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Tag: PVL

  • PVL Draft Lottery set to shake up the league again in its third annual draw 

    PVL Draft Lottery set to shake up the league again in its third annual draw 

    The Premier Volleyball League’s draft lottery has quietly evolved into one of the most important dates of the offseason because it could reshape the future of struggling franchises in a matter of minutes.


    Set for May 25 ahead of the league’s Rookie Draft in June, the annual event once again places the spotlight on the teams at the bottom of the standings, all hoping fortune swings their way in a year expected to feature one of the deepest rookie pools yet.

     

    Unlike the NBA, where 14 non-playoff teams enter the lottery, the PVL keeps the field limited. Only the four teams with the lowest weighted records across all conferences from the previous season are eligible for the lottery draw, making every losing stretch from the past year carry long-term consequences.

     

    The team with the worst weighted record receives the biggest advantage with a 40-percent chance of securing the No. 1 overall pick. The next teams receive 30 percent, 20 percent, and 10 percent odds respectively. 

     

    Inside the lottery bowl, that translates to four balls for the lowest-ranked team, followed by three, two, and one. Picks No. 5 to No. 9 are already fixed based on weighted standings, leaving the lottery itself to determine only the top four selections.

     

    The system was introduced in 2024 when the PVL launched its rookie draft. It was designed to prevent automatic rewards for the league’s weakest teams while still giving them better chances to rebuild.

     

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    In the inaugural lottery, the process followed expectations almost perfectly. ZUS Coffee entered with the worst overall record and secured the No. 1 pick, while Capital1, Galeries Tower, and Farm Fresh followed in order.

     

    But the following year proved how quickly odds can collapse once the draw begins. Capital1 overcame only a 30-percent chance to leap to the top selection, while Nxled despite owning the highest probability and four balls in the draw — slid to No. 4 overall.

     

    That unpredictability is precisely why the event has become compelling for fans and front offices alike. The system rewards struggling teams without guaranteeing salvation, creating tension before a single rookie even steps onto a professional court.

     

    This year’s lottery may also carry added complications. Pending league confirmation, the formula for weighted rankings could still change depending on whether results from the PVL on Tour and Invitational tournaments are included in the computation. The exits of Cignal HD Spikers and Petro Gazz Angels could also affect how standings and probabilities are recalculated among the remaining nine squads.

     

    Beyond the lottery itself, much of the excitement comes from the names expected to headline the 2026 rookie class.

     

    Several collegiate standouts from the UAAP and NCAA have already expressed willingness to turn professional, giving teams even more reason to chase the top pick. 

     

    Among the most anticipated prospects are Detdet Pepito of the UST Golden Tigresses, veteran setter Lams Lamina from the NU Lady Bulldogs, and four-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker Nina Ytang of the UP Fighting Maroons.

     

    With elite collegiate stars preparing for the next step and rebuilding PVL teams desperate for franchise-changing talent, the draft lottery has become more than an offseason formality.

     

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  • Erika Santos weighs first-ever Alas Pilipinas Women stint amid rising PVL stock  

    Erika Santos weighs first-ever Alas Pilipinas Women stint amid rising PVL stock  

    Everything seems to be moving fast now for Erika Santos. Not too long ago, she was still trying to establish herself as a reliable scorer in the Premier Volleyball League.

     

    Now, she suddenly finds herself standing at the center of two major transitions at once — a new club team and a possible national team breakthrough.

     

    After emerging as one of the biggest revelations of the past PVL season, Santos has officially earned a place in the new Alas Pilipinas Women pool, signaling how quickly her stock has risen within Philippine volleyball circles.

     

    The invitation comes shortly after Santos delivered the best stretch of her young career.

     

    The former Cignal HD Spikers standout helped power the franchise to a runner-up finish in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference, while also building on the momentum she created after winning the 2025 PVL On Tour Most Valuable Player award.

     

    For many players, a national team invitation would immediately become an automatic yes.

    For Santos, however, the decision appears more complicated.

     

    “I’m honored to be part of the pool. It feels different when you’re representing the Philippines,” Santos said in an interview. 

     

    Still, despite appreciating the opportunity, the rising opposite spiker admitted she has not fully decided whether she is ready to commit to the program.

     

    “Right now, I’m 50/50,” she said.

     

    That hesitation reflects the current reality surrounding the national team setup.The Alas women’s program is entering another transition period following the departure — temporary or otherwise — of several key veterans from the recent Southeast Asian Games squad.

     

    Longtime team captain Jia De Guzman is among the major names who have stepped away, while several other established players also remain unavailable.

