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Tag: PVL All-Filipino Conference

  • Akari shocks Creamline, Nxled rebounds as PVL All-Filipino race tightens

    Akari shocks Creamline, Nxled rebounds as PVL All-Filipino race tightens

    A night that began with familiar contenders quickly turned into one of the most unpredictable evenings of the conference. At the FilOil Centre on Thursday, momentum swung wildly as four teams battled through two gripping matches that could shape the closing stretch of the preliminary round of the PVL All-Filipino Conference.


    The spotlight first fell on a matchup between two squads clad in pink—but the story that unfolded was far from ordinary.

     

    Akari entered the court with a balanced 3-3 record, facing a formidable opponent in the Creamline Cool Smashers, the league’s decorated powerhouse and a perennial title threat. Yet instead of playing the role of underdog, the Chargers authored one of the conference’s biggest surprises.

     

    Akari snapped Creamline’s impressive run with a hard-earned four-set triumph, 25–21, 28–26, 17–25, 25–21. The victory was anchored by relentless defense and timely scoring that kept the Chargers steady whenever the Cool Smashers threatened to shift momentum.

     

    Libero Justine Jazareno set the tone for Akari’s resilience, collecting 22 excellent digs at 59 percent efficiency to earn Player of the Game honors. Her floor coverage repeatedly denied Creamline’s attackers and allowed the Chargers to build their counterattacks.

     

    Eli Soyud ignited Akari’s decisive fourth-set push, stringing together four consecutive hits that helped create an early 7–3 advantage. Earlier in the match, Faith Lacsina had already laid the offensive foundation with a 20-point performance, while Grethcel Soltones added 14 markers, delivering steady production during crucial stretches that helped maintain Akari’s composure.

     

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    Creamline, meanwhile, showed flashes of its usual firepower but struggled to consistently break through the Chargers’ defense.

     

    Jema Galanza led the Cool Smashers with 16 points, highlighted by a stretch of powerful attacks that briefly sparked hopes of a late comeback. Tots Carlos contributed 10 points and Pangs Panaga added nine, while Bernadette Pons was held to eight markers as Akari’s defensive pressure kept her in check.

     

    Despite the loss, Creamline remained within the upper tier of the standings at 5-2, while Akari strengthened its position in the middle of the pack.

     

    If the first match delivered a shock, the second game offered redemption, as Nxled entered the night searching for answers against ZUS Coffee, the Chameleons finally rediscovered their rhythm.

     

    After dropping the opening set, Nxled regrouped and surged back to claim a 20-25, 25-15, 25-23, 25-19 victory, ending the skid and keeping their playoff hopes alive.

     

    Brooke Van Sickle once again led the offense, firing 20 points to pace the Chameleons. Jonah Sabete-Escamillan matched the output with 19 markers of her own, including three blocks, while middle blocker MJ Phillips dominated the net with 12 points highlighted by three rejections.

    Veteran Myla Pablo chipped in eight points as Nxled leaned on its slight statistical advantage to pull away late in the match.

     

    The win lifted the Chameleons to a 4-4 record, leaving them within reach of a coveted Top 4 spot as the preliminary round nears its conclusion. Nxled will face league-leading PLDT in its final elimination match on Tuesday.

     

    For ZUS Coffee, however, the search for a breakthrough continues. The defeat marked the team’s fifth straight loss, dropping them to 1-7 and to the bottom of the standings.

     

    Thea Gagate paced ZUS Coffee with 16 points, while Cess Robles added 13 markers. Jovelyn Gonzaga finished with 11 points and Riza Nogales contributed eight, but their efforts were not enough to halt Nxled’s late surge.

     

    As the preliminary round inches closer to its final stretch, Thursday’s results reshaped the race. One contender proved vulnerable, another rediscovered its footing and the battle for positioning suddenly feels more open than ever.

     

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  • Alleiah Malaluan draws inspiration from PVL’s top wing spikers as she builds career with PLDT

    Alleiah Malaluan draws inspiration from PVL’s top wing spikers as she builds career with PLDT

    For rising Alleiah Malaluan, the journey in the Premier Volleyball League is still just beginning. But even in the early stages of her professional career, the PLDT High Speed Hitters wing spiker already has a clear picture of the players whose games she hopes to emulate.

     

    Malaluan shared the names of several PVL standouts she considers her idols—athletes whose versatility and consistency continue to influence how she approaches her role on the court.

