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Tag: PVL

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

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

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

     

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  • Bella Belen bags two awards in PVL AFC Awards Night

    Bella Belen bags two awards in PVL AFC Awards Night

    It was supposed to be a night celebrating the best of the league—but in the end, it felt like the arrival party of Bella Belen.

     

    The young star stamped her class in her very first professional conference, walking away with not one but two major honors in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Awards Night—Rookie of the Conference and Best Outside Spiker.

     

    And she didn’t win them quietly. Belen finished third in scoring with 218 points built on 199 attacks, eight blocks, and 11 aces, immediately proving she could carry a heavy offensive load. But what made her campaign stand out even more was her versatility.

     

     She ranked fourth in both spiking efficiency (35.16%) and serving (0.31 aces per set), while also showing elite floor instincts—second in receiving efficiency (40.84%) and sixth in digging (3.06 per set).

     

    For a rookie, those numbers don’t just impress—they shift expectations. Her rapid rise gives the Creamline Cool Smashers another dangerous dimension moving forward, adding youth and all-around reliability to an already stacked roster.

     

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    While Belen headlined the night, several other standouts carved their own moments.

     

    Vanie Gandler emerged as the conference’s Most Valuable Player, leading the Cignal Super Spikers with steady, high-level play throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, Bernadeth Pons delivered when it mattered most, earning Finals MVP honors after steering Creamline to the championship.

     

    The league’s best in each position also reflected its growing depth: Gel Cayuna controlled the tempo as Best Setter, Brooke Van Sickle joined Belen as Best Outside Spiker, while Mikaela Panaga and Riza Nogales anchored the middle. Trisha Tubu and Kath Arado rounded out the honors as Best Opposite Spiker and Best Libero, respectively. 

     

    Belen’s breakout isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a signal to the rest of the league.

    With her ability to score, defend, and receive at a high level, she’s already playing like a seasoned pro. If her trajectory continues, she could quickly become one of the central figures in the PVL’s next era.

     

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  • Vanie Gandler admits “she fought through many failures” after winning maiden PVL MVP honor

    Vanie Gandler admits “she fought through many failures” after winning maiden PVL MVP honor

    The Cignal Super Spikers saw their championship hopes come to a crushing end in Game 2 of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Finals, falling to the defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers in a gripping five-set battle, 25-23, 22-25, 25-16, 16-25, 15-11, on Thursday, April 23 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    In front of a packed and electric crowd, both teams traded momentum swings in a match that encapsulated the intensity and drama of a championship series. PLDT showed resilience throughout, refusing to back down against the league’s most decorated squad, but Creamline’s composure in the deciding fifth set ultimately proved to be the difference as they closed out the series and denied PLDT a chance to extend the finals.

     

    Despite the heartbreaking defeat, one of the brightest storylines of the conference belonged to Vanie Gandler, whose stellar performance throughout the tournament culminated in her first Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. The 25-year-old delivered 26 points in the do-or-die Game 2, doing everything she could to will her team to victory, only to see her efforts fall just short in the end.

     

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    Gandler’s individual brilliance was a defining feature of PLDT’s campaign. By the end of the semifinals, she ranked fourth in total scoring with 209 points, built on 182 attacks, 17 kill blocks, and 10 service aces. Her all-around game was equally impressive—she placed ninth in spiking efficiency at 31.93 percent, seventh in serving with 0.23 aces per set, and seventh in receiving at 36.59 percent, underscoring her ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.

     

    Her MVP recognition marks a significant milestone in what has been a career defined by perseverance and steady growth. Once viewed as a polarizing figure during her collegiate days with the University Athletic Association of the Philippines while playing for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, Gandler faced intense scrutiny early in her career. Questions about her consistency and ability to translate potential into production followed her into the professional ranks.

     

    This conference, however, served as a turning point.

    “This is very meaningful to me because I fought really hard to be where I am today. I fought through so many failures. I fought through so much doubt. But I’m pretty grateful for those that were with me,” Gandler said after being named MVP.

     

    Her journey from criticism to recognition has resonated with many, especially as she emerged not just as a scorer, but as a leader and stabilizing presence for PLDT. Night after night, Gandler delivered under pressure, showcasing improved decision-making, defensive discipline, and a renewed confidence that elevated her overall game.

     

    “I really hold that purpose now. I want to show people now with hard work and dedication, you can reach your goals, that you can get to where you want. It doesn’t matter what people say as long as you keep working and you bring the result,” she added.

