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  • PLDT, Cignal secure PVL semis berths as Creamline, Farm Fresh fall to Play-In

    PLDT, Cignal secure PVL semis berths as Creamline, Farm Fresh fall to Play-In

    On a night where every point carried added weight, PLDT and Cignal proved they were the teams best equipped to handle the pressure. With outright semifinal berths at stake in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, both contenders found different ways to survive and advance at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday.

     

    By the end of the doubleheader, the playoff picture had changed significantly. PLDT and Cignal earned direct passage into the round-robin semifinals, while Creamline and Farm Fresh were pushed into the more dangerous play-in stage, where there is far less room for error.

     

    PLDT booked the first semifinal seat after recovering from a sluggish opening to defeat Farm Fresh in four sets, 18-25, 25-23, 25-15, 25-22. The High Speed Hitters looked vulnerable early, struggling to match the Foxies’ sharp execution and energy in the first set, but gradually imposed their rhythm as the match wore on.

     

    The second set proved to be the turning point. Farm Fresh stayed aggressive and nearly carried its momentum into a 2-0 lead, but PLDT held firm just long enough to escape with a narrow 25-23 win. That frame not only leveled the match but also shifted the emotional balance of the contest in PLDT’s favor.

     

    From there, the top-seeded High Speed Hitters began to resemble the team that topped the preliminaries. The third set became their most dominant stretch of the match, highlighted by a stunning 16-3 run that transformed a 9-12 deficit into a commanding 25-15 set win and a 2-1 lead.

     

    That burst was a reflection of PLDT at its best — disciplined, composed, and relentless once its system fully clicks. The High Speed Hitters carried that control into the fourth set, where they slowly separated from Farm Fresh and built what appeared to be a comfortable 23-17 advantage.

     

    But the Foxies refused to let the match end quietly. Behind the efforts of Ces Molina and Trisha Tubu, Farm Fresh launched a late 5-1 rally that cut the deficit to 22-24, putting PLDT under pressure one final time and briefly opening the door for another dramatic turn.

     

    That made Savannah Davison’s response all the more important. After committing back-to-back errors that helped fuel Farm Fresh’s late push, Davison bounced back and delivered the finishing play that finally sealed the victory after one hour and 48 minutes.

     

    Davison led PLDT with 22 points on 17 attacks and five kill blocks, while also contributing 11 excellent receptions in a performance that showcased her all-around value. Kianna Dy added 19 points, while Majoy Baron and Alleiah Malaluan also finished in double figures with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

     

    PLDT’s balance was just as evident in the supporting departments. Kim Fajardo expertly ran the offense with 28 excellent sets and two points, while Kath Arado once again anchored the floor with a defensive masterclass of 27 excellent receptions, 18 excellent digs, and a point of her own.

     

    For Farm Fresh, the loss was disappointing but hardly discouraging. The Foxies showed enough fight and quality to remind everyone that their rise this conference has not been accidental. They pushed the top seed into difficult moments and stayed dangerous all the way to the closing stretch.

     

    Trisha Tubu carried much of that fight, finishing with a game-high 25 points on 22 attacks and three blocks. Ces Molina backed her up with a 14-point, 11-dig double-double, while Royse Tubino contributed 10 points and 16 excellent receptions in another solid outing.

     

    With the defeat, Farm Fresh drops to the play-in round, where it will face either Nxled or Galeries Tower for another chance to make the semifinals. It is a tougher road, but one the Foxies have already shown they are capable of navigating.

     

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    If PLDT’s win was about reestablishing control, Cignal’s triumph over Creamline was about surviving a storm. In the nightcap, the Super Spikers outlasted the Cool Smashers in a gripping five-set showdown, 25-21, 24-26, 18-25, 25-22, 17-15, to claim the second outright semifinal berth.

     

    The victory carried extra meaning for Cignal. Just five days after suffering a heartbreaking five-set loss to Creamline to close the preliminaries, the Super Spikers returned to the same matchup with unfinished business and found a way to finally settle it.

     

    Cignal looked in command after taking the first set, but Creamline’s championship poise soon took over. The Cool Smashers recovered to win the next two sets and appeared poised to complete yet another comeback, forcing the Super Spikers into a difficult position late in the match.

     

    This time, though, Cignal did not fold. The Super Spikers regrouped in the fourth set, rediscovered their rhythm, and pushed the match into a decider that became the longest — and perhaps most dramatic — contest of the conference so far at two hours and 30 minutes.

