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Tag: PVL

  •  PVL All-Star rosters complete, showdown set

     PVL All-Star rosters complete, showdown set

    The spotlight on the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Star Showcase just got brighter—and deeper.

     

    With the announcement of the final reserve selections, the event evolves from a simple gathering of star starters into a true showcase of the league’s depth and diversity of talent. Team Heart and Team Hustle now head into the exhibition with complete rosters, each stacked not just with headline names, but with players capable of shifting momentum at any moment.

     

    While starters often command the early attention, the reserves bring a compelling narrative of their own—one built on consistency, impact, and recognition from within the volleyball community itself. The selection process, which involved head coaches, players, team managers, league officials, referees, broadcast staff, and media, ensured that every addition carries weight and credibility.

     

    For Team Heart, the second unit could easily pass as a starting lineup anywhere else. Three-time MVP Alyssa Valdez leads the charge, anchoring a group that blends veteran leadership with reliable production. Surrounded by key contributors from Cignal, Nxled, and Galeries Tower, the squad gains not only depth but also versatility across positions. 

     

    This added layer complements an already star-heavy core bannered by some of the league’s most established playmakers and scorers. With PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort at the helm, Team Heart appears built on structure, chemistry, and steady execution.

     

     

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    Team Hustle, meanwhile, embraces a more high-octane identity. The addition of three-time MVPs Brooke Van Sickle and Tots Carlos to its reserve pool injects even more firepower into a lineup already known for its offensive punch.

     

     Alongside them are players who thrive in fast-paced systems and bring defensive grit, giving the team multiple ways to dictate tempo. Combined with a starting unit loaded with championship experience and crowd favorites, Team Hustle shapes up as a squad that can sustain pressure from the first serve to the last. 

     

    Guiding them is Cignal head coach Shaq delos Santos, who will look to maximize a roster designed for constant intensity.

     

    With both teams now fully assembled, the All-Star Showcase becomes more than just a celebration—it turns into a battle of identity. Team Heart leans on cohesion and control, while Team Hustle banks on speed and explosiveness. 

     

    And with depth now playing an equally important role as star power, the stage is set for a matchup where every substitution could tell its own story.

     

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  • Former Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge de Brito takes legal action against PNVF

    Former Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge de Brito takes legal action against PNVF

    Former Alas Pilipinas head coach Jorge Souza de Brito has escalated his dispute with the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), formally filing a labor complaint over alleged unpaid salaries and bonuses—marking a dramatic turn in what had been a quietly brewing conflict.

     

    De Brito confirmed on Monday, April 20, that he has initiated legal proceedings before the National Labor Relations Commission, citing what he described as repeated delays and a lack of resolution from the federation. The Brazilian tactician, who spent more than four years at the helm of the national program, expressed both disappointment and frustration over how the situation unfolded.

     

    “It is with profound sorrow, accompanied by a blend of confusion and outrage, that I must inform you of my decision to commence legal action against PNVF today,” De Brito said in a statement.

     

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    According to De Brito, a key meeting with PNVF officials on March 24 failed to produce a mutually acceptable settlement. While the federation initially sent a proposal via email after the discussions, he claimed that the offer was later withdrawn through a text message—an act he interpreted as a sign of unwillingness to resolve the issue in good faith.

     

    “Following our meeting, PNVF sent a proposal via email, which was subsequently withdrawn through a text message last week, clearly indicating an intention to delay any resolution. This marks a disappointing conclusion after four and a half years of dedicated effort and notable accomplishments for the volleyball community in the Philippines,” he added.

     

    The dispute, however, is far from one-sided.

    PNVF president Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara—often associated with federation leadership—has not been the primary voice on this issue. Instead, it was federation figure Tonyboy Liao who earlier pushed back against De Brito’s claims, asserting that the coach had violated specific provisions in his contract. Among the alleged breaches was a restriction prohibiting him from handling a private club team while serving as head coach of the national squad.

     

    During his tenure with Alas Pilipinas, De Brito simultaneously coached the Akari Chargers in the Premier Volleyball League and has since taken on a role with the Capital1 Solar Spikers—a point the federation claims complicates his contractual standing.

     

    “If only he did not have contract violations, we would have been easy to deal with. ‘Here is everything you are claiming.’ But he had contract violations,” Liao said at the time.