     

    For PLDT, the loss will undoubtedly sting, particularly after pushing one of the league’s most dominant teams to the limit. Yet, the conference also provided a glimpse into the team’s future, with Gandler at the forefront of its evolution into a legitimate title contender.

     

    As for the MVP, the recognition is both validation and motivation. Gandler’s story is no longer just about potential—it is now about fulfillment, growth, and resilience in the face of adversity.

     

    “I’m proud of myself. I’m definitely a player, a person that keeps trying, keeps pushing forward. It doesn’t matter what people say. I have a great career. I have a great team. I’m blessed to have this career. I have a great family and a great support system. So that’s what matters to me,” Gandler concluded.

     

    While the Creamline Cool Smashers continue their pursuit of yet another championship, the 2026 All-Filipino Conference will be remembered as the tournament where Vanie Gandler fully arrived—transforming from a once-scrutinized talent into one of the league’s brightest and most complete stars.

     

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  • Creamline closes in, Cignal scrambles as finals shift to crucial Game 2

    Creamline closes in, Cignal scrambles as finals shift to crucial Game 2

    The gap between experience and aspiration was on full display in Game 1—and now, both teams are forced to confront it head-on.

     

    Creamline didn’t just take the opening win of the PVL All-Filipino Finals; it reasserted a standard. In a match that barely stretched beyond 90 minutes, the Cool Smashers played with the kind of clarity that only comes from years of navigating this stage. On the other side, Cignal found itself chasing not just points, but composure.

     

    That contrast now defines the series.

     

    With Game 2 looming at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Creamline stands a win away from adding another chapter to its dynasty. For Cignal, the equation is far more urgent: adapt quickly, or watch the breakthrough slip away.

     

    The short turnaround only sharpens the divide. “Syempre, sobrang happy kasi in three sets namin nakuha yung Cignal. Malaking benefit kasi one-day preparation lang para sa Game 2,” said head coach Sherwin Meneses.

     

    A straight-sets victory does more than secure momentum—it preserves energy and simplifies preparation. Instead of reworking systems, Creamline can focus on refinement, tightening the few areas that slipped through in an otherwise controlled performance.

     

    “Makakapag-rest kami nang maayos, then makakapag-training din kasi hindi pa naman tapos yung laban. Ta-trabahuhin namin yung mga lapses namin… pero hindi kami puwedeng magkampante. Ang Cignal, hindi bibitaw yan.”

     

    Still, Game 1 hinted at a different reality. Cignal struggled to settle into its rhythm, committing 22 errors that repeatedly halted any attempt at building momentum. It wasn’t just a matter of execution—it was the weight of the moment, a first All-Filipino Finals appearance colliding with a team that has long mastered it.

     

    Meanwhile, Creamline operated with precision.

     

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    Jia de Guzman dictated the tempo with a balanced attack, distributing sets across Jema Galanza, Bernadeth Pons, and Tots Carlos, while anchoring the middle with Bea de Leon and Pangs Panaga. The result was a system that never looked rushed, never predictable—just efficient.


    “Siguro nakapag-execute kami nang maayos, at yung chemistry ng players talagang tumataas pa,” Meneses said. “Yung time na mag-jell is nandito ngayon sa Finals.”

     

    That chemistry, built over years of shared high-pressure moments, now becomes Creamline’s biggest advantage.

     

    For Cignal, the challenge is more layered. “Syempre medyo mabigat para sa amin yun,” admitted head coach Shaq delos Santos.

     

    With limited time to prepare, the Super Spikers aren’t just making adjustments—they’re searching for a reset. The corrections are clear: stabilize reception to give Gel Cayuna control, reduce the unforced errors that handed Creamline easy points, and rediscover the identity that fueled their Finals run.

     

    But beyond tactics, the shift has to come from within. “Kailangan ko maniwala sa team at sa sistema… huwag masyado i-pressure ang sarili. Ilabas lang ang totoong laro naming,” delos Santos said.

     

    That belief will be tested immediately.

     

    Because Game 2 isn’t just another match—it’s a turning point. Creamline enters with the comfort of control, needing only to sustain its level. Cignal steps in with urgency, needing to elevate everything at once.

     

    Elsewhere, the battle for third carries its own stakes. PLDT aims to complete a sweep against Farm Fresh after surviving a five-set opener, a reminder that even outside the Finals, nothing in this conference has come easy.