     

    At the center of that turnaround was Gel Cayuna, who masterfully orchestrated Cignal’s attack with 35 excellent sets while also scoring 11 points. Her steady play gave the Super Spikers much-needed control during the match’s most chaotic stretches.

     

    She was joined by two equally vital scorers. Erika Santos rediscovered her offensive rhythm and erupted for a game-high 26 points, while Vanie Gandler delivered a monster triple-double effort of 22 points, 28 excellent receptions, and 13 excellent digs in one of the conference’s most complete individual performances.

     

    Still, Creamline nearly found a way to steal the match in the end. Faced with two match points, the Cool Smashers leaned on the same grit and composure that built their dynasty, clawing back behind Tots Carlos and forcing the deciding set into a tense deadlock at 15-all.

     

    The closing stretch became a test of nerve more than execution, with both teams trading pressure-packed points and refusing to blink. But in the end, it was Cignal that managed to stay cleaner in the biggest moments.

     

    A Jeanette Panaga service error gave the Super Spikers a crucial edge, and on the next sequence, Alyssa Valdez’s attack was ruled out after Creamline challenged for a possible block touch. The review upheld the call, handing Cignal the dramatic victory and a long-awaited return to the semifinals.

     

    Creamline’s defeat was especially painful because several of its stars still produced strong performances. Bernadeth Pons, returning from a two-game absence, led the team with 20 points, while Valdez once again delivered across multiple fronts with 18 points, 19 excellent digs, and 20 excellent receptions.

     

    Panaga added 14 points, while Carlos and Bea De Leon chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively. But despite the depth of those contributions, the Cool Smashers ultimately came up just short in the kind of match that often turns on one or two late mistakes.

     

    Now, the path forward is much clearer — and much harsher for some. PLDT and Cignal move on with the luxury of direct semifinal entry, while Creamline and Farm Fresh must now survive the uncertainty of the play-in round to keep their title hopes alive.

     

    Thursday’s results did more than fill two semifinal spots. They also drew a sharp line between the teams that created breathing room for themselves and the ones now forced to keep fighting just to stay in the race.

     

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  • PNVF, Jorge de Brito begin talks in bid to resolve ongoing dispute

    PNVF, Jorge de Brito begin talks in bid to resolve ongoing dispute

    After months of silence, stalled communication, and growing uncertainty, the first real movement has finally come in the standoff between the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and former Alas Pilipinas Women head coach Jorge Souza de Brito.

     

    What happened on Tuesday may not have settled the dispute, but it did something just as important — it got both sides back to the same table.

     

    In a development that could shape how the situation unfolds moving forward, PNVF officials and de Brito formally opened discussions, signaling what appears to be the federation’s first meaningful step toward addressing the issues that have lingered since his departure from the national team setup.

     

    The timing was notable.

     

    The meeting took place just hours before de Brito was set to coach Capital1 in its play-in clash against Galeries Tower, underscoring how even amid club duties, the unresolved matters tied to his national team stint continue to follow him.

     

    At the center of the initial talks were de Brito’s longstanding concerns over unpaid bonuses, which reportedly cover five separate tournaments. Those concerns, according to those involved in the discussions, were formally raised and acknowledged during the meeting.

     

    That alone represented a shift. For months, the issue had largely remained in the background — discussed publicly at times, but without visible signs of progress. Tuesday’s dialogue, at the very least, moved the matter from public frustration into an actual negotiation setting.

     

    The federation is now expected to further review the financial concerns raised by de Brito and his camp, a step that could determine whether the dispute begins moving toward a settlement or stretches into a longer process.

     

    Notably, however, both camps appeared to take a measured approach in how they handled the meeting.

     

    Rather than immediately diving into the most contentious parts of the dispute, the discussion reportedly steered clear of the more legally sensitive issues surrounding de Brito’s contract and working visa. That decision may have been less about avoidance and more about strategy.

     

    At this stage, the apparent priority is progress over confrontation.

     

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    By focusing first on the less explosive but still significant concerns, both sides seem to be testing whether common ground can still be found before the conversation shifts into more complicated legal territory.

     

    That reading was echoed by Atty. Rex Cruz, de Brito’s legal counsel, who was present during the talks and indicated that the process is only beginning.