     

    Despite the off-court controversy, De Brito’s impact on Philippine volleyball is difficult to dispute. Under his leadership, Alas Pilipinas experienced a period of steady growth and increased competitiveness on the international stage. The program enjoyed a breakthrough in 2024, securing three bronze medals across the Asian Volleyball Confederation Nations Cup and the Southeast Asian Volleyball League legs in Vinh Phuc and Nakhon Ratchasima.

     

    The upward trajectory continued into 2025, when the national team captured a silver medal in the Nations Cup and added two more bronze finishes in the V.League—results that underscored the program’s growing stature in the region.

     

    Now, what began as a contractual disagreement threatens to cast a shadow over those achievements. As the case heads to the National Labor Relations Commission, both parties appear set for a prolonged legal battle—one that could have broader implications for governance, contractual enforcement, and professional standards within Philippine volleyball.

     

    For De Brito, the move signals a firm stand after months of impasse. For the PNVF, it presents a challenge that extends beyond the court—into the realm of accountability and organizational credibility.

     

     

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  • “We have to play like champions”: Vanie Gandler sets the tone as Cignal eye maiden PVL title 

    “We have to play like champions”: Vanie Gandler sets the tone as Cignal eye maiden PVL title 

    For the Cignal HD Spikers, the road back to the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Finals has been anything but abrupt. It’s a return shaped by patience—two years of recalibration, system tweaks, and steady internal growth rather than headline-grabbing overhauls. The result is a squad that looks more complete, more mature, and far more dangerous than in its previous title bids.

     

    At the heart of that evolution is Vanie Gandler, whose rise from a complementary option to the team’s focal point has mirrored Cignal’s own climb. Once regarded as a promising piece with upside, Gandler has now fully embraced the role of franchise cornerstone—delivering when it matters most and elevating those around her.

     

    Her latest performance served as the clearest statement yet.

     

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    In Cignal’s finals-clinching victory over the Creamline Cool Smashers at the Mall of Asia Arena, Gandler put together an all-around masterclass. She poured in 24 points while anchoring the backcourt with 10 digs and 10 excellent receptions, showcasing not just scoring prowess but complete two-way impact. Against one of the PVL’s most decorated dynasties, it was the kind of performance that signaled a shift in balance—and perhaps, a changing of the guard.

     

    But for Gandler, the job is far from finished.

     

    “Our focus isn’t just making it to the finals, we pray for a championship. But that comes with challenges, and we have to play like champions,” Gandler said in a media interaction.

    That mindset reflects a deeper hunger within the Cignal camp. Since joining the PVL five years ago, the franchise has flirted with glory but has yet to capture its first title. They came agonizingly close twice—first in the 2022 Reinforced Conference and again in the 2024 Invitational Conference—only to fall short at the final hurdle.

     

    Those near-misses now serve as both motivation and fuel.

     

    With another finals appearance secured, the stakes feel different this time. The roster is more battle-tested, the chemistry more refined, and the leadership—both vocal and by example—more pronounced. For Gandler, the opportunity carries personal and collective significance.

     

    “It means the world to me because I see the qualities of a champion in each one of my teammates, they have made me a better player and person,” she added.

     

    Cignal’s return to the championship stage sets up yet another high-stakes showdown with Creamline, a team synonymous with winning in the PVL era. Game 1 is slated for Tuesday, April 21, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where experience and legacy will collide with hunger and momentum.

     

    The question now is whether Gandler’s emergence—and Cignal’s long, methodical buildup—will finally translate into a breakthrough title, or if Creamline’s championship pedigree will once again prove too steep a climb.

     

    Either way, the stage is set for a defining chapter.

     

     

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  • Creamline eyes 11th crown as Cignal chases breakthrough in PVL Finals

    Creamline eyes 11th crown as Cignal chases breakthrough in PVL Finals

    Familiar dominance meets unfinished business. That is the tension surrounding the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Finals, where Creamline returns to its comfort zone and Cignal arrives with something far more urgent—a chance to finally rewrite its story.

     

    For the Cool Smashers, the Finals have long been routine. For the Super Spikers, they remain the ultimate test.

     

    Cignal’s journey to this stage has been less about arrival and more about persistence.

