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Tag: PVL

  • Bella Belen pulls away in PVL scoring race after 29-point masterclass

    Bella Belen pulls away in PVL scoring race after 29-point masterclass

    Mhicaela “Bella” Belen isn’t just leading the PVL scoring race — she’s redefining it game by game.

    Fresh off being named Ms. Volleyball at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards, the National University legend has translated that recognition into pure production in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Belen currently tops the Best Scorers list with 106 total points, built on 96 spikes, 7 blocks, and 3 aces — a commanding margin over second-running Cherry Ann Rondina, who has 73.

     

    But the numbers only tell part of the story.

     

    In Capital1’s recent five-set thriller against Choco Mucho at the Filoil Centre in San Juan, Belen delivered a masterclass — unloading 29 points, matching her UAAP career-high, to power the Solar Spikers to a 25-21, 18-25, 25-18, 19-25, 15-10 victory.

     

    It wasn’t just another big night. It was historic for her young pro career.

     

    The 29-point eruption marked a new PVL-best for Belen, surpassing the previous career-high she set just days earlier against PLDT. It also extended her streak to four straight 20-point performances this conference — a statement of consistency rarely seen from a rookie adjusting to the professional level.

     

    That PLDT game, however, showed the other side of her scoring brilliance.

     

    Belen dropped 28 points in that outing — her best scoring output at the time — but the Solar Spikers fell short as the High Speed Hitters flexed their strength at the net to claim a 25-20, 25-16, 22-25, 25-17 victory.

     

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    Even in defeat, Belen’s production stood out. She has proven capable of carrying the offensive load whether Capital1 is celebrating or regrouping.

     

    Through the early stretch of the conference, her scoring has not only been explosive — it has been sustained. Four straight 20-point games. A career-high 29. A 28-point follow-up in a tough loss.

     

    And a league-leading total that puts clear separation between her and the rest of the field.

    Trailing Belen in the scoring race is Cherry Ann Rondina of Choco Mucho with 73 points, followed by Chinnie Arroyo of ZUS Coffee with 67. Farm Fresh’s Trisha Tubu is close behind with 64 markers, while Erika Mae Santos of Cignal rounds out the top five with 61 points — all chasing a sizable gap set by the Solar Spikers’ star.

     

    For now, Belen isn’t just ahead — she’s in control.

     

    The PSA recognition honored her past achievements. Her current PVL run suggests she’s building something even bigger.

     

    Belen looks to add to her tally and further  the gap against Creamline on Saturday, at 4PM at the FilOil Centre in San Juan City. 

     

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  • “I truly admire her”: Alyssa Valdez excited to face Bella Belen for the first time in the PVL

    “I truly admire her”: Alyssa Valdez excited to face Bella Belen for the first time in the PVL

    Widely regarded as one of the brightest stars to emerge from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Bella Belen continues to shoulder the expectations of becoming the next face of Philippine volleyball — and potentially a cornerstone of the national team’s future on the international stage.

     

    The former collegiate standout wasted little time making her mark in the professional ranks after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft by the Capital1 Solar Spikers. From the moment she donned the Solar Spikers jersey, Belen embraced the responsibility of leading a rebuilding franchise hungry to establish itself as a legitimate contender.

     

    Her rapid rise has not gone unnoticed. Belen recently added another honor to her ever-growing résumé, claiming the prestigious Ms. Volleyball Award from the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) at the Annual Awards Night held on Monday, February 16, at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

     

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    The 23-year-old’s achievements have already earned praise from one of Philippine volleyball’s icons, Alyssa Valdez, a three-time Ms. Volleyball recipient herself. Valdez expressed her excitement at facing Belen on the court for the first time, when the Creamline Cool Smashers take on the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the ongoing PVL All-Filipino Conference.

     

    “This will actually be our first game against each other. I’m really excited to face her. More than her skills, I truly admire her character and personality, both on and off the court. She has that never-say-die attitude, that grit and discipline,” Valdez said in a media interaction.

