team’s development by allowing every player meaningful minutes on the court.

     

    Rather than relying heavily on a small rotation, the preseason tournament has given the Chameleons an opportunity to evaluate their depth while helping everyone become comfortable within the team’s system.

     

    “Actually, una pa lang alam na namin ‘yung all-to-play sa PVL On Tour. Masaya kami na lahat makakalaro kasi siyempre minsan lang din naman mangyari ito,” Pablo said.

     

    “Kaya sabi namin sa mga kasama namin na pag pinasok sa loob ng court, kailangan ibigay ‘yung best natin at makinig sa coaches kung ano ang sinasabi sa loob ng court.”

     

    With its first victory now in the books and its chemistry steadily improving, Nxled hopes to continue building momentum when it returns to action against Galeries Tower on Aug. 1 in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

     

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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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  • 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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  • “Not focused on labels”: Gel Cayuna embraces expectations at Nxled ahead of PVL On Tour

    “Not focused on labels”: Gel Cayuna embraces expectations at Nxled ahead of PVL On Tour

    The Nxled Chameleons moved decisively in the offseason, quickly addressing a key roster need following the unexpected leave of absence of Cignal by acquiring veteran setter Gel Cayuna—an addition that immediately elevates the team’s leadership and playmaking depth.

     

    Cayuna arrives at Nxled as one of the most accomplished setters in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), widely respected for her court vision, composure, and ability to run a balanced offense under pressure. Over the years, she has built a reputation as one of the league’s premier floor generals, collecting five Best Setter awards, including the distinction she earned in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

     

    At 27, Cayuna now steps into a pivotal role for a Nxled squad aiming to transform potential into consistent results. Her arrival is expected to provide structure and stability to a team that already features a strong mix of established talents and emerging offensive weapons.

     

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    Cayuna is set to make her debut for the Chameleons in the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour series, where she will be tasked with orchestrating the offense and maximizing the team’s scoring options. Despite the heightened expectations surrounding Nxled’s upgraded roster, the veteran setter remains focused on process rather than pressure.

     

    “For me, Nxled has always been a talented team, especially with the veterans already here. Maybe the expectations have just grown because of the new additions. But I don’t focus on labels as a super team. My priority is how I can help and how we can become better as a group every day,” Cayuna said in a media interaction.

     

    One of the early focal points of Nxled’s preparation has been developing chemistry between Cayuna and the team’s key attackers, including three-time PVL Most Valuable Player Brooke Van Sickle. Training sessions have already begun with the duo working closely to establish timing, rhythm, and trust in execution—crucial elements for a team looking to compete at the highest level.

    Cayuna emphasized that building connections with Nxled’s veteran core and star hitters is central to her integration process.

     

    “I’m really looking forward to working with them because it’s a big opportunity for me to grow as a player. There’s so much I can learn from them, especially because they are veterans with a lot of experience in the game. I also want to build our chemistry on the court as soon as possible so I can help the team,” she added.

     

    Her move to Nxled also marks a significant new chapter in her career following her stint with Cignal, which began in 2022. Cayuna admitted that the transition was one of the most challenging moments of her professional journey, particularly after being part of a Cignal squad that had just come off a breakthrough PVL Finals appearance.

     

    “Honestly, it was one of the most challenging moments of my career so far. Coming from a finals run, you expect to celebrate first. But suddenly there was a big change because of the disbandment. I had to be practical and think about what the best next step was for me and my career.”

     

    After weighing her options, Cayuna ultimately chose Nxled, citing both the organization’s vision and the trust they placed in her as key factors in her decision.

     

    “Among all the options I had, I believed that Nxled was the environment that would help me grow both as a player and as a person. I also felt the trust they gave me, and I want to repay that by working hard and helping the team achieve its goals,” Cayuna concluded.

     

    With the PVL On Tour series set to begin on Wednesday, July 8, in Ilagan City, Isabela, Nxled will immediately face a major early test as they open their campaign against powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers—a matchup that will offer an early glimpse of how quickly Cayuna and her new team can gel under competitive pressure.

     

     

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  • PVL Press Corps unveils major awardees for PVL Awards Night  

    PVL Press Corps unveils major awardees for PVL Awards Night  

    From rising superstars and breakout scorers to seasoned veterans and inspiring comeback stories, the 2025-26 PVL season produced no shortage of memorable performances.