     

    According to Cruz, Tuesday’s meeting should be viewed not as a final resolution, but as the first of what is expected to be a series of discussions aimed at sorting through all unresolved matters between the coach and the federation.

     

    That means the real test may still lie ahead.

     

    Still, for de Brito, even this initial dialogue appears to have carried significance. After months of uncertainty and what had been a frustrating lack of direct engagement, the former national team coach welcomed the opening of communication and viewed the development as a step in the right direction.

     

    He described the meeting as a “positive thing,” seeing it as the first tangible movement toward obtaining the compensation he has long maintained is owed to him.

     

    Whether that optimism leads to an actual settlement remains to be seen.

     

    But in disputes like this, where tension can easily harden into legal deadlock, the willingness to begin talking again often matters more than any single statement issued in public.

     

    For now, the dispute between PNVF and Jorge Souza de Brito is far from over. But after months of distance, the conversation has finally started — and that alone may have changed the tone of what comes next.

     

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  • PVL Qualifying Round: PLDT, Farm Fresh, Creamline, Cignal fight for direct semis entry

    PVL Qualifying Round: PLDT, Farm Fresh, Creamline, Cignal fight for direct semis entry

    The road to the PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals has been long, demanding, and at times unforgiving. But on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, all of that gets reduced to something much simpler: survive, advance, and move one step closer to the title.

     

    After seven grueling weeks of preliminaries and a pressure-filled Play-In stage, the tournament now arrives at a point where every rally carries more weight. The possibilities have narrowed, and the margin for error has become even thinner.

     

    Two coveted outright semifinal berths are up for grabs as the league’s top four teams collide in a pair of high-stakes clashes. PLDT takes on Farm Fresh at 4 p.m., while Creamline and Cignal renew their rivalry at 6:30 p.m. in a rematch that already carries unfinished business.

     

    What makes Thursday feel different is that these are no longer just matches about form or momentum. They are about positioning, survival, and avoiding the dangerous detour that awaits the losers in a longer and more complicated route to the Final Four.

     

    That pressure may be felt most in the nightcap, where Creamline once again finds itself under the brightest spotlight. The Cool Smashers managed to stay inside the Top 4 and avoid the chaos of the Play-In phase, but their path has hardly looked smooth or secure.

     

    For a team that has long been defined by control and composure, this conference has demanded something else: resilience. Creamline has had to adjust on the fly, navigate injuries, and win games without always looking like the polished powerhouse it once was.

     

    And yet, when the stakes rose, Alyssa Valdez delivered. Her triple-double outing in their previous win over Cignal was not just a throwback performance — it was a reminder that Creamline still has enough firepower and poise to respond when the pressure starts to build.

     

    For Valdez, though, the bigger message goes beyond any individual stat line or performance. What matters most to her is making sure the team continues to hold together through the uncertainty.

     

    “I think every game, it’s more of a reminder for myself and for the team that we’re still here,” said Valdez. “I don’t think, parang if there’s something to motivate myself, ang hirap din to actually just think of other people.”

     

    “So ngayon, parang ako, iniisip ko talaga, it’s a reminder na kaya pa. I’ll just do my part in practice at pag kailangan, tutulong tayo. It’s not more of trying to prove anything but trying to stick together and making sure sa sarili ko at sa team na magkakasama kami,” she added.

     

    That mindset may best define where Creamline stands entering this next challenge. This is not a team trying to prove dominance anymore. It is a team trying to remain whole, dangerous, and capable of winning while not always being at full strength.

     

    The uncertainty surrounding Bernadette Pons and Jema Galanza only adds to the tension. Even if both suit up, there are still fair questions about rhythm, chemistry, and how quickly the Cool Smashers can settle into a stable rotation in such an important match.

     

    That is exactly why Cignal enters with reason to believe. The HD Spikers, led by Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, are no longer simply trying to hang around with Creamline — they are beginning to look like a team that believes it can finally break through.

     

    That belief has been building steadily, especially after pushing the Cool Smashers to the limit in their recent five-set battle. Cignal’s more balanced attack and growing cohesion have made them one of the trickiest teams left in the field.

     

    If the Creamline-Cignal showdown feels like a battle of legacy and pressure, the PLDT-Farm Fresh matchup offers a different kind of tension. One side is expected to win. The other is starting to enjoy making people uncomfortable. 