     

    Leading that list is Brooke Van Sickle of the Nxled Chameleons. A three-time conference Most Valuable Player, Van Sickle has built a reputation as one of the league’s most dynamic performers, capable of impacting matches through scoring, defense, and all-around play.

     

    The former Lady Spiker also pointed to Jema Galanza of the Creamline Cool Smashers as another player she admires. Known for her powerful attacks and dependable floor defense, Galanza has long been recognized as one of the league’s premier two-way wing spikers.

     

    Another source of inspiration is veteran attacker Myla Pablo, also of Nxled, whose scoring consistency over the years has made her one of the most reliable offensive weapons in the league.

     

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    Closer to home, Malaluan likewise draws lessons from teammate Savi Davison. The PLDT star’s power and versatility on offense provide a daily reminder of the level needed to excel against the league’s top defenders.

     

    For Malaluan, observing these players is not just about admiration but also about learning how to expand her own skill set.

     

    “Lahat ‘yun kasi ang dami lang kayang gawin and sobrang dami ko din natututunan sa kanilang lahat,” she said.

     

    “So ‘yung sa spikes naman, sa mga spiker, it’s because parang nagkakaroon naman ng ideas how to play. And parang gusto ko rin ma-apply sa laro.”

     

    While she studies the offensive abilities of the league’s top spikers, Malaluan also credits her own captain, Kath Arado, for shaping another critical part of her development.

     

    “Kay Ate Kath naman, in terms of defense and receive, nakaka-inspire din,” the former DLSU Lady Spiker said. 

     

    As Malaluan continues to carve out a bigger role for the High Speed Hitters, the players she looks up to serve as both motivation and blueprint—examples of the kind of complete, impactful performer she hopes to become on the taraflex.

     

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  • Nxled Chameleons and Zus Thunderbelles face critical matchups in PVL All-Filipino Thursday showdowns

    Nxled Chameleons and Zus Thunderbelles face critical matchups in PVL All-Filipino Thursday showdowns

    As the PVL All-Filipino Conference continues on Thursday, four squads will battle not just for wins but to prove their resilience and sharpen their postseason ambitions.


    The day opens with a marquee clash between the Akari Chargers and the Creamline Cool Smashers at the FilOil Centre.


    Meanwhile, in the 7 p.m. matchup, the Nxled Chameleons will attempt a comeback from their previous loss against Creamline and will face Zus Thunderbelles. 

     

    After a heartbreaking five-set loss to the Cool Smashers last Saturday, Nxled aims to regroup and fortify weak spots in their gameplay. 

     

    Team captain Brooke Van Sickle, who scored an impressive 28 points in the previous game, will be pivotal, alongside Myla Pablo with 22 points and Mar Phillips contributing 12.

     

    For the Thunderbelles, the pressure is on. Sitting at 10th place with just one win and a four-game losing streak, the team must rely on key players Thea Gagate and Chinnie Arroyo, the only duo to hit double digits in their last match against Cignal, posting 11 points each.

     

    Nxled will lean heavily on their experienced core to try and regain composure. Beyond Van Sickle, the team will look for consistent contributions from rising stars who can fill the gaps exposed in their loss to Creamline. 

     

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    Their strategy will likely focus on tightening defense and improving communication to reduce unforced errors, which plagued them in the previous match. The Chameleons are determined to turn their near miss into motivation, using Thursday’s game as a chance to build confidence ahead of the Play-In phase.

     

    For the Thunderbelles, the challenge is more urgent. With only one win so far, every set counts, and they must convert offensive opportunities while shoring up their defense. 

     

    Players like Thea Gagate and Chinnie Arroyo will need to lead by example, but the team must also rely on younger contributors stepping up in high-pressure situations. 

     

    Thursday offers them a critical opportunity to break their losing streak and inject some momentum into their campaign before the knockout rounds intensify.

     

    While no team faces elimination after the first round, Thursday’s contests carry added significance as the race for postseason positioning heats up. 

     

    The top four teams will meet in knockout duels for the first two Final Four berths, while the losers will face the Play-In winners to determine the remaining semifinal slots, setting the stage for a pressure-packed climb to the next round.

     

    Looking at all four teams, fans can expect contrasting storylines, Nxled is fighting to rebound from a narrow loss, and the Thunderbelles are determined to snap their losing streak. 