     

    Now, the league’s brightest names are set to take center stage once more as the best players and biggest stories of the year will be celebrated in the 2nd Pilipinas Live PVL Press Corps Awards Night on May 30 at Novotel Manila Araneta City in Cubao.

     

    Headlining the annual recognition rites is Capital1 rookie sensation Bella Belen, whose seamless transition to the professional ranks earned her the Rookie of the Year award after an impressive debut season.

     

    The former National University star immediately became one of the Solar Spikers’ focal points, showcasing her all-around brilliance on both offense and defense while proving she could thrive under the pressure that came with being the top overall pick of the 2025 PVL Draft.

     

    Belen tallied 69 media votes, 26 team votes, and 91.284 statistical points to finish with 186.284 total points and beat fellow rookies AC Miner, Jean Asis, and Riza Nogales for the recognition.

     

    Her stellar campaign also earned her a place in the season’s Mythical Team and the Best Outside Spiker award after emerging as one of the league’s top scorers and receivers during the All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Joining her in the Best Outside Spiker category is PLDT star Savi Davison, who once again established herself as one of the league’s most consistent offensive weapons.

     

    But the awards night won’t simply celebrate new stars — it will also honor the veterans and comeback stories that shaped the season.

     

    Creamline icon Alyssa Valdez will receive the Miss Quality Minutes award after repeatedly delivering in crucial moments for the Cool Smashers during one of the franchise’s toughest title runs.

     

    With several key Creamline stars dealing with injuries late in the conference, Valdez stepped up with timely performances that helped steady the team en route to its 11th PVL championship.

     

    Another emotional highlight of the night belongs to Kianna Dy, who captured the Comeback Player of the Year award following her inspiring return from a lengthy knee injury recovery.

     

    After missing 559 days, the PLDT standout gradually rediscovered her rhythm and eventually became a major piece in the High Speed Hitters’ successful campaign that included titles in the PVL On Tour and Invitational Conference before a bronze medal finish in the All-Filipino Conference.

     

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    Meanwhile, Erika Santos’ rise into stardom earned her the Most Improved Player award.

     

    Following her move from PLDT to Cignal, Santos blossomed into one of the league’s premier scorers and helped power the Super Spikers to a breakthrough finals appearance in the All-Filipino Conference. Her breakout year also included winning MVP honors during the 2025 PVL On Tour.

     

    Farm Fresh standout Trisha Tubu will also be recognized after winning Best Opposite Spiker honors behind a season that elevated both her reputation and the Foxies franchise.

     

    Tubu spearheaded Farm Fresh’s historic fourth-place finish in the All-Filipino Conference while cementing herself as one of the league’s most dangerous scorers.

     

    Several of the PVL’s most reliable veterans and specialists are likewise set to receive recognition.

     

    Cignal playmaker Gel Cayuna earned Best Setter honors after orchestrating one of the league’s top offenses, while PLDT defensive anchor Kath Arado took home the Best Libero award once again behind another elite season on the floor.

     

    Creamline veteran Pangs Panaga and PLDT ace Majoy Baron, meanwhile, secured the Best Middle Blocker citations after anchoring their respective teams at the net throughout the year.

     

    Taken together, the awardees perfectly captured the story of the PVL season itself — a campaign defined by new stars emerging, veterans continuing to deliver, and players overcoming adversity to leave their mark on the league.

     

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  • Nxled turns Cignal fallout into major roster rebuild with Gel Cayuna, Jackie Acuña signings 

    Nxled turns Cignal fallout into major roster rebuild with Gel Cayuna, Jackie Acuña signings 

    Nxled Chameleons is wasting little time capitalizing on the sudden shake-up caused by Cignal’s leave of absence.

     

    What initially looked like a league-wide scramble for available talent is quickly turning into a calculated roster rebuild for the Chameleons, who added two more prized names from the former Super Spikers core after officially acquiring veteran setter Gel Cayuna and middle blocker Jackie Acuña on Saturday.

     

    The pair became the latest former Cignal standouts to secure new teams following the franchise’s surprising exit from the PVL, joining former MVPs Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos at Capital1, while Erin Pangilinan found a new home with Creamline.