     

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    On paper, PLDT remains the most complete and structurally polished team in the conference. With Savi Davison, Kim Dy, Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron, Alleiah Malaluan, and Kim Fajardo steering the system, the High Speed Hitters have looked like a team built specifically for moments like this.

     

    But if there is one lesson from this conference that should not be ignored, it is that Farm Fresh has outgrown the label of underdog. The Foxies have become too disciplined, too dangerous, and too confident to be treated as a feel-good surprise.

     

    Their previous five-set push against PLDT served as more than just a close call. It was proof that they can match the top seed not only in energy, but in execution and nerve when matches become tight.

     

    At the center of that rise is Trisha Tubu, whose scoring has given Farm Fresh a reliable offensive weapon. Around her is a veteran core of Ces Molina, Royse Tubino, Riri Meneses, Mylene Paat, and Ara Galang, all of whom have helped give the team both toughness and stability.

     

    For Molina, their growth has been rooted less in talent and more in the chemistry they have worked hard to build. In a tournament where every edge matters, that connection has quietly become one of Farm Fresh’s biggest strengths.

     

    “Well, lahat naman ng teams nag-iimprove. Walang easy eam na sa tingin mong matatalo mo talaga. So talagang paghirapan mo,” said Molina, whose veteran presence and firepower – along with Tubino, Paat and Galang – have helped position the Foxies as the team most capable of shaking up the established order.

     

    She also pointed to the team’s developing trust as a key part of their rise this conference. For Farm Fresh, the progress has not only been about systems or lineups, but about understanding each other in the moments that matter most.

     

    “’Yun nga ‘yung sinasabi ni coach Koji (Tsuzurabara) palagi na tignan mo ‘yung kasama mo sa mata doon mo mabubuo ‘yung teamwork niyo eh. I think ‘yung team nakukuha na namin ‘yung ganoon eh, ‘yung isang tingin palang nagki-click na kami, talagang tinatrabaho namin ‘yung chemistry. Kasi ‘yun ‘yung pinakamahirap para sa isang bagong team ulit para magsimula,”

     

    The winners on Thursday will earn something more valuable than just momentum. 

     

    They will claim a direct path into the Final Four, giving themselves not just a better position in the bracket, but also breathing room in a tournament that has already demanded so much physically and emotionally.

     

    The losers will still have life left, but their road becomes more dangerous. Instead of advancing directly, they will have to survive another hurdle against the teams emerging from the Play-In stage.

     

    That means Thursday is not quite do-or-die — but it is close enough to feel like it. And with a roaring crowd expected at Araneta, both matches carry all the ingredients of defining postseason volleyball. 

     

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  • “Our growth doesn’t stop here”: Bella Belen eyes improvement after Capital1’s PVL exit

    “Our growth doesn’t stop here”: Bella Belen eyes improvement after Capital1’s PVL exit

    The Capital1 Solar Spikers saw their 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference campaign come to a heartbreaking end on Tuesday, March 24, at the hands of ninth-seed Galeries Tower Highrisers. The loss marked a disappointing finish for a team that showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately fell short in a must-win clash.

     

    Among the Spikers, Bella Belen stood out as the team’s driving force. The 23-year-old outside hitter delivered a stellar performance, nearly carrying her squad to victory with 21 points, 12 digs, and nine excellent receptions. However, her 20-of-71 attempts highlighted the team’s reliance on a single scorer and underscored the need for a more balanced offensive approach.

     

    In a post-match press conference, Belen admitted the defeat was painful but emphasized that it provided valuable lessons for both herself and her teammates.

     

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    “It’s really disappointing because I feel like we could have won. I feel like I could have done more to help the team. But we learned a lot this conference. Lessons we really need to absorb so we can come back stronger next time,” Belen said.

    She added, “I was actually looking forward to our next game on Saturday, but we just weren’t able to make it. For now, we regroup, reset, and go back to training. Our growth as a team and as players doesn’t stop here.”

     

    Belen’s individual campaign was nothing short of impressive. She scored 20 or more points in 10 games and finished as the top scorer of the preliminary round with 218 points from 199 kills, alongside eight blocks and 11 aces. Her consistency and resilience throughout the conference have firmly established her as one of the league’s rising stars.

     

    Reflecting on her own development and the team’s potential, Belen remains focused on improvement.