     

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  • PVL’s most well-spoken stars: Players who lead with words and performance 

    PVL’s most well-spoken stars: Players who lead with words and performance 

    In the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), postgame interviews have become just as compelling as the matches themselves, especially when certain players stand out not only for their performance on the court but also for how they express themselves off it. Some athletes come across as well-spoken in interviews because of a combination of preparation, experience, and natural communication skills. Many teams also provide media training, helping players learn how to answer questions clearly, stay composed under pressure, and represent their squad professionally in front of the media.

     

    Over time, repeated exposure to high-pressure situations plays a major role in shaping how athletes communicate. Veteran players become more comfortable processing emotions quickly and responding with clarity even after intense matches. A deeper understanding of the game also adds substance to their answers, allowing them to break down strategies, momentum shifts, and key moments in a more insightful way.

     

    Jia De Guzman 

     

    Jia De Guzman of the Creamline Cool Smashers continues to set the standard for articulate leadership in the PVL. As Creamline’s veteran setter and Alas Pilipinas captain, she is consistently present in postgame interviews where she explains matches with calm precision. In Creamline’s ongoing Finals run, where they already secured Game 1 against Cignal, De Guzman delivered 22 excellent sets and added four points, showing her control on both ends of the game. 


    Her ability to break down tactical details reflects years of experience dating back to her Ateneo Lady Eagles days. Beyond the court, she has also been vocal on national team concerns, speaking firmly yet calmly about athlete welfare and structured competition.

     

    Vanie Gandler 

     

    Vanie Gandler of the Cignal HD Spikers is another player known for her composed and thoughtful postgame presence. In Cignal’s Finals campaign in the PVL All-Filipino Conference, she remains one of the team’s key scorers, finishing Game 1 against Creamline with 17 attack points and 10 receptions. 

     

    Despite the tough loss, Gandler maintains a positive and reflective tone in interviews, often focusing on resilience, mindset, and improvement. A former Ateneo Lady Eagle like De Guzman, she carries collegiate discipline into her professional career, balancing competitiveness with maturity in her responses.

     

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    Fifi Sharma

     

    Fifi Sharma of the Akari Chargers is known for her structured and straightforward way of speaking after matches. She avoids unnecessary filler and often explains not just what happened, but why it happened. Although Akari fell short of a semifinal spot in the PVL All-Filipino Conference after being eliminated by Creamline in the playoffs, Sharma remained composed in postgame discussions, focusing on clarity and accountability. 

     

    A former De La Salle University standout, she brings UAAP-level discipline into her professional career. She has also occasionally worked as a commentator in PVL games, where her technical understanding of volleyball adds depth to her analysis.

     

    Kim Kianna Dy

     

    Kim Kianna Dy of the PLDT High Speed Hitters is often noted for her relaxed, conversational interview style. In PLDT’s recent PVL All-Filipino Conference bronze medal series, she contributed 16 points in a dramatic five-set Game 1 win over Farm Fresh. Dy’s speaking style often blends English and Filipino naturally or what they usually say “conyo”. 

     

    Reflecting a casual but confident media presence developed through her years with De La Salle University, where she experienced championship runs and MVP-level attention. Despite the informal tone, she remains clear in explaining game flow and consistently highlights teamwork and support from her squad.

     

    Ponggay Gaston

     

    Ponggay Gaston of the Capital1 Solar Spikers stands out for her energetic and engaging communication style. Known for her humor, personality, and great banter, she is also well known as a commentator in volleyball games. As a commentator, she brings the game to life through clear, engaging, and knowledgeable narration. She has a strong understanding of volleyball tactics and demonstrates excellent timing, knowing when to step in with analysis and when to let the excitement of a rally speak for itself. 

     

    A former Ateneo Lady Eagle, Gaston combines confidence with relatability when speaking to the media. While Capital1 fell short in the PVL Play-In round against Galeries Tower and missed the semifinals, she remained expressive and reflective in postgame interviews, balancing honesty with optimism.

     

    Across these players, one clear pattern emerges: being well-spoken is shaped by experience, collegiate development, leadership roles, and repeated exposure to high-pressure matches. Whether as champions, contenders, or rising talents, their words reflect not only performance—but also growth, awareness, and maturity as professional athletes.

     

    Their collegiate backgrounds also play a significant role in shaping how confidently and articulately they communicate. All of the players mentioned come from two of the most prestigious universities in the country, Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University—both part of the UAAP and known for producing elite volleyball talents. These programs have long been recognized for honing not only athletic excellence but also discipline, leadership, and communication skills, helping shape professional athletes who are just as composed off the court as they are competitive on it.