     

    This marks the franchise’s third trip to the championship round, but unlike previous runs, this one carries a different edge—built on lessons from years of falling just short. The memory of their five-set loss to Creamline in the 2024 Invitational Conference still lingers, a defining moment that underscored how close they were, yet how far they still needed to go.

     

    Now, they return not just as contenders—but as a team that has learned how to stay in the fight. Creamline, on the other hand, enters from a place it knows well—but through a path it doesn’t.

     

    This Finals appearance comes after a rare stretch of inconsistency, a three-conference absence that broke the rhythm of a dynasty accustomed to dominance. Injuries, national team duties, and roster gaps once disrupted their continuity.

     

    Now, nearly at full strength, they are back within reach of an 11th title—but without the overwhelming aura that once made their runs feel inevitable.

     

    What makes this matchup compelling isn’t just history—it’s how that history has shifted. Creamline still holds a 14-6 edge since Cignal entered the professional era, but the gap has tightened significantly. The Super Spikers have won three of the last four meetings, including two crucial victories this conference that reshaped the balance of power.

     

    Each encounter this season has carried weight—and each has revealed something new. Their first clash was a survival test.

     

    Creamline escaped with a five-set win, 25-19, 25-20, 15-25, 26-28, 16-14, leaning on composure after nearly letting the match slip. Alyssa Valdez and Dij Rodriguez delivered triple-doubles, while Cignal, led by Vanie Gandler’s all-around brilliance, showed it could push the league’s most decorated team to the brink.

     

    It was a win that stabilized Creamline—but also exposed vulnerability. Cignal responded not with noise, but with growth.

     

    In their next meeting, with higher stakes, the Super Spikers flipped the script in another five-set battle, 25-21, 24-26, 18-25, 25-22, 17-15. This time, they didn’t fold under pressure—they absorbed it.

     

    Erika Santos led the charge with 26 points, while Gandler anchored both ends of the floor. More importantly, Cignal held steady in the defining moments, closing out a match that once would have slipped away.

     

    “For sure, yung uhaw kasi ang tagal na nito eh, parang ilang years din in the making,” said Santos. “Tapos finally nandito na sa Finals so ayun, gutom na gutom kunin yung medal at yung trophy.”

     

    That hunger has become their identity. By the time they met again in the semifinals, the shift was undeniable.

     

    Cignal imposed its rhythm in a four-set win, 25-13, 13-25, 25-16, 25-16, controlling momentum and refusing to let Creamline’s trademark comebacks take shape. It was their second straight win over the Cool Smashers in the round—and the one that sent them straight to the Finals.

     

    Years of studying Creamline had finally turned into belief.

     

    “Happy ako kasi du’n sa mga players namin sa kung paano nila ma-handle ’yung sitwasyon kapag Creamline ’yung kalaban,” said head coach Shaq Delos Santos. “Mas nagkaroon na rin kami ng kumpiyansa sa sarili namin at ini-embrace din talaga namin ’yung every encounter namin.”

     

    Still, the Finals reset everything. “It’s back to zero since the finals series is a completely new competition,” Gandler emphasized.

     

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    And that reset may be where Creamline finds its edge. Despite recent struggles, the Cool Smashers remain one of the most battle-tested teams in the league. Their ability to navigate pressure, adjust mid-series, and deliver in championship moments is unmatched.

     

    “Ine-embrace lang namin ’yung pressure… pero ’yung goal namin is talagang mag-champion,” said head coach Sherwin Meneses.

     

    Setter Jia de Guzman echoed that sentiment, acknowledging the challenge ahead while keeping the focus forward.

     

    “The past games we went up against Cignal, grabe rin talaga ’yung nilaro nila… But the finals is a different story.”

     

    And that’s what makes this series compelling. One team is chasing history—an 11th title that would reaffirm its dynasty.

     

    The other is chasing something more personal—a first championship that would validate years of pursuit.

     

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  • New generation rises as Premier Volleyball League opens 2026 Rookie Draft 

    New generation rises as Premier Volleyball League opens 2026 Rookie Draft 

    A transition is underway in Philippine volleyball—one that signals both an ending and a beginning.

    As collegiate careers wind down, a new opportunity has officially taken center stage with the opening of the 2026 Rookie Draft of the Premier Volleyball League. 

     

    More than just an application process, it marks the gateway for the country’s top amateur standouts to step into the professional spotlight.