     

    For Nxled, however, the signings feel less like simple replacements and more like another major step toward accelerating the franchise’s rise.

     

    Cayuna immediately gives the Chameleons one of the league’s most experienced and decorated setters. Long regarded as one of the PVL’s top floor generals, she carries five Best Setter awards, including the recognition she captured during the 2026 All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Acuña, meanwhile, adds another growing presence at the net after steadily emerging as one of the league’s reliable middle blockers. The former National University standout previously won Best Middle Blocker honors during the 2024 Invitational Conference and continues to establish herself as one of the more valuable frontcourt players in the market.

     

    What makes the duo’s arrival even more fitting is how similar their journeys have been.

     

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    Neither Cayuna nor Acuña entered the professional ranks carrying overwhelming hype. Cayuna developed into an elite setter after coming out of Far Eastern University, while Acuña gradually built her reputation following her collegiate stint at National University.

     

    Years later, both unexpectedly became two of the most sought-after names available following Cignal’s withdrawal.

     

    Now they join an Nxled squad that already carries a strong Petro Gazz influence, headlined by three-time MVP Brooke Van Sickle alongside fellow former Angels stars Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips under Italian coach Ettore Guidetti.

     

    With every new signing, the Chameleons continue transforming from a developing franchise into one of the more intriguing teams entering the PVL’s next chapter.

     

    At the same time, the rapid movement of former Cignal stars across the league continues reshaping the competitive landscape — and Nxled may have quietly positioned itself as one of the biggest winners from the offseason chaos.

     

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  • Gel Cayuna headlines expected Nxled revamp as former Cignal stars begin finding new PVL homes

    Gel Cayuna headlines expected Nxled revamp as former Cignal stars begin finding new PVL homes

    The collapse of one PVL franchise is quickly becoming an opportunity for several others to reshape their futures.

     

    With Cignal officially stepping away from the league, the race to secure experienced talent has quietly intensified behind the scenes — and Nxled appears poised to strike first.

     

    The Chameleons are expected to strengthen their young core with the addition of former Cignal standouts Maria Angelica “Gel” Cayuna and Jacqueline Acuña, according to a report by Abante’s Lito Oredo.

     

    For Nxled, the possible arrival of Cayuna may represent more than just another roster move. It could be the clearest signal yet that the franchise is serious about accelerating its climb in the Premier Volleyball League.

     

    One of the league’s most decorated setters, Cayuna built her reputation as the steady architect behind many of Cignal’s successful campaigns. Her ability to control tempo, distribute efficiently, and stabilize offenses made her one of the most respected playmakers in the PVL over the past several seasons.

     

    Now, that experience could become invaluable for a Nxled squad still searching for consistency and identity.

     

    Acuña, meanwhile, brings additional size and veteran presence to the middle position — an area where Nxled has looked to improve heading into the next conference.

     

    While Nxled appears set to benefit heavily from the player movement, it is not the only camp making adjustments following Cignal’s departure.

     

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    Strong Group Athletics is also expected to absorb key former Super Spikers pieces, with libero Ria Beatriz Duremdes and middle blocker Roselyn Doria-Aquino reportedly bound for the organization.

     

    The two players could eventually land either with the Farm Fresh Foxies or the Zus Coffee Thunderbelles as SGA continues to strengthen both squads moving forward.

     

    Duremdes gives immediate help in floor defense and reception, while Doria-Aquino adds much-needed frontline depth and experience in the middle.

     

    More than simple transfers, the movements reflect how dramatically the PVL landscape can shift when an established franchise exits the picture.

     

    Cignal’s leave of absence suddenly placed proven veterans and championship-tested players back on the market — creating a rare reshuffling period across the league.

     

    And as teams move quickly to secure available talent, Nxled may have already positioned itself as one of the biggest early winners of the post-Cignal shakeup.

     

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  • Cignal chases redemption as years of heartbreak fuel finals breakthrough bid

    Cignal chases redemption as years of heartbreak fuel finals breakthrough bid

    For Cignal, the finals is no longer unfamiliar territory—it’s unfinished business. The Super Spikers have been here before, close enough to feel the weight of a championship, yet never quite able to hold it. Each return trip has carried the same promise, and each exit has left the same sting. But this time, the story feels different—not because the stakes have changed, but because the team has.