     

    “I’m never really satisfied. Every game, every conference, I feel like I have to raise my standard, not for others, but for myself. Like in this game, I know I could have done more. So from here, I will look at what else I can improve for the next conference and the next tournament with Capital1.

     

    “For me, that’s really how I am when it’s a tough situation—I feel like I can step up. But it would be better if the whole team can do that together. Coach Jorge De Brito told us earlier that it’s really a mental game, having courage and heart. I think that’s something we still lack, maybe because we don’t have that much experience yet as a team or as players. But I believe we will get there, where no matter who’s on the court, anyone can score and contribute,” she concluded.

     

    While the Capital1 Solar Spikers’ campaign ended sooner than they hoped, Bella Belen’s breakout performance provides a bright spot for the team’s future. Her leadership, consistency, and determination set the tone for the next chapter of the franchise. With lessons learned and a renewed focus on teamwork and mental toughness, Belen and the Solar Spikers are poised to come back stronger, aiming for a deeper run in the upcoming PVL conferences.

     

     

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  • “We can work even harder”: Julia Coronel eyes deeper PVL run after Highrisers’ big win

    “We can work even harder”: Julia Coronel eyes deeper PVL run after Highrisers’ big win

    The Galeries Tower Highrisers delivered a historic performance, pulling off one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference history with a dominant 25-16, 25-20, 30-28 victory over the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Tuesday, March 24, at the FilOil Centre.

     

    With their backs against the wall in the Play-In stage, the Highrisers rose to the occasion and showcased poise, execution, and composure—qualities that had eluded them in previous close matches. The straight-sets triumph not only secured their survival in the tournament but also signaled their intent to go deeper than their previous quarterfinal finish.

     

    Leading the charge was Jean Asis, who turned in a standout all-around performance. The dynamic attacker finished with 17 points, highlighted by three blocks and two service aces, earning Best Player of the Game honors. Her ability to deliver in crucial stretches, especially in the tightly contested third set, proved vital in sealing the win.

     

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    Running the offense with precision was rookie playmaker Julia Coronel, who tallied 22 excellent sets in orchestrating the Highrisers’ attack. The third overall pick in the 2024 PVL Rookie Draft displayed maturity beyond her years, distributing the ball efficiently and keeping the Solar Spikers’ defense guessing throughout the match.

     

    Gayle Pascual provided steady scoring support with 14 points, while Aiza Pontillas and Roselle Baliton added 12 and 11 points, respectively. The balanced offensive effort underscored Galeries Tower’s improved chemistry and depth—key factors in their breakthrough performance.

    After the match, Coronel expressed both pride and renewed determination, emphasizing the team’s desire to surpass their previous campaign.

     

    “I’m very proud of the team, and I feel even more motivated. The last time we reached the quarterfinals, we didn’t make it to the next round. This time, I’m hopeful that we can work even harder in the next few days to prepare. Hopefully, God will bless us with a win in the next game,” Coronel said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    The Highrisers’ growth was particularly evident in the third set, where they weathered a fierce challenge from the Solar Spikers. After building a two-set advantage, Galeries Tower found themselves locked in a tense extended frame, but this time, they showed composure in crunch time—an area that had previously been a weakness.

     

    Coronel acknowledged this improvement, noting how the team finally managed to overcome its struggles in closing out tight games.

     

    “It’s frustrating when we lose games we know we could have won. We have always been competitive, but we tend to fall short in the endgame. So I’m really happy that today, we fought through it because the endgame was crucial and this time, we got it done,” she added.

     

    With momentum on their side, the Highrisers now turn their attention to another high-stakes showdown against the Nxled Chameleons on Saturday, March 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. A semifinal berth hangs in the balance, and Galeries Tower will look to build on their confidence and newfound composure as they continue their campaign.

     

    For the Highrisers, this breakthrough victory represents more than just survival—it is a statement of growth, resilience, and belief that they can finally push past previous limitations and contend with the league’s best when it matters most.

     

     

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  • Galeries Tower, Choco Mucho keep seasons alive as PVL Play-In pressure produces breakthrough performances

    Galeries Tower, Choco Mucho keep seasons alive as PVL Play-In pressure produces breakthrough performances

    Survival, not seeding, has become the true currency in the PVL All-Filipino Conference Play-In on Tuesday as two teams proved they have plenty left to spend.