     

    This year’s draft isn’t just about filling team rosters, it’s about ushering in the next wave of stars shaped by years of UAAP and collegiate competition.

     

    Prospects now face a structured path to the pros. Applications are being accepted online through the league’s official portal, with hopefuls required to submit complete documentation before the May 22 deadline. 

     

    Eligibility rules remain firm. Applicants must be female at birth as indicated in a PSA-issued birth certificate, and must be at least 21 years old by the end of 2026—unless they have already earned a college degree, which offers an alternate route to qualification.

     

    What follows is a critical stretch that could define careers.

     

    The draft on May 25 will determine which teams hold the power to shape their future rosters. Days later, the Draft Combine from May 28 to 29 becomes the proving ground, where aspiring professionals showcase their skills in front of coaches, scouts, and decision-makers. 

     

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    By June 1, the official list of candidates will be finalized, setting the stage for one of the league’s most anticipated offseason events.

     

    Already, familiar names from the collegiate scene are stepping forward. University of the Philippines standout Nina Ytang has declared for the draft after completing five seasons, signaling her readiness to take the next leap. She won’t be alone, with teammate Irah Jaboneta also entering the pool, while Joan Monares continues to weigh her options.

     

    Their decisions reflect a larger shift, the steady movement of collegiate talent into the professional ranks.

     

    Last year’s draft offered a glimpse of what’s possible. Bannered by top pick Bella Belen, the 2025 class saw 29 players selected, including Far Eastern University’s Jean Asis at No. 2 and Alohi Robins-Hardy, who found her way to Farm Fresh as the third overall pick.

     

    Those who go unselected—28 aspirants in the previous class—enter free agency, where opportunities still exist for late signings across the league’s 12 teams. It’s a reminder that in the PVL, the journey to becoming a professional doesn’t always follow a straight line.

     

    As the 2026 draft process unfolds, one thing is clear: this is more than recruitment—it’s the next chapter of Philippine volleyball taking shape, one player at a time.

     

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  • This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA, PBA, PVL, and UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball (April 20 – 26)

    This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA, PBA, PVL, and UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball (April 20 – 26)

    A packed week of action awaits sports fans as multiple leagues take center stage, highlighted by championship clashes in the Premier Volleyball League, crucial matchups in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball, intense battles in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, and a thrilling slate of First Round games in the NBA playoffs. With titles, rankings, and playoff momentum on the line, it’s a must-watch stretch across volleyball and basketball.

     

    PVL All-Filipino Conference (Finals)

     

    📍 Smart Araneta Coliseum

    Tuesday, April 21


     3:00 PM — Farm Fresh vs PLDT (Battle for Bronze)
     5:30 PM — Cignal vs Creamline (Battle for Gold)


    Thursday, April 23
     3:00 PM — Farm Fresh vs PLDT (Battle for Bronze)
     5:30 PM — Cignal vs Creamline (Battle for Gold)

     

    UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball

     

    📍 Smart Araneta Coliseum

    Wednesday, April 22


     1:00 PM — FEU Lady Tamaraws vs Ateneo Blue Eagles
     3:00 PM — NU Lady Bulldogs vs UST Golden Tigresses

     

    PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup

     

    📍 Ninoy Aquino Stadium

    Tuesday, April 21
     5:15 PM — Macau vs Titan
     7:30 PM — Rain or Shine vs Phoenix


    Wednesday, April 22
     5:15 PM — San Miguel vs Blackwater
     7:30 PM — Converge vs TNT


    Friday, April 24
     5:15 PM — TNT vs Macau
     7:30 PM — Ginebra vs Blackwater


    Saturday, April 25
     5:15 PM — Terrafirma vs NLEX
     7:30 PM — Magnolia vs Rain or Shine


    📍 Smart Araneta Coliseum

    Sunday, April 26
     5:15 PM — Converge vs Phoenix
     7:30 PM — Ginebra vs Titan

     

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    NBA 2025–26 Season (First Round Playoffs)


    Tuesday
     7:00 AM — Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers (Game 2: CLE leads 1-0)
     8:00 AM — Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks (Game 2: NYK leads 1-0)
     10:30 AM — Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets (Game 2: DEN leads 1-0)


    Wednesday
     7:00 AM — Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics (Game 2: BOS leads 1-0)
     8:00 AM — Portland Trail Blazers vs San Antonio Spurs (Game 2: SAS leads 1-0)
     10:30 AM — Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers (Game 2: LAL leads 1-0)