    “I can’t wait to see her grow even more and become someone even more young athletes can look up to. But when it comes to our game this Saturday? Bella is Bella. We are very excited and looking forward to it, and hopefully we can give her a really good match,” she added.

     

    Interestingly, both Valdez and Belen share the same birthday, adding a symbolic layer to the praise from a player widely recognized as the greatest female volleyball athlete in Philippine history.

     

    Meanwhile, Creamline has made a strong start to the All-Filipino Conference, posting a 2-1 record to sit fourth in the standings. Valdez acknowledged that the team is still adjusting to reintegrating key players Jia De Guzman and Bernadeth Pons, who have returned to the franchise.

     

    “We are still working on being more in tune with each other. But it was really nice to see that never-give-up mentality come out after that first set. Hopefully, we can keep building on that because the team’s effort this game was really great,” Valdez said.

     

    She added, “For me, it’s really about mindset — I try to give my 100% all the time so that when the coaches call my name, I’m ready. It’s a team sport, and it’s not just about the players on the court. As a team, we definitely support each other. We are very proud of whoever is shining in the moment. It’s always full support from all of us.”

     

    The stage is now set for a highly anticipated clash, as the two top talents — Belen and Valdez — face off on Saturday, February 21, at the FilOil Centre. Fans can expect a showdown that highlights not just skill, but leadership, resilience, and the next generation of Philippine volleyball stars making their mark.

     

     

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  • Creamline is winning — but not there yet says Jia De Guzman 

    Creamline is winning — but not there yet says Jia De Guzman 

    Winning hasn’t masked the truth inside the Creamline camp — and they’re not pretending it has.

    At 2-1 in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, the Cool Smashers are back in the win column after dropping their opener to PLDT. 

     

    On paper, back-to-back victories over Choco Mucho and ZUS Coffee suggest stability. On the court, however, Creamline knows it’s still searching for rhythm.

     

    The ZUS Coffee match told the story clearly. Creamline opened flat, surrendered the first set, and looked momentarily unsure of itself. Then the switch flipped. The Cool Smashers imposed their will in the next three sets to pull away, 22-25, 25-17, 25-16, 25-18. It was clinical — eventually. But it also highlighted the gap between potential and performance.

     

    And no one articulated that better than Jia De Guzman.

     

    “Despite our wins, we sometimes put ourselves in unnecessary tough situations,” she said, adding that the team is focused on improving its chemistry to play more cohesively.

     

    For De Guzman, this conference isn’t just about standings. It’s about reintegration and recalibration. After nearly three years away — including a stint with Denso Airybees in Japan’s S.V. League and duties with Alas Pilipinas — the eight-time PVL Best Setter is rediscovering timing, trust, and tempo with a group that has evolved during her absence.

     

    “Ako personally, hindi pa. Hindi pa ito yun,” said De Guzman, who returned to the squad to start the conference after nearly three years, during which she spent time with Denso Airybees in the Japan S.V. League and later with Alas Pilipinas.

     

    “I think there are still a lot of times na we put ourselves in hard situations na hindi naman talaga dapat. Like coach said nga, maraming beses na yung effort talaga namin at yung kagustuhan naming manalo, nagdi-dictate kung ano yung nangyayari sa laro,” she added.

     

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    “And a lot of times, today and the past games, nagsa-stop kami. So, yun yung tina-try naming ayusin din as a team.”

     

    It’s a rare admission from a dynasty built on precision. Creamline’s identity has long been rooted in control — dictating pace, limiting errors, closing teams out before they can breathe. But this version of the Cool Smashers is learning in real time, winning through turbulence instead of avoiding it.

     

    De Guzman’s stat line against ZUS Coffee — 25 excellent sets and 10 points from six attacks, two kill blocks, and two aces — reflects production. Yet even that comes with self-critique.