     

    With the program searching for fresh faces to help stabilize the next cycle, Santos suddenly becomes one of the emerging names capable of filling part of that vacuum. 

     

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    And in many ways, her timing could not be more symbolic, Santos is no longer simply viewed as a promising scorer.

     

    She is now being asked whether she is ready to become part of the next generation expected to carry the national team forward.

     

    At the same time, her professional career is also entering a brand-new chapter.

     

    Following Cignal HD Spikers’ leave of absence from the league, Santos recently transferred to the Capital1 Solar Spikers, where she will join fellow stars Vanie Gandler and Bella Belen in what is quickly becoming one of the league’s most intriguing new cores.

     

    “Leaving Cignal is emotional, but this is an exciting new beginning. I’m ready to help Capital1 reach its goals,” she shared.

     

    For Santos, the coming months may ultimately define the direction of her career.

    One path centers on adjusting to a new PVL environment and continuing her rise as one of the league’s breakout stars.

     

    The other could lead to her first opportunity wearing the Philippine colors on the international stage. 

     

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  • Tia Andaya exits Choco Mucho Flying Titans as overseas journey in PH ends early 

    Tia Andaya exits Choco Mucho Flying Titans as overseas journey in PH ends early 

    What was once viewed as a promising homecoming has now quietly come to an early end.

     

    Filipino-American setter Tia Joy Andaya has reportedly parted ways with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans after an abbreviated stay in the Premier Volleyball League, cutting short what many expected to be a longer chapter in Philippine volleyball.

     

    According to reports, Andaya has already returned to the United States after growing frustrated over her limited opportunities on the court during her lone conference with the Flying Titans.

    The 25-year-old playmaker reportedly requested her release from the team after spending most of the season watching from the sidelines rather than orchestrating the offense she had long been known for overseas.

     

    For Andaya, the move to the Philippines initially carried plenty of intrigue.

     

    Unlike many first-time imports entering the PVL, she arrived with a diverse volleyball background already built across multiple countries and competitive systems.

     

    The Filipino-American setter previously suited up for both Gonzaga University and Central Washington University during her collegiate career in the United States before eventually taking her game overseas professionally.

     

    Her arrival also generated interest because of her previous ties to the Alas Pilipinas Women program.

     

    At one point, Andaya was among the Filipino-American prospects being considered for the national team pool as Philippine volleyball explored expanding its talent base internationally.

     

    She had even looked into the possibility of changing her sporting allegiance to represent the Philippines before the process ultimately never materialized into a full commitment.

     

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    That background made her PVL entry feel less like a typical import signing and more like a player attempting to reconnect with her Filipino roots through volleyball.

     

    Instead, the stint quickly became a difficult adjustment.

     

    Reports indicated that Andaya had already been back in the United States for nearly a month, with fellow Filipino-American players even organizing a farewell gathering before her departure.

     

    The situation also reflects the increasingly competitive environment inside the PVL, where roster depth and established rotations can make it difficult even for experienced overseas players to carve out major roles immediately.

     

    For Choco Mucho, the exit marks another roster shift as the Flying Titans continue to reshape their lineup heading into the next conference.

     

    As for Andaya, her early departure leaves behind a brief what-could-have-been chapter — one that started with curiosity and potential, but ultimately never found rhythm on the court. 

     

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

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

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


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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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  • “I want to help build the team”: Vanie Gandler explains decision to join Capital1 Solar Spikers 

    “I want to help build the team”: Vanie Gandler explains decision to join Capital1 Solar Spikers 

    The Capital1 Solar Spikers made one of the most significant roster shake-ups in recent Premier Volleyball League (PVL) history on Thursday, May 14, dramatically reshaping their lineup and signaling a clear shift from a developing squad into a win-now contender ahead of the upcoming season.

     

    The franchise secured the services of former Cignal Super Spikers standouts Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, while also reinforcing its playmaking department with veteran setter Jaja Santiago. The aggressive recruitment drive underlines Capital1’s intent to immediately compete with the league’s elite after previously operating as a rebuilding team.

     

    At the center of the transformation is Gandler, who arrives at Capital1 fresh off the most productive conference of her professional career. The 25-year-old broke out as one of the PVL’s premier attackers, guiding Cignal to its first-ever All-Filipino Finals appearance and nearly steering the squad to a championship upset against perennial powerhouse Creamline. Her standout campaign was capped by the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference Most Valuable Player award, the first major individual honor of her career.