     

    Each team brings its own mix of star power, strategic adjustments, and urgency, promising an action-packed day of volleyball footing in the race toward the Final Four.

     

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  • Kim Fajardo orchestrates PLDT’s balanced attack as High Speed Hitters surge to the top

    Kim Fajardo orchestrates PLDT’s balanced attack as High Speed Hitters surge to the top

    At the heart of the PLDT High Speed Hitters’ strong campaign in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference is a setter who thrives not on scoring headlines, but on creating them for everyone else.


    Veteran playmaker Kim Fajardo has quietly become the engine behind PLDT’s offensive rhythm, distributing the ball with precision as the High Speed Hitters climbed to the top of the standings with a 6–1 record.

     

    For Fajardo, the strength of the team lies in its depth. With multiple attackers capable of delivering points from different angles, the 32-year-old setter has embraced the challenge of maximizing every weapon in the lineup. 

     

    After seven preliminary matches, that approach has helped PLDT emerge as one of the most difficult teams to defend in the conference.

     

    Fajardo’s steady command of the offense has also placed her among the league’s top playmakers. She currently ranks second among setters with 123 running sets and an average of 4.92 per set, numbers that highlight her role in orchestrating PLDT’s high-powered attack.

     

    Her influence was on full display in the team’s most recent game against the Galeries Tower Highrisers, where PLDT secured a straight-sets victory. Fajardo tallied 15 excellent sets while adding three points, earning Player of the Game honors.

     

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    Yet despite the praise, Fajardo insists her approach remains simple—trust her instincts and trust her teammates.

     

    “Sa akin lang, trust na lang din sa sarili ko sa decision-making at trust sa mga kasama,” Fajardo said.

     

    While many setters in the league have recently adopted a more aggressive scoring role, Fajardo remains comfortable focusing on her traditional responsibility by setting up her teammates for success.

     

    “’Di naman ako necessarily na kailangan sumabay sa trend na yun basta gusto ko lang magcontribute sa team namin sa way na kaya ko,” the 32-year-old setter said.

     

    Beyond the numbers, Fajardo believes the team’s biggest progress has come from the intangible aspects of the game—discipline, communication, and the collective mindset that has gradually developed within the roster.

     

    “Ako, happy lang ako na yung mga skills kaya siya i-training, yung mga dapat gawin sa court. Pero happy ako kasi, bilang isa sa mga nasa loob, na-feel ko yung discipline, yung mga skills na di kayang ituro sa loob kundi yung mga tulad ng communication, kung paano yung attitude sa loob,” the former DLSU team captain said.

     

    As the elimination round continues, PLDT now stands on the brink of securing its place in the qualifying stage. 

     

    The High Speed Hitters will attempt to take another step forward when they face the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Saturday at the FilOil Centre. 

     

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  • Streaking Creamline, surging Akari collide in pivotal PVL showdown for Top 4 race

    Streaking Creamline, surging Akari collide in pivotal PVL showdown for Top 4 race

    Momentum meets urgency when the Creamline Cool Smashers and the Akari Chargers square off in a crucial battle in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at the FilOil Playtime Centre.

     

    The 4 p.m. matchup carries significant implications in the race for the coveted Top 4 positions, with both teams entering the contest on contrasting yet equally compelling runs as the elimination round nears its critical stretch.

     

    Creamline heads into the clash as one of the tournament’s hottest teams. The 10-time champions have strung together five straight victories since absorbing a straight-sets defeat to the PLDT High Speed Hitters last Feb. 5, regaining the rhythm that has long defined the league powerhouse.

     

    Still, the Cool Smashers were recently reminded that nothing comes easy in the conference. Their most recent outing turned into a test of resolve as they survived a gritty five-set encounter against the Nxled Chameleons last weekend, pushing their record to 5-1 and keeping them firmly in the upper tier of the standings behind PLDT (6-1) and the Cignal HD Spikers (5-2).

     

    Waiting for them this time, however, is an Akari side that has rediscovered its form at just the right moment.

     

    After stumbling through a three-game skid earlier in the conference, the Chargers have steadied themselves with three consecutive victories, the latest a four-set win over the Capital1 Solar Spikers. The surge has allowed Akari to climb back into contention despite holding a 3-3 record that currently places them seventh in the standings.

     

    That position, however, remains far from secure — or hopeless.