    Thursday
     7:00 AM — Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons (Game 2: ORL leads 1-0)
     9:30 AM — Phoenix Suns vs Oklahoma City Thunder


    Friday
     7:00 AM — New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks (Game 3: NYK leads 1-0)
     8:00 AM — Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors (Game 3: CLE leads 1-0)
     9:30 AM — Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves


    Saturday
     7:00 AM — Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers (Game 3: BOS leads 1-0)
     8:00 AM — Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets (Game 3: LAL leads 1-0)
     10:30 AM — San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers


    Sunday
     1:00 AM — Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic (Game 3: ORL leads 1-0)
     3:30 AM — Oklahoma City Thunder vs Phoenix Suns (Game 3: OKC leads 1-0)
     6:00 AM — New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks (Game 4: NYK leads 1-0)
     8:30 AM — Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves (Game 4: DEN leads 1-0)

     

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  • UAAP standout Irah Jaboneta keen on entering 2026 PVL Draft

    UAAP standout Irah Jaboneta keen on entering 2026 PVL Draft

    The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) is set to usher in a new wave of talent as it officially opens applications for the 2026 PVL Draft on Monday, April 20. With the league continuing to grow in popularity and competitiveness, this year’s draft is expected to feature a strong pool of collegiate standouts, particularly from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

     

    Among the most notable early entrants is Nina Ytang, the three-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker from the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. Ytang recently confirmed her intention to take her talents to the professional ranks, marking the end of a decorated collegiate career defined by consistency and dominance at the net.

     

    She may soon be joined by teammate Irah Jaboneta, who has also expressed a strong desire to enter the draft. Jaboneta, one of UP’s most reliable scorers in recent seasons, spoke candidly about her decision to move on from the collegiate level and embrace the next chapter of her volleyball journey.

     

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    “It’s time to take the next step na talaga and magpa-draft. Tanda na rin’ eh. It’s time for the kids and the remaining players to show what they have got. Kasi kumbaga, ako, I have served my purpose na talaga for UP. And sana talaga nakita nila at na-appreciative nila kasi every game, hindi naman kaming lahat ng players, and alam ko kaming tatlo every game talaga binubuhos namin kung ano kaya namin,” Jaboneta said in a media interaction.

     

    Jaboneta’s UAAP career came to a close on Sunday, April 19, following UP’s four-set loss to the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses in the Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament. Despite a spirited effort, the Fighting Maroons bowed out with a 23-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-19 defeat, signaling the end of an era for one of the program’s key leaders.

    While Ytang and Jaboneta appear poised to take the leap, team captain Joan Monares remains undecided about her immediate future. The veteran setter hinted at taking time off before making a final decision on whether to pursue a professional career.

     

    “Ako, magbe-beach muna ako. Titingnan ko kung saan ako dadalhin ng hangin,” Monares shared, suggesting a more reflective approach after years of intense collegiate competition.

     

    Monares and Jaboneta, along with Ytang, have been instrumental in the Fighting Maroons’ rise over the past five years. The trio endured a challenging rebuilding period that saw the program transition through five different head coaches, while steadily helping restore pride and competitiveness to the UP women’s volleyball team.

     

    Reflecting on their journey, Jaboneta emphasized the significance of their shared experience and the transformation they witnessed firsthand.

     

    “I would say since kaming tatlo, parang same same kami nag-start, we entered UP, and we played in UP parang sabay, hindi ‘yon madali. We witnessed seeing the crowd empty coming to now, seeing the UP crowd filling up the arena. Ako, kasi masasabi ko na my chest is gonna explode kasi somehow nandoon kami nung binubuo ang UP ngayon at kung ano UP na meron ngayon,” she concluded.

     

    As the PVL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on this new generation of UAAP standouts looking to make their mark on the professional stage. For players like Ytang and Jaboneta, the transition represents not just a career move, but the continuation of a journey that began in the collegiate ranks and now heads toward a bigger spotlight.

     

     

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  • Vanie Gandler emerges as Cignal’s voice as she is named PVL Press Corps Player of the Week 

    Vanie Gandler emerges as Cignal’s voice as she is named PVL Press Corps Player of the Week 

    For the Cignal Super Spikers, the journey back to the Finals wasn’t defined by a single moment—it was built over time.