     

    “I think, regarding my performance, I still see a lot of lapses. Maraming sitwasyon nga, like coach mentioned, na we could’ve controlled better, we made a lot of errors. Pero, thankfully, natuto kami and naihabol naman namin,” said De Guzman.

     

    What stands out is not frustration, but awareness.

     

    Creamline is no longer chasing perfection in February. It is building toward something heavier — cohesion forged through adversity rather than dominance alone. These are not the smooth, effortless wins of a team already in sync. They are the gritty, instructional victories of a group rebuilding its internal wiring.

     

    And strangely, that may be more dangerous for the rest of the league.

     

    “But, as a team, I’m really proud of how we performed. Kasi, ito yung kinds of games na natututo kami gumalaw as one. Parang dito kami nagbi-build ng chemistry,” she said.

     

    “Dito kami nakaka-face ng adversity and kung paano namin iha-handle talaga as one team. So, thankfully talaga, the win went our way.”

     

    Creamline is winning — but it knows it hasn’t arrived.

     

    For a team used to setting the standard, that honesty might be the first real sign that its peak form is still loading.

     

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  • Nxled’s Jules Tolentino named PVL Player of the Week for February 10 to 14

    Nxled’s Jules Tolentino named PVL Player of the Week for February 10 to 14

    The Nxled Chameleons have emerged as one of the early revelations of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, storming to three consecutive victories to open their campaign and securing second place in the standings.

     

    After a modest showing in previous conferences, the Chameleons appear to have found both rhythm and resilience this season, blending youthful energy with veteran leadership. Their latest statement win came on Saturday, February 14, at the Ynares Center, where they swept the Cignal HD Spikers in straight sets, 25-19, 25-22, 27-25.

     

    At the heart of that victory was rookie setter Jules Tolentino, whose steady orchestration of the offense and timely contributions on both ends of the floor underscored her growing influence on the team. Tolentino tallied five points built on two attacks, two kill blocks, and an ace, while dishing out 19 excellent sets that consistently put her hitters in prime scoring positions.

     

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    Beyond the numbers, it was Tolentino’s poise in crucial moments — particularly in the tightly contested third set — that stood out. With Cignal threatening to extend the match, the 23-year-old playmaker displayed maturity beyond her years, making smart distribution choices and keeping the Chameleons composed under pressure.

     

    Her impressive outing did not go unnoticed. Tolentino was named PVL Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of February 10 to 14, besting a competitive field that included teammate MJ Phillips, the Creamline Cool Smashers duo of Bernadeth Pons and Jia De Guzman, PLDT High Speed Hitters star Kianny Dy, ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles standout Chinnie Arroyo, Farm Fresh Foxies scorer Trisha Tubu, and Cignal’s Vanie Gandler for the weekly citation awarded by print and online reporters covering the country’s premier professional volleyball league.

    For Tolentino, however, individual recognition remains secondary to steady growth and team success.

     

    “Lagi ko lang na mindset sa sarili ko na magwo-work hard lang ako, at kahit manalo o matalo, same pa rin yung attitude ko. Ayun, siguro po grateful din po sa mga nangyayari, but then again, I’m not really complacent, kaya every day talaga gusto ko i-push yung sarili ko kasi gusto ko talaga ma-reach yung highest potential ko,” Tolentino said in a media interaction.

     

    The rookie setter also acknowledged the invaluable guidance she receives from her more experienced teammates, emphasizing the importance of composure during crunch time.

     

    “Thankful sa mga ates ko na they are really used to that kind of situations so sila po talaga ‘yung nag-step up nung mga last points. I’m really happy na puro veterans ‘yung kasama ko,” she added.

     

    Nxled’s strong start reflects a team buying into its system and trusting its floor general. With Tolentino steering the offense and veterans stepping up in key stretches, the Chameleons have quickly positioned themselves as legitimate contenders in the All-Filipino Conference.

     

    They now turn their focus to their next assignment against the Galeries Tower Highrisers on Thursday, February 19, at the FilOil Centre. A fourth straight win would further cement Nxled’s status as one of the conference’s hottest teams — and provide another opportunity for Tolentino to showcase the calm confidence that has fueled her breakout run.