     

    A victory over Creamline could dramatically reshape the standings and propel the Chargers into the fourth spot, keeping their qualifying round aspirations very much alive as they prepare for their remaining elimination matches against the Galeries Tower Highrisers and the Farm Fresh Foxies.

     

    Akari coach Tina Salak stressed that the team’s resurgence has come from a collective effort and a renewed commitment to their standards.

     

    “Again, total team effort. Not because nag-start kami ng bad, all throughout na ‘yun. Nag-set kami ng standards na hindi kami dapat aabot na papahirapan ‘yung sarili namin at the end. Dapat, pare-pareho kami ng goal. Kung ma-achieve namin yun, pahirapan kami pataas,” Salak said.

     

    On the opposite bench, Creamline mentor Sherwin Meneses remains cautious despite his team’s impressive winning run, acknowledging there are still areas the Cool Smashers must refine as the competition tightens.

     

     

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    The nightcap at 6:30 p.m. will feature another matchup with teams eager to reverse their fortunes.

     

    The Nxled Chameleons aim to halt a troubling four-game losing streak when they face the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, who are also looking to end a similar slump.

     

    Nxled came close to snapping its skid in its last outing, pushing Creamline to a demanding five-set duel before falling short in the decisive moments where experience ultimately tipped the balance.

     

    Coach Ettore Guidetti is expected to lean on the core that powered the Chameleons to three straight wins at the start of the conference, led by Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips and Myla Pablo, with support from EJ Laure and the rest of the rotation.

     

     

    Meanwhile, ZUS Coffee will rely on a determined mix of veterans and rising talents, including Jovelyn Gonzaga, Thea Gagate and playmaker Cloanne Mondonedo, as the Thunderbelles attempt to climb out of the bottom of the standings with their 1-6 record.

     

    With no team facing elimination yet, every match in the closing stretch of the preliminaries carries added weight.

     

    The tournament’s unique format will send teams ranked fifth to tenth into a Play-In phase, where they will battle in knockout matches for the final two semifinal spots. Meanwhile, the Top 4 squads will duel for the first two Final Four berths, with the losers getting another chance against the Play-In survivors.

     

    With positioning becoming increasingly crucial, Thursday’s clashes could play a defining role in shaping the path to the semifinals.

     

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  • PLDT stays grounded despite rise to top of PVL All-Filipino standings

    PLDT stays grounded despite rise to top of PVL All-Filipino standings

    Sitting alone at the top of the standings could easily tempt a team to start looking ahead.

     

    But for Rald Ricafort, staying grounded remains the priority as the PLDT High Speed Hitters continue their impressive run in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

     

    PLDT currently holds a 6-1 record with only two matches left in the preliminary round, putting the High Speed Hitters in a strong position to secure a place in the league’s four-team qualifying round. A single victory in their remaining games would be enough to clinch that opportunity, where an outright semifinals berth will be on the line.

     

    Despite the favorable scenario, Ricafort has made it clear he wants his squad to stay away from unnecessary attention and expectations.

     

    “Wini-wish namin na umabot kami ng top 4, pero para isipin pa namin, parang dagdag pressure pa, dagdag hype na naman na hindi naman kailangan,” said Ricafort.

     

    “Kung ano ‘yung next na kalaban namin, dapat du’n lang mag-focus.”

     

    It’s a mindset that mirrors Ricafort’s approach during PLDT’s championship surge last season, when the team quietly built momentum before eventually claiming titles in the PVL on Tour and the Invitational Conference.

     

    For the coach, consistency and focus remain far more important than standings at this stage of the tournament.

     

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    The current format of the conference also demands that teams remain sharp. Even after meeting in the preliminary round, squads could face each other again later in the competition, meaning every game can serve as preparation for a potential rematch.

     

    “At the same time, hindi porket nakalaban na namin, kakalimutan na namin ‘yung mga natutunan dahil may chance na makalaban namin sila ulit kaya every game ay very important pa rin,” he added.

     

    PLDT still faces two crucial tests to close the elimination round, beginning with a clash against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans before taking on the Nxled Chameleons.

     

    Both matches carry weight as the High Speed Hitters aim to secure their spot in the next phase of the tournament while keeping their rhythm intact heading into the more demanding rounds.

     

    Ricafort, however, prefers that his players keep their focus on the immediate challenge rather than the bigger picture.