     

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  • “Familiar territory for us”: Jia De Guzman savors PVL Finals return after three-year absence 

    “Familiar territory for us”: Jia De Guzman savors PVL Finals return after three-year absence 

    Game 1 did not simply hand the lead to the Creamline Cool Smashers—it reintroduced something far more familiar.

     

    For a franchise long defined by sustained dominance, the Cool Smashers did more than secure a straight-sets victory over the Cignal HD Spikers. They looked like themselves again—disciplined, composed, and ruthlessly efficient—and that, more than the final scoreline, was what unsettled Cignal in the opening game of the finals.

     

    The 25-22, 25-18, 25-16 result at the Smart Araneta Coliseum only captured a fraction of the narrative. What unfolded was not simply a case of Cignal underperforming under pressure, but rather Creamline rediscovering its championship rhythm at an ideal moment in the series.

     

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    The Super Spikers entered the finals well-prepared and battle-tested, having navigated a difficult postseason path marked by multiple elimination scares. However, instead of being overwhelmed by the magnitude of the occasion, they found themselves confronting a Creamline side that offered little margin for error, controlling stretches of the match with poise and precision.

     

    Much of that control was orchestrated by veteran setter Jia De Guzman, who delivered a composed performance in what was her first PVL Finals appearance in three years. Returning from a two-season stint in Japan’s V.League with the Denso AiryBees, De Guzman showed little sign of rust, finishing with 22 excellent sets while steering Creamline’s offense with her usual calm authority.

     

    For De Guzman, the familiarity of championship pressure played a key role in how Creamline approached the moment.

    “I think ‘familiar’ is the better word for it. A lot of us were talking before the game about what the feeling is coming into today’s game. Every championship is different, but it is familiar territory for us because we have had experiences before. But we know after this Game 1 is different from Game 2, and we have to do our best to close out as much as possible because we know Cignal is a good team. They gave us a hard time in the whole conference,” De Guzman said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    The 30-year-old playmaker, who also captains the Alas Pilipinas program, further reinforced her status as one of the most decorated figures in PVL history, with four Most Valuable Player awards and multiple championship titles highlighting her career.

     

    Creamline’s approach in Game 1 was also shaped by previous encounters in the conference, where Cignal had pushed them to the limit in both the Play-In and semifinal rounds. That added layer of adversity, according to De Guzman, served as motivation rather than pressure.

     

    “We know what happened in the regular round. Tapos na ‘yun. The finals are a different story. And we did our best to prepare, to work with the strengths of Creamline, and believe that we can execute the best way we can coming into this game. And we are thankful that we were very focused from start to finish,” she added.

     

    Despite taking a crucial 1-0 series lead, De Guzman emphasized that Creamline’s work is far from finished, especially with Cignal expected to respond strongly in Game 2. The Cool Smashers are now targeting their 11th PVL championship, but the veteran setter stressed the importance of recovery and discipline moving forward.

     

    “We are optimistic. We are thankful that the team is slowly coming together. We are peaking at the right time. But Game 2 will be a different kind of fight. For now, the instruction is to rest and recover tonight, then go back to training tomorrow. No matter the result today, we stay focused,” De Guzman concluded.

     

    Game 2 now shifts back to the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday, April 23, where both Creamline and Cignal are expected to raise the level of intensity in what could prove to be a pivotal clash in the best-of-three championship series.

     

     

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  • Jema Galanza embraces bigger fight as Creamline eyes return to glory

    Jema Galanza embraces bigger fight as Creamline eyes return to glory

    For Jema Galanza, this Finals run feels different—not because it’s unfamiliar, but because it’s harder.

     

    Long regarded as one of the pillars of Creamline’s success, Galanza has been part of the franchise’s rise, dominance, and now, its attempt to reclaim what once seemed automatic. But in a Premier Volleyball League that continues to evolve, she has found herself navigating a new kind of challenge—one where nothing comes easy anymore.

     

    The Cool Smashers’ sweep of Cignal in Game 1 of the 2026 All-Filipino Conference Finals may have looked convincing on paper, but for Galanza, it represented something deeper: a reward for a season defined by grind rather than control.

     

    “Yung season kasi ngayon para sa amin, ako sa tagal ko sa Creamline, ito yung season na mabigat talaga kasi nag-level up na yung ibang teams,” said the former league MVP, who tallied 17 points and 13 excellent receptions in the opener.

     

    “So ngayon, mas gigil talaga kaming manalo kasi iba yung feeling pag nananalo kami. Pag nanalo kami ngayon, pinaghirapan talaga namin yung game na ‘to,” she added.

    That perspective didn’t come overnight.