    At the FilOil Centre in San Juan, the postseason’s backdoor route turned into a stage for reinvention. Lower-ranked squads, once on the brink of elimination, flipped the narrative and showed that momentum can outweigh rankings when everything is on the line.

     

    The biggest statement came from Galeries Tower, the No. 9 seed that refused to play like an underdog. Facing a higher-ranked Capital1 side, the Highrisers swept their way to a 25-16, 25-20, 30-28 victory.

     

    Galeries leaned on collective firepower and cohesion. Their system clicked at the right time, with multiple scoring options stretching Capital1’s defense thin. The result was a composed, confident performance that looked more like a team peaking than one merely trying to survive.

     

    Meanwhile, Capital1’s star player Bella Belen once again carried the offensive load with 21 points, but with no other player reaching double digits, the imbalance proved costly in a win-or-go-home scenario. The victory sends Galeries into a tougher test against the NXLed Chameleons.

     

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    If Galeries’ win was about control, Choco Mucho’s triumph in the nightcap was about resilience. Dragged into a grueling five-set duel by ZUS Coffee, the Flying Titans had to rediscover their rhythm multiple times before pulling off a 21-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-11, 15-11 escape. 

     

    The match unfolded like a test of endurance, with momentum swinging wildly before Choco Mucho found its footing when it mattered most.

     

    Sisi Rondina once again proved to be the heartbeat of the team, delivering a near all-around masterpiece with 27 points alongside heavy defensive contributions. While Maddie Madayag, Eya Laure, Kat Tolentino, and Deanna Wong all played crucial roles, giving the squad a more complete shape at the perfect time.

     

    For ZUS Coffee, the loss marked the end of a difficult campaign. Despite flashes of promise from Riza Nogales and Thea Gagate, consistency remained elusive throughout the tournamen.

     

    As the Play-Ins progress, the stakes only get higher—but so does the level of belief for the teams still standing.

     

    Galeries Tower now heads into its next matchup with growing confidence, while Choco Mucho prepares for a showdown against the Akari Chargers with renewed chemistry.

     

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  • “Lahat ng kaya kong gawin”: Maddie Madayag leads Choco Mucho’s charge to keep PVL hopes alive

    “Lahat ng kaya kong gawin”: Maddie Madayag leads Choco Mucho’s charge to keep PVL hopes alive

    The Choco Mucho Flying Titans rose to the occasion when it mattered most, showcasing a blend of firepower, resilience, and composure to outlast the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in a gripping five-set thriller, 21-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-11, 15-11, in a do-or-die showdown in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, March 24, at the FilOil Centre.

     

    Facing elimination, Choco Mucho leaned on its veteran core and rising stars to stay alive in the tournament. Sisi Rondina once again led the charge with a stellar all-around performance, tallying 27 points on top of 15 excellent receptions. She was ably supported by Maddie Madayag, Eya Laure, and Kat Tolentino, all of whom delivered in crucial stretches of the match.

     

    While Rondina provided her usual spark, it was Madayag who emerged as the difference-maker. The versatile middle blocker turned in one of her best performances of the conference, finishing with 19 points highlighted by three timely blocks. Her efforts earned her Best Player of the Game honors and helped anchor Choco Mucho’s defense at the net during pivotal moments in the match.

     

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    After the game, Madayag did not shy away from acknowledging both the team’s struggles and their determination to overcome them.

     

    “Ayaw kong matalo, ayaw ko ‘yung feeling na natatalo. So, lahat ng kaya kong gawin sa team para manalo kami, go. Whatever that I can contribute sa team, ayun ‘yung gagawin ko. Sobrang laking bagay na makita na kaya namin bawiin ‘yung sarili namin. ‘Yun sabi ni Sisi Rondina na kagagawan namin na nasa bottom seed kami. Not too bottom, but seventh place, again,” Madayag said.

    Choco Mucho’s path to victory was far from smooth. After splitting the first two sets, the Flying Titans faltered in the third, where ZUS Coffee dominated with a commanding 25-13 win. With their backs against the wall, however, Choco Mucho responded emphatically in the fourth set, rediscovering their rhythm and overwhelming the Thunderbelles with a lopsided 25-11 performance to force a decider.

     

    That shift in momentum proved crucial, as the Flying Titans carried their energy into the fifth set, where they held their nerve in a tightly contested finish to complete the comeback victory.

    Madayag highlighted the team’s growth, particularly their improved ability to respond under pressure—something that had plagued them in previous outings.