     

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    Gandler spoke candidly about her decision to join Capital1, citing the team’s steady growth and organizational direction as key factors in her move.

     

    “When I was thinking of a team to join, I always felt that I fit best in Capital1 for some reason. Playing on the other side of the court against them, I saw the growth of the team in the two years that Capital1 has been in the PVL. I saw the potential that the team has because I can see it in the way the team owners handled the team, with how supportive they are with the way they communicate with their players,” Gandler said in her welcome press conference.

    “I wanted to join a team where I’m not just a missing piece, I wanted to be there to build a team with them, to help them write a story,” she added.

     

    Her arrival also creates a formidable attacking duo alongside fellow Alas Pilipinas standout Bella Belen, forming one of the most promising wing combinations in the PVL. The pairing gives Capital1 a rare blend of explosiveness and versatility, featuring two of the league’s most decorated young stars in the reigning MVP and Rookie of the Conference.

     

    Despite the heightened expectations, Gandler emphasized her commitment to growth and process over immediate pressure.

     

    “There may be high expectations but like always, my focus is just on today. What I have to do today, the process of what I need to do next, so I’m definitely gonna take what I learned over the past years and try to share it with the team, but not put too much pressure on myself that I have this expectation. I know that I still have so much to learn. And I know that I can learn so much from this new team, new people, new perspectives, so I’m very excited to still keep improving,” she continued.

     

    Capital1’s aggressive roster overhaul signals a clear change in trajectory, opting to accelerate its competitive timeline by surrounding its young core with proven talent capable of contending immediately. After acquiring two of the most sought-after players in the league following Cignal’s leave of absence, the Solar Spikers have positioned themselves as a legitimate threat in the PVL hierarchy.

     

    “Our goal is to focus on the process and I have no doubt that this team will really focus on the process and get there one step at a time. In my recent years of volleyball, I really fell in love with the process and everything I learned getting to that championship. The timeline to that championship, I’m not sure, but I know one day we will get there, but for now we are just gonna enjoy what we are doing and enjoy building this team together,” Gandler concluded.

     

    With the arrival of Gandler and Santos alongside a strengthened core led by Belen, Capital1 has transformed from a rebuilding side into one of the PVL’s most intriguing dark horses. While chemistry will take time to develop, the Solar Spikers now possess the star power, depth, and potential firepower to challenge established contenders—setting the stage for a season that could redefine the franchise’s direction in Philippine volleyball.

     

     

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  • Strong Group Athletics to offer collegiate players to reinforce Alas in AVC Women’s Cup 

    Strong Group Athletics to offer collegiate players to reinforce Alas in AVC Women’s Cup 

    At a time when Alas Pilipinas is scrambling to rebuild its roster, one of the country’s biggest sports backers has stepped forward with a clear message: help is available.

    Strong Group Athletics (SGA), the sports stable behind multiple collegiate and professional volleyball programs, publicly committed its support to the national team on Thursday, offering not only players but also financial backing for whoever gets called up to the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup pool.

     

    The timing could hardly be more significant.

    With several established national team players already withdrawing from consideration due to injuries, fatigue, scheduling conflicts, and personal decisions, Alas Pilipinas has been left searching for available bodies less than a month before the continental tournament in Candon City.

    Rather than waiting on the sidelines, SGA positioned itself as a potential bridge between the depleted national squad and the next wave of available talent.

    “In light of the reported shortage of players for the upcoming 2026 AVC Women’s Cup, Strong Group Athletics expresses its willingness to pool the best talents from its teams from both professional and collegiate in support of the national team campaign in the AVC,” the statement read.

    The Frank Lao-backed organization oversees PVL teams ZUS Coffee and Farm Fresh while also supporting several collegiate programs, including University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines, Letran, and College of Saint Benilde.

     

    That wide network now gives the national team additional flexibility as it tries to complete a competitive roster in time for the AVC Women’s Cup.

    More notably, SGA made it clear that collegiate athletes called into the national pool would receive the same treatment as professional players — a move that could further encourage younger standouts to immediately embrace national team duty.

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    “All collegiate players who will be selected for the national roster pool will be given the same compensation and benefits as PVL draftees, including win-game bonuses and practice allowances,” the statement added.

    The declaration arrives at a moment when the national team program is confronting uncertainty on multiple fronts.

    Several cornerstone players from the previous Alas setup, including Jia De Guzman, Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Angel Canino, Shevana Laput, and Amie Provido, have already become unavailable for the tournament. Injuries and coaching concerns have further complicated preparations heading into the June competition.