     

    After completing a Grand Slam in 2024, Creamline entered the following year carrying the weight of expectation—only to come up empty-handed in 2025. For Galanza, that stretch forced a shift not just in preparation, but in mindset. Winning was no longer about maintaining a standard—it became about rediscovering it.

     

    Along the way, doubt crept in.

     

    “Talagang nag-build sila ng players and parang kami minsan kinukuwestiyon na rin namin yung isa’t isa kung aabot ba kami sa dulo,” she admitted.

     

    It’s a rare glimpse into the internal battles of a team so often seen as untouchable. For Galanza, it meant learning how to lead not just through performance, but through belief—especially when results weren’t going their way.

     

    And yet, when the Finals arrived, so did a sense of familiarity. This marks Creamline’s 15th Finals appearance and ninth straight in the All-Filipino Conference, and that experience showed in how composed the team looked in Game 1. 

     

    For Galanza, it wasn’t just about delivering points—it was about steadying the group in moments that mattered.

     

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    Still, she’s quick to deflect credit.

     

    “Siguro malaking bagay lang na meron akong teammates na sumusuporta sa akin, nagtitiwala sa akin, and of course, yung coaches din ganun din sila sa akin,” she said.

     

    “Malaking bagay sila—malaking part sila ng life ko, kaya sa ganitong mga laro, alam mo ’yon, ini-enjoy mo, tinatanggap mo kasi ito ’yung mga larong minsan lang mangyayari sa life natin. So thankful ako na meron akong teammates na nagbo-boost ng energy at morale ko,” she added.

    That connection, more than any stat line, has anchored her through the ups and downs of the season.

     

    But even with a strong start in the series, Galanza knows better than to get comfortable.

    Cignal has already proven to be a dangerous opponent, and adjustments are inevitable heading into Game 2. For her, the key isn’t dominance—it’s discipline.

     

    “Hahabaan namin yung pasensya namin at ready kami sa mga babaguhin ng Cignal sa Game 2. And siguro, yun, lagi naman naming sinasabi na one day lang ang preparation, so kailangan naming makarecover agad talaga ngayong gabi, makakain nang maayos at makatulog, then balik kami sa training at Game 2 ulit.”

     

    For Galanza, this Finals isn’t just another chapter in a decorated career.

    It’s a reminder that staying on top requires something different every time—and this season, it has demanded more than ever.

     

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  • “It’s a best-of-three series for a reason”: Vanie Gandler confident Cignal can mount a PVL Finals comeback 

    “It’s a best-of-three series for a reason”: Vanie Gandler confident Cignal can mount a PVL Finals comeback 

    Game 1 of the finals did more than simply hand the series lead to the Creamline Cool Smashers—it signaled the return of a team that once defined dominance in the league.

     

    For a squad that has built its identity on consistency, composure, and championship pedigree, Creamline didn’t just secure a win—they reestablished their presence as the standard. And for the Cignal HD Spikers, it was a version of the Cool Smashers that proved difficult to anticipate and even harder to contain.

     

    The straight-sets result, 25-22, 25-18, 25-16, only scratched the surface of what unfolded at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. While the scoreboard reflected control, the match itself highlighted Creamline’s ability to dictate tempo, capitalize on key stretches, and maintain relentless pressure from start to finish. It was less about Cignal faltering under the bright lights and more about Creamline rediscovering its rhythm at precisely the right moment in the series.

     

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    Cignal entered the finals carrying momentum and experience, having navigated a challenging path to reach the championship round. With a roster capable of matching up against any team, the HD Spikers were expected to put up a stern fight. However, they found themselves on the back foot early, struggling to keep pace with Creamline’s fluid offense and disciplined defense.

     

    Despite the loss, Vanie Gandler stood out as a bright spot for Cignal. The star outside hitter continued her strong run of form, finishing with 17 points while anchoring the team’s floor defense with 10 excellent receptions. Her performance underscored her importance to the squad, particularly in high-pressure situations.

    Following the match, Gandler remained composed and forward-looking, emphasizing the importance of moving past the opening setback in a best-of-three championship series.

     

    “Yeah, it was a tough loss but it’s Game 1, it’s a best-of-three series for a reason. We are just going forward and do what we need to do to improve. Creamline really did their best, so maybe we were overwhelmed with how we played. It’s a new day tomorrow,” Gandler said.

     

    Her comments reflected a team that, while tested, is far from discouraged. Gandler acknowledged that Creamline’s depth and star power may have caught them off guard at times, but she stressed that the HD Spikers are intent on learning from the experience rather than dwelling on it.