     

    “‘Yung feeling, hindi nga ‘yung malapit na matapos ‘yung elims kasi ang bibigat pa ng remaining games namin,” said Ricafort.

     

    “Sabi nga namin sa players, mahirap nga tumingin nang sobrang layo at one game at a time lang talaga. Happy kami na nairaos namin ‘to ngayon kasi sabak agad ulit kami sa Sabado.”

     

    For PLDT, the message is clear: the standings may look good, but the real work is far from over.

     

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  • Royse Tubino sparks Farm Fresh comeback against former team Choco Mucho

    Royse Tubino sparks Farm Fresh comeback against former team Choco Mucho

    Facing a former team can sometimes carry extra emotions, but for Royse Tubino, Tuesday night’s matchup was less about nostalgia and more about enjoying the game.


    Tubino delivered a key performance for the Farm Fresh Foxies as they pulled off a dramatic five-set victory over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

     

    The veteran winger, who joined Farm Fresh during the offseason after previously playing for the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, helped flip the script in a tense contest that stretched to the limit.

     

    Inserted into the starting lineup for Ara Galang at the beginning of the second set, the 33-year-old immediately made her presence felt. Tubino finished with 14 points and five excellent receptions, becoming one of the sparks behind the Foxies’ comeback against her former squad.

     

    Her efforts complemented the offensive push from Ces Molina, who led the team with 17 points, while Riri Meneses added 10 markers to help Farm Fresh secure the gritty win.

     

    For Tubino, the victory reflected the work the team had been putting in long before match day.

    “Pinaghirapan namin bawat training namin, bawat araw-araw na ginagawa namin ng mga coaches. Tsaka itong panalo talaga na ‘to, team effort. Tsaka hindi kami sumuko nung dulo,” the open hitter Tubino said.

     

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    Despite the storyline surrounding her reunion with Choco Mucho, Tubino made it clear she approached the match with a simple mindset—focus on her role and help her new team bounce back after a two-game skid.

     

    “Wala. Focus lang ako sa sarili ko rin this time kasi alam ko naman na si Choco Mucho ay matinding kalaban talaga. Ayun, focus lang ako sa sarili ko basta enjoy ko lang kung ano yung meron ako, kung ano yung na-ti-train namin, yun lang talaga,” said Tubino.

     

    While the match was fiercely contested on the court, the atmosphere between familiar faces remained lighthearted.

     

    Tubino shared that she exchanged playful banter with longtime teammate and fan favorite Cherry Ann Rondina, better known as Sisi, during the match—adding a friendly layer to the otherwise intense battle.

     

    “Nag-aasaran na lang kami nung sa game. Sabi ni Sisi na blockin niya daw ako, depensahan niya yung mga palo ko, pero sabi ko, ‘Sige, go.’ Yung mga asaran na Choco Mucho na, ano,” the 33-year-old said.

     

    Rondina still led the Flying Titans’ fight, finishing with 22 points, the same output posted by teammate Kat Tolentino in the loss.

     

    The win proved crucial for Farm Fresh in the standings. The Foxies improved to 3–4, keeping their Top 4 hopes alive as they now share the same record with Choco Mucho and the Nxled Chameleons in the tightly packed middle of the table.

     

     

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  • PLDT claims solo PVL lead as Farm Fresh outlasts Choco Mucho in five-set battle

    PLDT claims solo PVL lead as Farm Fresh outlasts Choco Mucho in five-set battle

    Two matches, two very different stories unfolded Tuesday night in the PVL All-Filipino Conference, but both carried major implications for the league standings.


    At the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City, the PLDT High Speed Hitters continued their steady climb toward the top of the leaderboard, while Farm Fresh finally found redemption in a tense five-set battle against Choco Mucho.

     

    The High Speed Hitters showed their composure and firepower in sweeping Galeries Tower, 25-18, 25-22, 25-17, a victory that propelled them to the solo lead in the standings with a 6-1 record. The win allowed PLDT to move ahead of sister team Cignal and strengthen its case as one of the early favorites in the tournament.

     

    The result also extended PLDT’s current momentum, marking their third consecutive victory since their earlier three-game winning streak was snapped by Cignal in a three-set defeat.

     

    Savannah Davison spearheaded the charge with 21 points, consistently delivering on offense whenever Galeries Tower attempted to close the gap. Mika Reyes added 10 markers, while Malaluan chipped in nine to round out a balanced attack that kept the Highrisers on the defensive throughout the match.