    That reality has shifted attention toward younger collegiate players and emerging PVL standouts who may now be asked to take on bigger national team responsibilities sooner than expected.

    SGA’s latest move suggests the organization is prepared to become one of the major support systems behind that transition.

    With its programs spread across both collegiate and professional volleyball, the sports stable now holds access to one of the country’s deepest talent pools — and as Alas Pilipinas searches for answers, that depth may soon become more valuable than ever.

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  • “I really manifested and prayed for it talaga na may makuha kami from Cignal”: Bella Belen on Capital1 signing two key Cignal players 

    “I really manifested and prayed for it talaga na may makuha kami from Cignal”: Bella Belen on Capital1 signing two key Cignal players 

    What started as playful talk during All-Star festivities has now turned into one of the biggest offseason storylines in the PVL, as Capital1 Solar Spikers officially secured the services of former Cignal players, Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos.


    At the center of the moment is rookie star Bella Belen, who once jokingly expressed her desire to bring in Cignal players—and now finds herself not only playing alongside them again but also reuniting with familiar faces.

     

    Belen, along with Santos and Gandler, previously shared the court as teammates during the 2026 PVL All-Star, while the PVL star rookie and Gandler were also once teammates under Alas Pilipinas, making the Capital1 move feel more like a reunion than a fresh start.

     

    For Belen, what began as lighthearted “recruitment” during the All-Star break in Candon, Ilocos Sur has now evolved into a defining roster upgrade for Capital1 after Cignal’s leave of absence.

     

    “Ako talaga, I really manifested and prayed for it talaga na may makuha kami from Cignal with the likes of Ate Vanie and Ate Erika,” Belen said after the team’s press conference.

     

    She admitted she had already been pitching Capital1’s direction and long-term vision to the Cignal stars even during the All-Star festivities.

     

    “Like ano ‘yung platform, direction namin as a team, at sabihin sa kanila ano ‘yung gusto naming marating,” she said. 

     

    At the time, she even playfully pointed out how the All-Star jerseys suited the Cignal duo—an early hint of what would eventually become reality in the offseason.

     

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    Now, that moment has turned into one of the most impactful roster moves of the PVL break, immediately boosting Capital1’s competitiveness after a tough 2026 All-Filipino Conference campaign.

     

    Beyond the reunion narrative, Belen believes the arrivals of Gandler and Santos bring valuable playoff experience and leadership that the young franchise can build on.

     

    “Marami silang experience, nakapag-Finals na sila. So, I believe, marami silang pwedeng madala sa Capital1—and ganun din naman kami, marami kaming pwedeng matutunan sa kanila,” the 23-year-old Outside Hitter said.

     

    With a refreshed lineup and familiar chemistry already in place, Capital1 now heads into the new PVL season with renewed confidence, hoping that this blend of reunited teammates and rising stars can finally push the franchise into serious contention. 

     

     

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  • Capital1 fast-tracks title ambitions with blockbuster Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos signing

    Capital1 fast-tracks title ambitions with blockbuster Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos signing

    Capital1 is no longer building quietly.

     

    After spending its early PVL years trying to establish an identity, the young franchise has suddenly accelerated its timeline — and the rest of the league may now have to take the Solar Spikers far more seriously.

     

    In what instantly became one of the biggest offseason moves in recent PVL memory, Capital1 secured the services of former Cignal stars Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, dramatically reshaping both its roster and championship outlook heading into the new season.

     

    The franchise also strengthened its playmaking department by adding veteran setter Jaja Maraguinot, further signaling that Capital1 is shifting from a developmental team into a squad aiming to contend immediately.

     

    The centerpiece of the transformation, of course, is Gandler.

     

    Fresh off the best conference of her professional career, the 25-year-old arrives in Capital1 carrying the momentum of a breakthrough season that saw her evolve from rising talent into full-fledged league star.

     

    Gandler powered Cignal to its first-ever All-Filipino Finals appearance earlier this year and nearly helped push Creamline to the brink during a fiercely contested championship series.

     

    Her stellar run ultimately earned her the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference MVP award — the first individual accolade of her PVL career.

     

    But perhaps more importantly, Gandler now enters a situation where expectations immediately become much bigger.

     

    At Capital1, she joins forces with fellow Alas Pilipinas standout Bella Belen, creating what could become one of the league’s most dangerous wing tandems.

     

    The partnership also gives the PVL a rare combination: the reigning MVP alongside the reigning Rookie of the Conference.

     

    Just as significant is Gandler’s reunion with former Alas Pilipinas head coach Jorge Souza De Brito, who once again gets the opportunity to maximize one of the country’s premier outside hitters.