     

    “Yeah we are approaching the loss with our heads up, like I said, the championship series isn’t over and we know the lapses and what we did wrong so hopefully we are able to bounce back. That’s why we are not dwelling on our loss today, we are just focusing on our recovery and then what we need to do to improve our lapses,” she added.

     

    For Cignal, the path forward is clear: regroup, recalibrate, and respond. Adjustments—both tactical and mental—will be crucial as they attempt to counter Creamline’s balanced attack and regain their footing in the series.

     

    Game 2 now looms as a pivotal encounter. With their backs against the wall, the HD Spikers will look to force a deciding Game 3 and extend the series, while Creamline aims to sustain its momentum and close out the championship in dominant fashion.

     

    All eyes will once again turn to the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday, April 23, where both teams are expected to bring renewed intensity in what promises to be a defining clash for the title.

     

     

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  • Cignal aims for Game 2 response after opening loss to Creamline in PVL AFC Finals 

    Cignal aims for Game 2 response after opening loss to Creamline in PVL AFC Finals 

    Game 1 didn’t just hand Creamline the lead—it brought back something more familiar. For a team long associated with dominance, the Cool Smashers didn’t merely win—they looked like themselves again. And that, more than anything, was what caught Cignal off guard.

     

    The straight-sets result, 25-22, 25-18, 25-16, told only part of the story. What unfolded at Smart Araneta Coliseum was less about one team faltering under the spotlight and more about another rediscovering its rhythm at the perfect time.

     

    Cignal entered the finals battle-tested, carrying the experience of past deep runs. But instead of being overwhelmed by the stage, the Super Spikers found themselves dealing with a version of Creamline that left little room to breathe.

     

    “Creamline really did their job. Maybe we were overwhelmed with how they played,” said Vanie Gandler, who still delivered 17 points and 10 receptions.

     

    Even head coach Shaq delos Santos pointed to execution—not nerves—as the defining factor.

    “[Naging struggle] ‘yung pag-handle namin ng pressure, mismo sa sarili namin. And siyempre, bukod sa ang ganda ng performance ng Creamline, ‘yun talaga ‘yung normal laro nila,” he said.

    That “normal” proved difficult to counter.

     

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    From crisp ball movement to disciplined defense, Creamline dictated the tempo early and never allowed Cignal to settle. Every run by the Super Spikers was met with a steadier, more composed response, slowly widening the gap between effort and outcome.

     

    Still, the emotional weight of the finals wasn’t entirely absent.

     

    “Mas naging excited kami na na-pressure dahil first time [ulit sa] championship, and grabe rin yung crowd. Sobrang sarap nga maglaro kanina but ‘yun nga, kinapos, kinulang, so accept lang natin,” delos Santos admitted.

     

    “Sila pa nga ‘yung usually nagsasabi na parang kahit lamang sila or kami ‘yung lamang, parang same feeling lang. But kanina, iba talaga raw ‘yung feeling nila and siyempre, nire-respect ko ‘yun dahil sila ‘yung naglalaro sa loob ng court.”

     

    For a team chasing its breakthrough, moments like these can either linger—or sharpen focus.

    Cignal is choosing the latter.

     

    With a must-win Game 2 ahead, the approach shifts from urgency to clarity. The goal isn’t to match Creamline’s energy, but to return to their own.

     

    “Sabi ko nga sa kanila, ‘wag niyong masyadong i-pressure ‘yung sarili niyo kasi mas gusto kong nailalaro natin kung ano ‘yung naging investment natin before, kung paano tayo nag-prepare,” delos Santos said.

     

    “Kaya nga tayo nakarating dito eh, so kailangan lumabas lang ‘yung totoong game natin and that’s it. Wala na tayong ibang pagsisisihan or pag-uusapan.”

     

    Gandler echoed that mindset, focusing on adjustment rather than frustration. “We’re approaching the loss with our heads up. Like I said, the championship series isn’t over and we know the lapses and what we did wrong, so we were able to concede,” she said.

    “That’s why we’re not dwelling on our loss today.”

     

    Despite the defeat, there were signs of resistance. Erika Santos added 10 points and 10 excellent digs, while Gel Cayuna contributed six points and 14 excellent sets—numbers that hint at potential, but fell short against a team firing on all cylinders.

     

    On the other side, Creamline’s balance made the difference. Jema Galanza led with 17 points, while Bernadeth Pons backed her up with 11 markers and 13 digs, reinforcing a system that thrived on both ends.

     

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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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