     

    For Galeries Tower, the loss deepened a rough stretch in their campaign. The Highrisers slipped to their third straight defeat since their upset win against Nxled on Feb. 19, leaving them ninth in the 10-team standings with a 2-5 record.

     

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    Jean Asis led Galeries Tower with nine points, but the team struggled to generate consistent scoring as no player managed to reach double digits. Gayle Pascual finished with eight markers, while Aiza Pontillas and Erika Deloria contributed seven points each.

     

    If the first match was about control, the second game was all about survival.

     

    Farm Fresh and Choco Mucho engaged in a gripping back-and-forth contest that stretched the evening into a dramatic fifth set. After trading momentum through the first four frames, the Foxies surged late to claim a hard-earned 21-25, 25-22, 16-25, 25-18, 15-9 victory.

     

    In recent weeks, the Foxies had been on the wrong end of grueling marathon matches, falling short against Capital1 and PLDT. This time, however, the team finally broke through, showing the poise that had previously eluded them in extended battles.

     

    Molina led the effort with 17 points while delivering an all-around performance that included 13 digs and 13 receptions to complete a triple-double. Tubino added 14 points, while Riri Meneses contributed 10, including two crucial blocks that helped steady Farm Fresh during pivotal stretches.

     

    Their combined efforts gave the Foxies the late push they needed to seal the deciding set and snap their frustrating run in tight contests.

     

    Choco Mucho, meanwhile, leaned heavily on its offensive stars in the tough defeat. Kat Tolentino and Cherry Ann Rondina both delivered 22 points for the Flying Titans, while Laure contributed 15 points in an on-and-off appearance. Lorraine Pecana and Des Cheng added seven and six markers, respectively.

     

    Despite the strong scoring output, the Flying Titans could not hold off Farm Fresh’s late surge in the deciding set.

     

    By the end of the night, the standings had shifted and narratives had changed. PLDT walked away firmly planted at the top of the league, while Farm Fresh left the court with renewed confidence after finally conquering a five-set battle.

     

     

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  • Does Bella Belen have a chance to become the first rookie-MVP in the PVL?

    Does Bella Belen have a chance to become the first rookie-MVP in the PVL?

    Few rookies arrive in the professional league carrying the weight of expectations the way Bella Belen has. Yet, if the early stretch of the Premier Volleyball League 2026 All-Filipino Conference is any indication, the Capital1 open hitter is not only embracing that pressure—she is thriving under it.

     

    The question now being asked around the league is simple: Can Belen become a Rookie-MVP in the PVL?

     

    Based on her performances so far, the answer is increasingly leaning toward yes because in just seven games with the Capital1 Solar Spikers, Belen has already established herself as the team’s offensive engine. 

     

    She has scored in double digits in every match, showcasing a level of consistency rarely seen from first-year players. More impressively, Belen currently leads the league in total scoring with 179 points, a considerable margin ahead of second-placer Brooke Van Sickle, who has 134.

     

    Her impact isn’t limited to scoring alone. Belen also finds herself among the top five in both best spiker and server, while ranking inside the top ten in best digger and receiver which is a testament to her all-around game.

     

    For a rookie adjusting to the speed and physicality of the professional level, those numbers are not just impressive—they are MVP-caliber.

     

    Belen’s success should hardly come as a surprise. Before turning pro, she built one of the most decorated collegiate careers in recent Philippine volleyball history with the NU Lady Bulldogs.

     

    During her time with the Lady Bulldogs, Belen became a three-time UAAP women’s volleyball MVP and etched her name into history as the first rookie-MVP in UAAP women’s volleyball. 

     

    Her impact on the program was so profound that National University retired her jersey, making her the first player in school history to receive the honor.

     

    Her journey with the NU program spanned 11 years, dating back to her time with NU Nazareth School Lady Bullpups, where she helped build a championship core alongside fellow star Alyssa Solomon.

     

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    That long stretch of development turned Belen into a complete player—one capable of leading a team offensively while still contributing defensively.

     

    When Belen declared for the 2025 PVL Draft, there was little doubt about where she would land.

    She was selected first overall by Capital1, becoming the centerpiece of the Solar Spikers’ rebuilding effort among a deep pool of 57 draft aspirants.