     

    If their early performances are any indication, the Chameleons are not merely off to a good start — they may well be building something sustainable for the long grind of the PVL season.

     

     

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  • No. 1 pick Bella Belen shows growth in Capital1’s tough PVL campaign

    No. 1 pick Bella Belen shows growth in Capital1’s tough PVL campaign

    Widely regarded as one of the brightest stars to emerge from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, Bella Belen continues to carry the weight of expectations that she will become the next face of Philippine volleyball — and perhaps a cornerstone of the national team’s future on the international stage.

     

    The former collegiate standout wasted little time making her mark in the professional ranks after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft by the Capital1 Solar Spikers. From the moment she donned the Solar Spikers jersey, Belen has embraced the responsibility of leading a rebuilding franchise hungry to establish itself as a legitimate contender.

     

    Now 23, the dynamic outside hitter has shown flashes of brilliance early in her PVL career, spearheading Capital1’s offense in the ongoing All-Filipino Conference. However, the transition from collegiate dominance to professional consistency has not come without challenges. The Solar Spikers currently sit eighth in the standings after three games, a position that underscores the growing pains of a young squad still searching for cohesion against more seasoned opponents.

     

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    Despite the setbacks, Belen’s competitive fire and willingness to learn have stood out. Her development was evident in Capital1’s recent meetings with the PLDT High Speed Hitters. In their first encounter, she was limited to 13 points as PLDT’s formidable blocking corps repeatedly shut down her attacking lanes. But just days later, Belen responded with a statement performance, erupting for a PVL-leading 28 points on 26 attacks in a spirited rematch — a testament to her adjustments and resilience.

     

    Reflecting on the experience, Belen pointed to preparation and in-game awareness as key factors in her bounce-back outing.

     

    “Naalala ko pa yung last na paghaharap namin sa Reinforced. Grabe, naba-block nila ako. Dapat from that, kung makaka-block man sila sa akin, siguro dalawa, isa, pero hindi ganon karami. Kailangan mas marami pa rin akong napuntos for the team. Siyempre, yung coverage nandiyan kahit ma-block ako, meron na ka-support na sa akin. So, ayun, inaral naman namin yung PLDT po, na alam namin na yung advantage talaga nila is yung blocking nila. Kasi, malalaki at mabibilis talaga sila,” Belen said in a media interaction.

    Her comments highlight not only her individual accountability but also the team’s collective effort to dissect opponents and improve tactically — a crucial trait for a young roster aiming to climb the standings.

     

    Even in defeat, Belen found reasons for optimism.

     

    “Siyempre, despite the loss, nakita ko naman na lumaban yung team. Kumbaga, mayroong glimpse na kaya, kaya sana ng team. Sadyang, siyempre yung kalaban namin, sobrang veterano na matagalan sila magkasama, ganyan.

     

    “Meron pa kami dapat, sana pinush pa namin yung sarili namin na kung ano pa yung pwede namin gawin sana, para ma-push pa yung game into 5-set. At sana nanalo kami, gano’n. So, I’m very happy pa rin naman sa naging performance ng team na kahit gano’n yun, natalo. Nakita ko naman na lumaban ko yung team,” she concluded.

     

    For Belen, the emphasis remains on growth — turning painful lessons into stepping stones. Her scoring leap from 13 to 28 points against the same opponent illustrates both her adaptability and her determination to shoulder the offensive burden when needed.

     

    Capital1’s journey in the All-Filipino Conference is far from over, and Belen will once again be at the forefront when the Solar Spikers face the Choco Mucho Flying Titans at the FilOil Centre on Tuesday, February 17. Against another established contender, the young star will have another opportunity to showcase her evolution — not just as a prolific scorer, but as a leader intent on steering her team back to winning ways.