     

    Their journey to this moment hasn’t been defined by a single loss, but by a pattern of near-breakthroughs. A straight-sets defeat in the 2022 Reinforced Conference. A painful five-set collapse against Creamline in the 2024 Invitationals. These weren’t just missed opportunities—they became chapters in a longer narrative of growth, frustration, and persistence.

     

    At the center of that journey is Gel Cayuna, one of the few constants through the highs and lows. As a playmaker, she has seen matches slip away point by point. As a teammate, she has felt the emotional toll that comes after.

     

    “Ang dami na rin talagang pinagdaanan namin. Ang dami nang iyak,” said setter Gel Cayuna, who was part of both runner-up finishes.

     

    “Umaabot naman sa finals pero hindi talaga nanalo. This time, ‘yung opportunity na ibibigay ni Lord, talagang iga-grab namin at pagtatrabahuan namin.”

     

    Her words don’t just reflect hope—they carry the exhaustion of repeated heartbreak, and the quiet determination to finally move past it.

     

    On the sidelines, head coach Shaq delos Santos has been piecing together this version of Cignal for years. The process hasn’t been linear. It’s been a constant cycle of adjustments—rotations, systems, roles—all in search of something that works not just on paper, but under pressure.

     

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    “Ako, bilang head ng team, ang dami ko nang ginawang way para makuha ‘yung tamang timpla, ‘yung pwedeng gawing adjustments, even ‘yung players, ‘yung adjustments na ginagawa nila sa’kin and kung paano nila i-absorb ‘yung system na ginagawa namin every day,” he said.

     

    “Sobrang dami nang sakit na naramdaman namin for how many years and conferences na talagang hindi kami nainip at tinanggap lang namin ‘yung mga bagay. Sobrang natuto kami du’n. Hindi kami nag-give up.”

     

    What sets this Cignal team apart isn’t just talent—it’s perspective. The repeated failures haven’t hardened them into a desperate group chasing validation. Instead, it has shaped them into a team that understands the process behind winning, even without having experienced it firsthand.

     

    “To be honest, ‘di pa naman kami nagcha-champion talaga, pero may idea naman kami kung paano dapat mag-act nang tama, based na lang din sa experiences namin,” Delos Santos said.

     

    “‘Yung championship kasi, nandiyan lang naman siya lagi. Ang pinaka-importante is kung paano mo siya tinatrabaho every day and kung paano ka mag-act as a champion din.”

     

    There’s a quiet shift in that mindset. The goal is no longer just to win—it’s to become the kind of team that deserves to.

     

    Now, as they step back onto the finals stage, the Super Spikers carry more than ambition. They carry memory. Every loss, every adjustment, every lesson learned has led them back here.

     

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  • Jia De Guzman praises rise of modern setters in Philippine volleyball

    Jia De Guzman praises rise of modern setters in Philippine volleyball

    After a two-year hiatus from the domestic scene, Jia De Guzman has finally made her much-anticipated return to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), once again donning the colors of the Creamline Cool Smashers in the ongoing 2026 All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Widely regarded as one of the greatest volleyball players in Philippine history—and arguably the finest setter the PVL has ever seen—De Guzman resumes her domestic career with an already decorated résumé. The 30-year-old playmaker owns eight PVL Best Setter awards and holds the league’s all-time record for most excellent sets in a single match with 71, a testament to her consistency, court vision, and leadership.

     

    Her return comes after a successful stint overseas with the Denso Airybees in the V.League, where she further refined her craft against top international competition. Now back in the Philippines as captain of Alas Pilipinas, De Guzman brings with her a wealth of experience—and a fresh perspective on how the local game has evolved during her absence.

     

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    In her recent outing, De Guzman tallied 31 excellent sets in Creamline’s tough loss to the Cignal HD Spikers, a performance that highlighted her steady playmaking despite the defeat. However, the spotlight was shared with opposing setter Gel Cayuna, who delivered an impressive 35 excellent sets to help deny Creamline an outright semifinal berth.

    Following the match, De Guzman spoke candidly about the noticeable transformation among setters in the league, particularly their growing role as offensive contributors rather than just facilitators.