     

    The transition to the professional league can often be difficult even for top prospects, but Belen appears to have carried her collegiate form almost seamlessly into the PVL.

     

    Her ability to produce points, stabilize the team’s reception, and bring leadership qualities—even as a rookie—has made her indispensable to Capital1’s system.

     

    Statistics alone, however, do not fully capture Belen’s value. Her calm presence on the court and relentless competitiveness have made her a natural leader despite being one of the newest players in the league.

     

     Those qualities were also evident during her stint with Alas Pilipinas, where she contributed to the national squad’s campaign in 2025. That international experience has given her a maturity that many rookies take years to develop.

     

    One challenge that could affect her Rookie-MVP case is Capital1’s current standing. The Solar Spikers hold a 3–4 record, putting them in the middle of the pack as they attempt to push toward the top four in the standings. 

     

    Historically, individual awards often favor players from higher-seeded teams. However, Belen’s production may be strong enough to transcend that factor—especially if Capital1 improves its record as the conference progresses.

     

    When you combine her statistical dominance, winning pedigree, and experience at multiple levels of competition, it becomes clear why Bella Belen is already in the Rookie-MVP conversation.

    She is not just performing well for a rookie—she is performing like one of the best players in the league.

     

    If she maintains her current level of play and Capital1 climbs further up the standings, Belen could add yet another “first” to her already historic career as a PVL Rookie-MVP.

     

    Given her track record of breaking barriers, it would hardly be surprising if she does. 

     

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  • Rivalry lives on: Jema Galanza, Tots Carlos say Nxled clash felt like old Creamline–Petro Gazz battles

    Rivalry lives on: Jema Galanza, Tots Carlos say Nxled clash felt like old Creamline–Petro Gazz battles

     The uniforms may have changed, but for the Creamline Cool Smashers, the feeling of facing familiar rivals remains exactly the same.

     

    That sentiment echoed loudly after Creamline survived the Nxled Chameleons in a gripping five-set battle in the Premier Volleyball League — a match that many inside the court felt resembled the old Creamline–Petro Gazz Angels wars.

     

    Now wearing Nxled colors, former Angels standouts Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo, MJ Phillips and Jonah Sabete brought the same intensity that once fueled some of the league’s most memorable showdowns.

     

    For Jema Galanza, the matchup stirred a mix of emotions — excitement, nerves, and the thrill of facing opponents who always push Creamline to its limits.

     

    “Ako, ang daming feelings,” Galanza admitted. “Excited na may kaba, na nacha-challenge kasi maganda silang kalaban. Sobrang ganda nilang kalaban — yung kailangan mong mag-isip, hindi ka lang basta papalo, hindi lang basta ipapasok. Alam mo ‘yon, kailangan mong mag-isip.”

     

    Creamline grabbed a 2-1 lead, but Nxled responded with a dominant fourth set to send the match into a winner-take-all fifth frame.

     

    When the pressure mounted, the Cool Smashers leaned on their experience to steady themselves and eventually pull away for the 25-16, 22-25, 25-21, 15-25, 15-10 victory.

     

    “Nacha-challenge din yung composure namin. And ngayon, yun talaga yung nagpanalo sa’min,” Galanza said.

     

    The veteran outside hitter delivered a strong all-around effort with 19 points, along with 10 excellent receptions and six excellent digs, taking home the Player of the Game in the clash. 

     

     

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    For Tots Carlos, the match also carried extra meaning.

     

    Returning from a knee injury that sidelined her for much of last season, the three-time league MVP welcomed the chance to test Creamline’s composure in a high-pressure scenario — particularly against a group of players who have been part of many heated battles with the Cool Smashers.

     

    “Siguro like what I said kanina, more of excitement kasi nga ako personally, meron akong sariling goal and sariling reason going to the game,” The PVL Player of the Week Carlos shared.

     

    “Ako, natuwa ako na na-experience namin ‘yung ganong scenario na kasi nga sila coach, laging sinasabi na pag sumobra naman kami sa gigil, hindi makakatulong sa amin. Composure lang talaga, and ‘yun nga, trabaho lang.”

     

    The result ultimately reinforced what both Galanza and Carlos already knew.

     

    Even if the old Petro Gazz core now wears Nxled jerseys, the rivalry that once defined their matchups is still very much alive — only this time, it has simply taken on a new name.

     

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