     

    Two years of recalibration, adjustments, and quiet progress have finally led them back to the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference championship stage. But within that steady climb, one transformation stood out: the evolution of Vanie Gandler from promising piece to undeniable centerpiece.

     

    Gandler’s rise didn’t happen overnight. Once seen as an emerging talent, the Ateneo de Manila University product has grown into both the emotional anchor and primary scoring option for a team now chasing its first All-Filipino crown.

     

    And when the moment demanded it, she delivered.

     

    In Cignal’s finals-clinching win over the Creamline Cool Smashers at the Mall of Asia Arena, Gandler produced a statement performance—24 points, 10 digs, and 10 excellent receptions—powering her side past one of the league’s most decorated squads.

     

    It wasn’t just production. It was control. Against a team known for its depth and experience, Gandler held her ground, dictating tempo and providing stability on both ends of the floor. 

     

    The performance not only sealed Cignal’s return to the Finals—it also earned her the final PVL Press Corps Player of the Week honors for the conference.

     

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    Yet for Gandler, the story has never been about individual recognition. “We can’t explain how deep this is for us, kasi we know how hard we worked for this. I just have so much gratefulness for the team, kasi the player I am today is because of them,” she shared.

     

    “The way the team is performing is because we just want the best for each other. It’s really not for ourselves, it’s for each other.”

     

    That collective mindset has become the identity of this Cignal squad. Even in their final semifinal outing—a loss to the PLDT High Speed Hitters in a non-bearing match—the Super Spikers stayed focused on the bigger picture. Gandler saw limited action, scoring just one point, as the team opted to rest its core and give its bench valuable minutes ahead of the championship series.

    It was a decision rooted in confidence—and preparation.

     

    “Our focus isn’t that we go to the championship. Our focus is that we train like champions every day. So that’s what we do. We ask God for a championship. He’s gonna give us challenges, but we need to play like we’re champions,” Gandler said.

     

    “It means the world because I see the qualities of a champion in each one of them. And it’s made me a better person and player.”

     

    Now, the rebuild has come full circle. Cignal heads into a best-of-three Finals against Creamline at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, armed not just with momentum—but with a clearer identity shaped by growth, patience, and belief.

     

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  • PVL: Universities That Produced the Most Players in the League this Conference 

    PVL: Universities That Produced the Most Players in the League this Conference 

    The Premier Volleyball League isn’t just a battleground for the country’s best—it has become a reflection of where they were built.

     

    And in 2026, one thing is unmistakable: the UAAP remains the league’s most powerful talent engine.

     

    Across all 10 teams in the PVL All-Filipino Conference, the fingerprints of UAAP programs are everywhere. From star scorers to defensive anchors, from seasoned veterans to rising standouts, the collegiate league continues to dictate the rhythm of the professional game.

     

    At the center of it all is De La Salle Lady Spikers—not just producing talent, but sustaining a system that keeps feeding the pro ranks year after year.

     

    Built on a foundation shaped by Ramil de Jesus and his 12 championships, La Salle’s presence in the PVL goes beyond numbers. It’s about continuity. From established names like Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Ara Galang, and Kim Fajardo, Mika Reyes, and Kianna Dy to the next wave featuring Erika Santos and Alas standouts in Fifi Sharma, Julia Coronel, and Thea Gagate, the program continues to reload without losing its identity.

     

    What sets La Salle apart isn’t just volume—it’s the ability to evolve while staying dominant.

    But the story doesn’t end there.

     

    Adamson Lady Falcons have quietly built one of the most reliable pipelines in the modern era. Without a UAAP title to their name, they’ve instead carved out a reputation for producing adaptable, pro-ready players. Names like Jema Galanza, Eli Soyud, and Mylene Paat highlight a program that thrives on development over accolades.

     

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    Meanwhile, FEU Lady Tamaraws continue to supply the league with versatility. Led by veterans such as Rachel Daquis and supported by players like Bernadeth Pons and Gel Cayuna, FEU products are known for their ability to fit into any system—an invaluable trait in the ever-evolving pro game.

     

    The dominance of NU Lady Bulldogs at the collegiate level has also translated seamlessly into the pros. With stars like Bella Belen and Ivy Lacsina, alongside veterans such as Myla Pablo, the program has built a reputation for producing players who arrive in the PVL ready to contribute immediately.