     

    If early signs are any indication, Bella Belen’s professional story is only just beginning — and Philippine volleyball fans may very well be witnessing the rise of their next superstar.

     

     

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  • “MVP candidate this season”: Ralf Ricafort, Kianna Dy laud Bella Belen following PVL clash

    “MVP candidate this season”: Ralf Ricafort, Kianna Dy laud Bella Belen following PVL clash

    If the early stretch of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference is any indication, PLDT is determined to prove that sustained success does not hinge on a single superstar.

     

    Instead, the High Speed Hitters are carving out an identity rooted in depth, balance, and defensive discipline — a formula that is beginning to pay dividends.

     

    On Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, PLDT delivered another statement performance, dispatching Capital1 in four sets, 25-20, 25-16, 22-25, 25-17. The victory marked their second straight win to open the conference and reinforced the impression that their earlier dismantling of defending powerhouse Creamline was no mere early-season anomaly.

     

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    The victory underscored head coach Rald Ricafort’s emphasis on sustainability — a system built to withstand pressure and adapt mid-match rather than crumble when a single player is contained.

     

    Still, the night belonged in many ways to Capital1’s rising star, University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standout Bella Belen.

     

    Belen exploded for a conference-best 28 points, showcasing her all-around arsenal that included 12 receptions. Through three games, she is averaging an eye-popping 25.67 points per outing — elite production by any standard, especially for a young player navigating the professional ranks.

     

    Her performance kept Capital1 competitive, particularly in the third set where her scoring burst sparked a rally that extended the match. Whether attacking from the wings, scoring from the back row, or contributing in out-of-system plays, Belen displayed the poise and versatility that have quickly made her one of the league’s most talked-about talents.

    Ricafort acknowledged that neutralizing Belen was a primary focus of PLDT’s game plan.

     

    “Yun nga eh. ‘Yun talaga nilook-forward namin today na i-try talaga bawasan si Bella. Pero siyempre, credit pa rin sa kanya dahil nandun talaga ‘yung skill eh. Kumpleto laro, passing, out-of-system. Parang nakarami siyang points backrow pa, so siya talaga ‘yun. Bigay namin ‘yun sa kanya,” Ricafort said in the post-match press conference.

     

    The veteran tactician even went a step further, openly labeling Belen as a legitimate Most Valuable Player (MVP) candidate.

     

    “Nung huling beses ko siya na-congratulate, Bella Bytsenko ang tawag ko sa kanya. Ganyan talaga magiging season niya. For sure, MVP candidate talaga siya this season,” he added.

     

    PLDT star Kim Kianna Dy echoed her coach’s sentiments, pointing to Belen’s evident growth and composure on the court.

     

    “I guess I feel like mas mature siya ngayon. Very calm na siya inside, dinadala na niya yung teammates niya. Ang likot ng bola niya. Madaming daan yung bola niya, so mahirap talagang i-block. Kita naman sa 28 points niya, we prepared for her also. Alam naman na Bella will be given a lot of balls. Ayun, 28 points nga siya,” Dy said.

     

    Dy’s assessment highlighted what makes Belen particularly dangerous — not just her scoring totals, but the unpredictability of her attacks and her ability to lead her team despite heavy defensive attention.

     

    le Belen’s heroics commanded attention, PLDT’s broader message was clear: they are building a team capable of contending deep into the conference.

     

     

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  • PLDT stays unbeaten, outduels Bella Belen’s 28-point night

    PLDT stays unbeaten, outduels Bella Belen’s 28-point night

    If the early stretch of the 2025 PVL All-Filipino Conference is any indication, PLDT is not relying on a single superstar to carry the load.

     

    The High Speed Hitters are building something more sustainable — rhythm, balance, and defensive bite.

     

    On Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, PLDT showcased that identity in a four-set win over Capital1, 25-20, 25-16, 22-25, 25-17. It was their second straight convincing victory to open the tournament, proof that their dismantling of a full-strength Creamline side a week ago was no fluke.