     

    “It’s a huge thing when setters are also part of the offense. It leaves the opponent guessing. Gel played very well today, with the help of her teammates. I love seeing the evolution of setters here in the Philippines. The league gets more excited. I am excited to see the upcoming games,” De Guzman said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    Her remarks reflect a broader shift in Philippine volleyball, where modern setters are now expected to be more dynamic—capable of scoring, attacking on second balls, and dictating tempo beyond traditional playmaking duties. For De Guzman, who has long been a standard-bearer at the position, this evolution signals a promising future for the sport.

     

    Despite Creamline’s setback, De Guzman continues to lead the league in the Best Setter race, amassing 196 excellent sets for an average of 5.44 per set—numbers that reaffirm her elite status even after time spent competing abroad.

     

    As the conference enters a crucial stretch, the Cool Smashers now turn their attention to a high-stakes Play-In matchup against the Akari Chargers on Tuesday, April 7, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. With their championship aspirations hanging in the balance, Creamline will once again rely on De Guzman’s leadership, composure, and playmaking brilliance to guide them forward.

     

    Her return not only strengthens Creamline’s bid for another title but also adds another compelling chapter to her already storied career—one that continues to shape and elevate Philippine volleyball.

     

     

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  • Gel Cayuna earns PVL Player of the Week honors as Cignal barges into semis 

    Gel Cayuna earns PVL Player of the Week honors as Cignal barges into semis 

    Gel Cayuna proved once again why she is one of the most reliable floor generals in Philippine volleyball, guiding the Cignal Super Spikers past the Creamline Cool Smashers and into the semifinals of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference. 

     

    Her blend of steady playmaking and scoring aggression turned what could have been a tense matchup into a showcase of poise and leadership, reminding fans why the veteran setter continues to command respect in the league.

     

    The pivotal moment came in a five-set thriller against the defending champions at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where Cayuna delivered 34 excellent sets and 11 points to fuel Cignal’s 25-21, 24-26, 18-25, 25-22, 17-15 win. 

     

    Facing off against the Cool Smashers’ celebrated setter Jia Morado-De Guzman, Cayuna didn’t just keep pace—she dictated the tempo, orchestrating her team’s offense while also contributing crucial points at key moments. The performance earned her the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week award for March 24 to 28, a nod to her ability to rise when it matters most.

     

    “Sa ensayo kasi tinanong kami ni coach kung ano ‘yung goal namin na points and excellent sets, so sabi ko kasi 30 plus—’yung sinabi ko [sa sets] and double digits sa score. 

     

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    So talagang nagawa ko,” said Cayuna, reflecting on her remarkable effort. The 27-year-old four-time PVL Best Setter emphasized that her performance was a result of preparation and commitment, not just natural skill, highlighting the synergy between her vision and her teammates’ execution.

     

    Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos noted that Cayuna set a standard for the team that became both motivation and blueprint in their victory over the 10-time champion. “Nag-commit naman sila kasi sabi ko kailangan ‘yung intention natin. Ano ba ‘yung gusto nating gawin para manalo, which is ‘yung mga binitawan nila sa amin doon sa huddle namin,” he said. 

     

    The veteran setter’s leadership allowed the team to channel past frustrations and come back stronger, scoring a statement win over the squad that had previously defeated them in a five-set clash during the preliminary round.

     

    Delos Santos also pointed to the growth of the Cignal core as a key factor in their success. “I think may factor siya [mga hirap na pinagdaanan ng team] plus siguro ‘yung core rin nung team, kung paano sila nag-grow and nag-improve, kung paano nila ginugusto ‘yung ginagawa nila, plus ‘yung binibigay namin na mga skills, at mga situational, kung ano kailangang maramdaman, kung ano ‘yung kailangang gawin,” he said. 

     

    The combination of tactical execution and mental toughness, anchored by Cayuna’s leadership, gave the Super Spikers the edge in high-pressure situations, ultimately propelling them into the semifinals.

     

    With a couple of weeks to prepare before the Final Four begins on April 11 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Cayuna and Cignal now shift focus to the next challenge. The message is clear: under her guidance, the Super Spikers are not just content to reach the semis—they are determined to go further.

     

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