     

    While Gandler headlines the move, Santos may end up becoming equally important to Capital1’s rise.

     

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    After years of searching for consistency early in her career, Santos finally found her rhythm with Cignal and blossomed into one of the PVL’s fastest-rising scorers.

     

    Her lone season with the Super Spikers became a breakout campaign, highlighted by a PVL on Tour MVP award and recognition as one of the league’s top opposite spikers.

     

    Now joining her third PVL team, Santos gives Capital1 another reliable offensive weapon while reuniting with fellow La Salle product Leila Cruz.

     

    The additions arrive at a crucial point for the Solar Spikers.

     

    Despite flashes of promise last season — particularly behind Belen’s emergence as Rookie of the Conference and Best Outside Spiker — Capital1 still struggled to consistently compete with the league’s elite.

     

    The team reached the Reinforced Conference quarterfinals but eventually finished eighth in the All-Filipino Conference after falling short in the Play-In stage.

     

    That reality appears to have fueled the franchise’s aggressive offseason approach.

     

    Instead of waiting years for gradual growth, Capital1 has chosen to accelerate the process by surrounding Belen with proven stars already capable of competing deep into the playoffs.

     

    And after landing two of the biggest names available following Cignal’s leave of absence, the Solar Spikers may have officially announced themselves as a legitimate threat to the PVL hierarchy.

     

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  • From college stars to future franchise pieces: UAAP standouts ready to shape 2026 PVL Draft

    From college stars to future franchise pieces: UAAP standouts ready to shape 2026 PVL Draft

    The UAAP spotlight may have dimmed following the end of Season 88, but for many of the league’s biggest stars, the next — and perhaps toughest — chapter is only beginning.

     

    With the 2026 PVL Draft approaching, front offices across the professional ranks are now turning their attention toward a UAAP class filled with polished setters, battle-tested veterans, elite defenders, and scorers capable of contributing immediately.

     

    More than just statistical standouts, this year’s crop represents a fascinating mix of proven winners, comeback stories, and long-term projects who could eventually become cornerstones of rebuilding PVL franchises.

     

    At the center of the conversation is National University playmaker Camille Lamina, whose calm command of NU’s offense over the past several seasons made her one of the most accomplished setters in the collegiate game.

     

    A two-time UAAP Best Setter, Lamina enters the draft process carrying the profile many teams covet most: a proven floor general capable of elevating everyone around her.

     

    But while setters traditionally hold premium value in the PVL, University of the Philippines middle blocker Niña Ytang has built a compelling case of her own to challenge for the top overall selection.

     

    Ytang developed into one of the UAAP’s most dominant net defenders and offensive middle threats, finishing Season 88 as the highest-scoring middle blocker in the league with 172 total points. Her combination of timing, length, and consistency could make her one of the safest selections available.

     

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    UST libero Detdet Pepito may also hear her name called early.

     

    Few players in recent UAAP history arrive with a résumé as decorated as Pepito’s. Long considered the emotional anchor of the Golden Tigresses, the veteran libero brings years of leadership, elite floor defense, and high-pressure experience that could immediately stabilize a professional backcourt.

     

    Meanwhile, FEU setter Tin Ubaldo quietly strengthened her draft stock by remaining one of the steadiest playmakers in the league this season.

     

    Known for her ability to manage tempo and keep offenses organized, Ubaldo projects as a valuable option for teams searching for reliability at the setter position.

     

    Her FEU teammate Gerzel Petallo also emerged as one of the more intriguing offensive prospects available after showcasing her ability to score from multiple areas on the floor.

     

    UST’s Jonna Perdido, meanwhile, enters the draft as one of the class’ biggest wildcard prospects.

     

    Before suffering a torn ACL, Perdido was viewed as one of the league’s rising scorers. While her return this season came with expected growing pains, her upside remains undeniable if she fully regains her old form.

     

    UP’s Joan Monares faces similar intrigue.

     

    Limited by a lingering back injury during her final collegiate season, Monares still flashed the versatility and two-way reliability that made her one of the Fighting Maroons’ most dependable players throughout her career.

     

    Other names expected to draw attention include UST spark plug Xyza Gula, UP utility player Irah Jaboneta, and Ateneo winger Zel Tsunashima, whose comeback from a broken shin offered glimpses of the offensive potential that once made her one of the Blue Eagles’ promising young hitters.

     

    As PVL teams prepare to reshape their rosters in the coming weeks, this UAAP batch enters the professional scene carrying more than collegiate credentials.

     

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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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