     

    At the center of it all was Kim Fajardo, orchestrating like a seasoned conductor. Her 25 excellent sets ensured that PLDT’s offense never stagnated. The ball moved with purpose. The attacks came from different angles. Capital1 could not lock in on just one threat.

     

    Savi Davison and Kianna Dy made sure of that.

     

    Davison once again delivered across multiple fronts, finishing with 20 points on 17 attacks while adding 11 receptions — a two-way presence that kept the Solar Spikers guessing. Dy matched her output with 20 markers of her own, hammering 16 spikes and rejecting four attempts at the net.

    And when PLDT smells separation, it strikes quickly.

     

    After a competitive opening set, the High Speed Hitters ripped the match open with an 8-1 surge in the second frame. What was once a slim 8-5 lead ballooned into a commanding 16-6 cushion. From there, the tone shifted. PLDT wasn’t just scoring — it was dictating. 

     

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    Still, Capital1 had Bella Belen, now the league’s leading scorer refused to fade quietly, unloading nine points in the third set alone to extend the match. By the end of the night, she tallied a conference-best 28 points, all but two from attacks, while also contributing 12 receptions. Through three games, she is averaging 25.67 points — elite production despite her team’s struggles.

     

    But this contest highlighted a telling contrast.

     

    While Belen shone individually, PLDT thrived collectively, Majoy Baron chipped in 11 points, including five of the team’s 15 blocks, as the High Speed Hitters turned the net into a wall. Aside from Belen, Capital1 struggled to find consistent offense against PLDT’s suffocating defensive schemes, only Shaya Adorador was the other Solar Spiker who scored double-digits with 13. 

    The fourth set became a statement. Order was restored. Control reestablished. Momentum preserved.

     

    With the victory, PLDT improved to 2-0 and moved into a tie for second with Nxled in the conference’s early standings. More importantly, they reinforced a blueprint that travels well in long tournaments: diversified scoring, disciplined defense, and a steady hand at setter.

     

    If the High Speed Hitters continue to win the battle of balance over brilliance, they won’t just be early contenders — they’ll be built for the grind of the entire conference.

     

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  • Jovelyn Gonzaga urges back-to-basics approach after powering ZUS Coffee to first PVL victory

    Jovelyn Gonzaga urges back-to-basics approach after powering ZUS Coffee to first PVL victory

    The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles finally found their breakthrough in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, snapping a two-game skid with a hard-earned five-set victory over the Akari Chargers, 16-25, 25-18, 18-25, 25-23, 15-12, on Thursday, February 12, at the Fil Oil Playtime Centre in San Juan.

     

    In a match that tested both resolve and composure, the Thunderbelles leaned on veteran leadership and timely execution to outlast the Chargers in a gripping contest that stretched to a deciding fifth set. After dropping the opening frame, ZUS Coffee responded with renewed energy in the second set before surrendering the third. Facing the prospect of a third straight defeat to open the conference, the Thunderbelles dug deep in the fourth, edging out Akari in a tight 25-23 finish to force a decider.

     

    From there, experience proved decisive.

     

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    Veteran hitter Jovelyn Gonzaga delivered when it mattered most, anchoring the team in crucial stretches of the fifth set. She finished with 14 points built on a well-rounded performance that included two blocks and two service aces, while providing steady leadership during momentum swings. Time and again, Gonzaga calmed her teammates during high-pressure rallies, helping the Thunderbelles stay composed down the stretch.

     

    Chinnie Arroyo led all ZUS Coffee scorers with 18 points, consistently finding ways to break through Akari’s defensive wall. Middle blocker Risa Nogales contributed 10 markers, while Thea Gagate chipped in nine, including key conversions that kept the team within striking distance in the fourth set. The balanced scoring effort underscored the team-first mentality that the coaching staff had emphasized following their slow start to the conference.