     

    “May mga times and sets na nalalamangan kami, but I’m very proud of my team na kahit na umabot na kami sa point na parang feeling namin na matatalo na kami, kaya pa rin ilaban, which was our struggle in the past few games, past few conferences, na kapag nalamangan kami ng team, hindi na namin kaya bumawi. Nakikita mo ‘yung puso and competitiveness na ayaw pa namin matapos, and gusto pa namin mag-training,” she added.

     

    The victory not only keeps Choco Mucho’s campaign alive but also sets the stage for another high-stakes encounter. The Flying Titans will face the Akari Chargers in yet another knockout match on Saturday, March 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, with a coveted semifinal berth on the line.

     

    With momentum now on their side, Madayag emphasized the importance of staying grounded and focused as they prepare for their next challenge.

     

    “Ayun na nga kailangan namin mag-focus saw bawat isa, sa team namin, kung paano kami gumalaw and kung pano namin i-angat ‘yung sarili namin,” Madayag concluded.

     

    For Choco Mucho, the mission is clear: build on this hard-earned victory, sustain their intensity, and continue proving that they belong among the league’s contenders—one match at a time.

     

     

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  • Is Alyssa Valdez Slowly Regaining Form for Creamline?

    Is Alyssa Valdez Slowly Regaining Form for Creamline?

    For much of the early stretch of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, Alyssa Valdez was more of a quiet presence than a focal point for the Creamline Cool Smashers. Her minutes were limited, her touches sporadic, and her scoring production far from what fans had long been accustomed to seeing.

     

    Through the team’s first seven games, Valdez had managed just 20 total points, including outings where she failed to score at all against Capital1 and Nxled. For a player long regarded as one of the league’s defining figures, it was an unusually subdued start that reflected both a shifting role and a team still finding balance.

     

    But context matters. Creamline’s rotation had been largely intact early in the conference, with primary scorers like Jema Galanza and Bernadeth Pons carrying the bulk of the offensive load. As injuries began to sideline key pieces, however, the team’s dynamics changed—and so did Valdez’s role.

     

    What followed was less a sudden breakout and more a gradual re-emergence. Given extended minutes, Valdez began to rediscover her rhythm. She first showed flashes in a 14-point outing, a performance that hinted at a return to form even in a losing effort. Her impact soon grew more pronounced, culminating in a standout performance where she delivered 22 points along with 13 digs and 13 receptions to power Creamline in a crucial win.

     

    That stretch ultimately earned her Player of the Week honors and helped fuel Creamline’s late push into the qualifying round. It was also a reminder that her value extends far beyond scoring, as her floor defense, serve receive, and leadership became central to the team’s resurgence.

     

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    The numbers only tell part of the story, as in Creamline’s gritty five-set victory over Cignal HD Spikers, Valdez was among those who stepped up amid a depleted lineup, with multiple regulars unavailable due to injuries. The absence of key players forced the Cool Smashers to lean on experience and adaptability, and Valdez responded by anchoring both ends of the floor when it mattered most.

     

    This recent stretch suggests that her early struggles were less about decline and more about circumstance. With limited opportunities early on, her rhythm never fully developed. Now, with increased responsibility and a clearer role, her performances have begun to mirror the player who has built a decorated career as one of the league’s most consistent outside hitters.

     

    The question now is not whether Valdez can still deliver—it is whether she can sustain this level as the competition intensifies.

     

    As Creamline heads into the next phase of the tournament, her resurgence could not have come at a better time. In a conference defined by parity and pressure, having a veteran rediscover her form may ultimately be the difference between simply advancing and making another championship run.

     

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  • Bella Belen calls for Capital1 adjustments ahead of crucial knockout clash

    Capital1 Solar Spikers star player Bella Belen emphasized the urgency of tightening their overall performance as they prepare for a high-stakes play-in showdown in the PVL All-Filipino Conference against the Galeries Tower Highrisers.


    With Capital1 holding an even 4-5 record for eighth place and Galeries Tower trailing at 2-7 in ninth, the upcoming clash carries significant weight for both squads. 

     

    The Solar Spikers find themselves in a must-win situation, and Belen made it clear that refining their execution will be key to extending their campaign.

     

    “Siguro yung mindset lang namin is, ayun nga, must win na eh. So kung gusto namin makaabot ng series, kailangan mas puliduin pa namin yung galaw namin,” Belen, the former UAAP MVP said.