     

    And then there’s UST Golden Tigresses—a program that continues to endure. Even without recent championships, UST remains a steady source of high-impact players. From icons like Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure to emerging contributors, the Tigresses prove that relevance isn’t always measured in titles alone.

     

    Beyond the UAAP, other pathways still exist.

     

    The NCAA Philippines, provincial schools, and even overseas institutions have carved out their own presence in the PVL. But in terms of scale, consistency, and influence, no system comes close to matching what the UAAP continues to produce.

     

    What the PVL shows today is not just a collection of teams—it’s a continuation of rivalries, systems, and cultures first forged in college gyms.

     

    And as long as that pipeline remains intact, the future of Philippine volleyball will continue to run through the UAAP.

     

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  • “We want to show who we are”: Alyssa Valdez sends strong message as Creamline returns to PVL Finals 

    “We want to show who we are”: Alyssa Valdez sends strong message as Creamline returns to PVL Finals 

    The Creamline Cool Smashers once again underscored their dynasty status in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), punching their ticket to yet another finals appearance after outlasting the Farm Fresh Foxies, 25-23, 14-25, 25-23, 25-19, in the All-Filipino Conference semifinals on Thursday, April 16, at a jampacked FilOil EcoOil Centre.

     

    In a match that showcased both resilience and championship pedigree, Creamline leaned on its core veterans to overcome a spirited challenge from the upstart Foxies. Tots Carlos spearheaded the attack with 15 points, delivering in crucial stretches, particularly in the tightly contested first and third sets. She was ably supported by Jema Galanza and Jeanette Panaga, who chipped in 13 markers apiece to keep the offense balanced and unpredictable.

     

    The victory marked the 15th finals appearance in franchise history for Creamline, further solidifying its reputation as the league’s gold standard. Even more impressive is their sustained dominance in the All-Filipino Conference, where this latest berth represents their ninth consecutive trip to the championship round—a testament to the organization’s consistency, depth, and winning culture.

     

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    Despite their storied success, the Cool Smashers entered the conference with something to prove. The team experienced a rare dip in form over the past year, falling short in their title defense in the previous All-Filipino Conference and missing the finals in the three succeeding tournaments. For a team accustomed to competing for championships, the drought served as both a humbling experience and a source of motivation.

     

    Team captain Alyssa Valdez, one of the most recognizable faces in Philippine volleyball, acknowledged the significance of their return to the finals. Speaking to reporters after the match, Valdez emphasized that the journey back has been as meaningful as the result itself.

    “Coming into the Finals, we just want to show and even see for ourselves who the Creamline Cool Smashers really are after everything we have been through,” Valdez shared. “Of course, we are really happy. It feels so good to be back in the Finals. It’s been a while, right? Almost a year, three conferences without getting here. Honestly, it’s hard to put into words what we are feeling right now.”

     

    Beyond the statistics and accolades, Valdez highlighted the importance of rediscovering team identity and chemistry. The Cool Smashers’ campaign in this conference has been bolstered by the return and reintegration of key players, including playmaker Jia De Guzman, versatile spiker Bernadeth Pons, and Galanza, giving the squad a sense of completeness that had been missing in previous tournaments.

     

    “I think for this conference, our mindset has really been about getting to know ourselves better as Creamline,” Valdez explained. “This is the first time in a while that we are complete, so our growth and journey have been different. We have gotten to know each other on a deeper level because of all the challenges we went through. We are very thankful for that experience.”

     

    That renewed cohesion was evident against Farm Fresh, particularly in how Creamline responded after dropping the second set convincingly. Instead of unraveling, the Cool Smashers regrouped, tightened their defense, and executed more efficiently in transition to regain control of the match.

     

    Awaiting them in the finals is another formidable opponent in the Cignal HD Spikers, setting up a highly anticipated championship showdown between two of the league’s most competitive squads. Game 1 is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, at the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum, where a large and passionate crowd is expected to witness the opening salvo of the series.

     

    For Valdez and the Cool Smashers, the mission is clear: reclaim their place at the top of Philippine volleyball. With their core intact, confidence restored, and momentum on their side, Creamline now stands just steps away from adding another chapter to its already illustrious legacy.

     

     

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