     

    “Thankful ako sa bawat isa kasi ‘yun nga, sabi ng coaching staff nag-step up talaga bawat isa. More than winning and the trophies, ang importante malagpasan namin ng team kung ano ‘mang pinagdadaanan ngayon. Testament ngayon ‘yung win namin na kahit papaano, unti-unti nakakausad kami,” Gonzaga said in the postmatch press conference.

    For Gonzaga, the victory represented more than just a mark in the win column. The 34-year-old admitted that heightened expectations following their silver-medal finish in the 2025 Reinforced Conference had weighed heavily on the squad. Entering the All-Filipino Conference with momentum and confidence, the Thunderbelles instead stumbled out of the gates, absorbing two straight losses that forced them to reassess their mindset.

     

    Compounding the challenge has been the absence of reigning Rookie of the Year AC Miner, who has yet to suit up due to a recurring shin injury. The team has also had to adjust to life without head coach Jerry Yee on the sidelines, as he is expected to be away for at least a month due to health reasons. With key figures unavailable, the Thunderbelles have been compelled to rely on internal growth and collective accountability.

     

    “Ang daming uncertainties na nangyari. Pressure siya, which is naging blinded kami sa realidad na nag-set kami ng standard. Hinumble kami, binalik kami sa zero. I-delete muna lahat ng nangyari – achievements, trophies. Balik muna kami sa basic – paano kami nagsimula at saan kami nanggaling – para makapagsimula muli as a team,” she added.

     

    The win serves as an early statement that ZUS Coffee remains a formidable contender despite adversity. More importantly, it signals a renewed focus on fundamentals and cohesion rather than external expectations.

     

    With their campaign now back on track, the Thunderbelles face an even sterner test as they prepare to take on league powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers on Tuesday, February 17, at the FilOil Centre. The upcoming showdown offers ZUS Coffee an opportunity to measure its progress against one of the conference favorites — and to prove that Thursday’s breakthrough was not merely a momentary spark, but the beginning of a steady climb in the standings.

     

     

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  • Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos shine as Cignal remains unbeaten in PVL All-Filipino Conference

    Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos shine as Cignal remains unbeaten in PVL All-Filipino Conference

    Cignal Super Spikers are off to a flying start in the PVL All-Filipino Conference, boasting a perfect 3-0 record, and much of the credit goes to the team’s dynamic duo: Vanessa Gandler and Erika Mae Santos. 


    Both players have made a strong statement, ranking among the league’s top five scorers while also breaking into the top 10 best spikers list, demonstrating not just firepower but also remarkable efficiency and versatility.

     

    Gandler leads the Super Spikers with 55 points so far this season. The 5-foot-9 outside spiker has tallied 51 spikes on 148 attempts, converting 34.46% of her attacks with zero faults, complemented by four additional points from other shots. 

     

    Santos is right behind with 46 points, converting 38 spikes out of 108 attempts for a 35.19% success rate, along with six faults and two successful shots. Together, their 101 points account for the backbone of Cignal’s offense, underscoring their central role in the team’s unbeaten start.

     

    Cignal opened the season with a dominant 3-0 sweep over Galeries Tower HighRisers, taking sets 25-17, 25-14, and 25-11. Gandler contributed 14 points, combining precise spikes and strong floor coverage, while Santos added 13 points, using her quick attacks and blocks to keep the HighRisers off balance.

     

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    In their second game against powerhouse Choco Mucho, the Super Spikers showed resilience in a 3-1 win (25-20, 18-19, 25-16, 25-25). Gandler tallied 16 points, delivering sharp attacks from the wings and solid passing that kept Cignal’s offense fluid. Santos turned in one of her standout performances, scoring 18 points, including two blocks and two aces, demonstrating her all-around threat at the net.

     

    Their latest win came against Farm Fresh, another 3-1 victory with sets of 17-25, 24-28, 25-20, and 28-30. Gandler’s triple-double performance stole the spotlight with 25 points, 14 excellent digs, and 15 excellent receptions, showing why she’s a nightmare for opposing defenses. Santos contributed 15 points with two blocks, consistently applying pressure at the net and keeping the team’s rhythm intact.