     

    “And we all know naman na Galleries ulit yung kalaban namin. So siguro titignan namin kung ano yung pinerform namin this game. And then, ayun, mag-training kami tomorrow, tingnan namin kung ano pa yung pwede namin ma-improve para mas magpadali yung game namin on Tuesday against them,” she added.

     

    Belen pointed to one of the team’s recurring struggles—falling behind early in matches—as a major concern that needs immediate correction. 

     

    In their previous outing, slow starts allowed opponents to dictate the tempo, forcing Capital1 to play catch-up for most of the game.

     

    “Siguro huwag yung nagpapauna kami ng ilang points. So siguro yun yung kailangan namin ma-improve, lalo na yung side-out game namin na kailangan… makakuha agad kami ng point. Ang baga, point by point lagi,” the 23-year-old outside hitter of Capital1 said.

     

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    As the conference’s current top scorer with 218 total points, Belen has consistently delivered on offense, but she acknowledged that individual production alone won’t be enough. 

     

    For Capital1 to survive the knockout round, a more cohesive team effort will be required on both ends of the court.

     

    Interestingly, Belen’s transition into the professional ranks this 2026 season has further highlighted her evolution as more than just a prolific scorer. 

     

    Beyond piling up points, she has taken on a growing leadership role—often seen directing teammates on the floor and helping stabilize the squad during tense stretches. 

     

    Her ability to balance scoring with on-court guidance could prove crucial as Capital1 navigates its most pressure-filled game yet.

     

    Capital1 and Galeries Tower are set to face off in a knockout play-in match, with the winner advancing to the next phase of the league.

     

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  • Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez named PVL Player of the Week for March 17 to 21

    Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez named PVL Player of the Week for March 17 to 21

    The Creamline Cool Smashers have made a strong start to the ongoing 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, winning six of their nine games to secure third place in the standings.

     

    Their most recent victory came against the Cignal Super Spikers in a thrilling five-set match at the FilOil Centre on Saturday, March 21. After dropping the first two sets, 19-25 and 20-25, Creamline bounced back, winning the next two 25-15 and 28-26 before edging Cignal 18-16 in the decider.

     

    Central to the comeback was captain and star player Alyssa Valdez, who delivered a vintage performance that reminded fans why she remains one of the league’s elite. Valdez finished with a triple-double of 22 points, 13 receptions, and 13 digs, leading her team from the front in the absence of fellow stars Jema Galanza and Bernadeth Pons.

     

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    This was a welcome return to form for the 32-year-old, who had struggled in recent games, averaging just 3.57 points in Creamline’s previous seven matches. Her stellar showing earned her first-ever PVL Press Corps Player of the Week in the league’s professional era for March 17-21. She outshone strong contenders including Royse Tubino (Farm Fresh Foxies), Trisha Tubu (Farm Fresh Foxies), Eli Soyud (Akari Chargers), Brooke Van Sickle (Nxled Chameleons), and Sisi Rondina (Choco Mucho Flying Titans).

     

    Reflecting on her performance, Valdez emphasized effort and team spirit over personal accolades.

    “Honestly, what was on my mind was: we are already here, so we are going to fight for it. Wherever this takes us, we will be thankful to the Lord. There’s something different when you give everything, your full effort, and fight all the way,” Valdez said.

     

    She added: “That’s really all I was thinking about. I didn’t even remember the score. I even had to ask what the last point was because I didn’t realize the game was already over. When you’re in the moment, you’re just focused on finishing strong.”

     

    Valdez’s leadership extends beyond scoring. Widely regarded as the most popular volleyball player in the Philippines, she is credited with helping bring the sport into the mainstream. Yet for her, it is always about the team.

     

    “I think every game, it’s more of a reminder for myself and for the team that we are still here. If there’s something to motivate myself, it’s honestly hard to always rely on thinking about other people. So now, I remind myself that I’m still capable. I will just do my part in practice, and when I’m needed, I’ll step up and help,” Valdez explained.

     

    Creamline will look to maintain their momentum when they face Cignal again in the qualifying round on Thursday, March 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The winner will advance directly to the semifinals, while the losing team will face a lower-bracket opponent for another chance to progress.

     

    With Valdez leading the charge, the Cool Smashers are proving that experience, determination, and resilience remain their keys to success in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

     

     

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