     

    Beyond their scoring, both players have been critical in other areas—Gandler’s court vision and defensive coverage, combined with Santos’ timing in blocks and efficient spike conversion, make them a well-rounded duo few teams can contain. Santos ranks seventh among the best spikers this conference, while Gandler is eighth, reinforcing their status as elite attackers.

     

    With Gandler and Santos leading the way, Cignal has established itself as a formidable team this season. 

     

    Their combination of scoring, attacking efficiency, and defensive contributions has been the driving force behind Cignal’s perfect 3-0 record, making the Super Spikers a squad to watch as the PVL All-Filipino Conference heats up, the Super Spikers will look to extend their streak against the Nxled Chameleons this Saturday scheduled for 6:30PM. 

     

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  • Sisi Rondina urges patience amid Choco Mucho’s poor start in the All-Filipino Conference

    Sisi Rondina urges patience amid Choco Mucho’s poor start in the All-Filipino Conference

    The Choco Mucho Flying Titans are still searching for consistency early in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference after dropping their first two assignments of the tournament, a start that has placed them fourth in the team standings.

     

    Their latest setback came at the hands of defending powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers, who imposed their will in four sets, 27-25, 17-25, 25-21, 25-15, on Tuesday, February 10, before a lively crowd of 12,600 fans at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

     

    Choco Mucho showed flashes of promise, particularly in a tightly contested opening frame that saw both teams exchange momentum. However, Creamline’s poise and depth proved decisive down the stretch, allowing the Cool Smashers to maintain their dominance in one of the league’s most compelling rivalries.

     

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    Despite the slow start, Flying Titans star Sisi Rondina urged patience, emphasizing that the team remains a work in progress as it continues to adjust to new systems and rediscover its rhythm.

     

    “We tend to lose patience. There are times when we are starting to find our rhythm, but we forget that everything coach wants us to do is effective, we just don’t execute it. That’s what we need to focus on and learn,” Rondina said in the post match press conference.

     

    Rondina once again carried much of the offensive load for Choco Mucho, tallying 15 points while contributing 14 receptions in an all-around effort. But even her steady production was not enough to turn the tide against Creamline. The loss marked the Flying Titans’ 19th defeat in their last 20 meetings with the Cool Smashers, a lopsided stretch that continues to highlight Creamline’s firm grip on the rivalry.

    The 2023 PVL Most Valuable Player (MVP) is also navigating a personal transition. Fresh off a historic campaign at the Southeast Asian Games, where she captured a gold medal in beach volleyball alongside Bernadeth Pons for the Philippines, Rondina is in the midst of readjusting to the indoor game and the tactical demands of Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

     

    “Since I returned to indoor volleyball, I have learned a lot of new things from coach Dante, especially the new techniques he is adapting. That’s what we really need to work on, especially me, Eya, and the other spikers,” she added.

     

    Alinsunurin echoed his star player’s sentiments, stressing that system familiarity and composure in critical moments remain areas of improvement for the squad.

     

    “From our two losses, we clearly saw our mistakes. What we want to happen on the court was proven to be something we really have to execute, not just talk about. There were moments when we lost our patience, but like I said, it takes time to get what we want to see on the court, especially when we are out of system. We just need to adapt to whatever situation we are in at that moment.

     

    “This league is long and a lot can still happen – you can end up in the Final Four or fighting near the bottom. In situations like this, we really need to prove ourselves more in the coming games,” Alinsunurin stated.

     

    While the early losses have raised concerns, the Flying Titans remain confident that adjustments made now will pay dividends as the conference progresses. With a long schedule ahead and playoff positioning still far from settled, Choco Mucho has ample opportunity to regroup and build momentum.

     

    The Flying Titans will attempt to halt their skid and notch their first win of the conference when they take on the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Tuesday, February 17, at the FilOil Centre — a crucial match that could help reset their campaign and restore confidence moving forward.

     

     

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