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  • PVL explores new calendar as FIVB rules reshape 2027 season 

    PVL explores new calendar as FIVB rules reshape 2027 season 

    The PVL is already preparing for a future that could look very different—but not necessarily quieter.

     

    With the FIVB set to enforce a new international calendar beginning in 2027, the country’s premier professional volleyball league is mapping out ways to keep fans engaged without compromising the growing demands of Alas Pilipinas.

     

    Rather than disappearing for nearly five months during the FIVB’s designated national team season, the PVL is studying alternative formats that can coexist with international commitments, according to league control committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo.

     

    The discussion stems from one of the key conditions attached to the Philippine National Volleyball Federation’s reinstatement by the FIVB.

     

    Among the federation’s requirements is a written commitment that the PVL calendar will align with the FIVB Volleyball Calendar Framework starting in 2027, while ensuring national team players are released for international duty whenever called upon.

     

    Under the FIVB schedule, the annual national team window will run from May 3 to October 3, a period that traditionally overlaps with much of the PVL season.

     

    However, Malonzo clarified that the international federation’s regulations do not prohibit domestic leagues from holding competitions during that stretch.

     

    “Actually, if you read the rules, it doesn’t say naman na no league eh. Hindi naman sinasabing bawal,” Malonzo told SPIN.ph.

     

    “If you notice, may mga tournaments pa rin sa Korea, sa Vietnam, sa Indonesia. During the national team period, meron silang mga pocket tournaments, so it’s short tournaments usually.”

     

    Instead of banning leagues outright, Malonzo explained that the framework is designed to ensure national federations maintain authority over player availability and that national team commitments always take precedence.

     

    “It’s really about asking permission before hosting that league or organizing that league. That’s how I understood it. Based du’n din sa rules ng sports regulations ni FIVB, as long as the national team players must prioritize the national team,” he added.

     

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    That philosophy has already been put into practice this year through the PVL On Tour.

     

    With several Alas Pilipinas standouts unavailable because of national team duties, the preseason showcase shifted its focus toward developing younger players, giving reserve talents meaningful playing time while allowing established stars to concentrate on international preparations.

     

    For Malonzo, the tour serves as proof that the league and the national team can thrive side by side.

     

    “‘Yung ‘On Tour’ kasi, ‘di naman siya talagang tournament. We just need people to promote the league. If you’ll notice, ‘di naglaro ‘yung mga top players ng mga teams,” Malonzo said.

     

    The setup has also created opportunities for clubs to evaluate their full rosters instead of relying solely on their marquee players.

     

    “Kumbaga, opportunity to rest for them and opportunity for the other players to play. It’s a balance,” he added.

     

    As Philippine volleyball enters a new era under the FIVB’s calendar, the PVL appears intent on adapting rather than slowing down.

     

    Instead of leaving a lengthy gap in the domestic schedule, league officials are exploring shorter events and innovative formats that can sustain fan interest while fully respecting the international federation’s rules—ensuring that when the national team calls, Alas Pilipinas will always come first.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas in line for possible PVL Invitational appearance 

    Alas Pilipinas in line for possible PVL Invitational appearance 

    PVL officials are once again discussing the possibility of including Alas Pilipinas in next month’s PVL Invitational, a move that could transform the tournament into more than just a preseason competition. 


    With the Asian Games scheduled for September, the event presents a timely opportunity for the national team to gain valuable match experience before heading to the continental stage.

     

    In previous years, scheduling conflicts prevented the plan from materializing. This time, however, the calendars appear to align more favorably, opening the door for new national team head coach Taka Minowa and his squad to use the Invitational as part of their preparations—provided it fits within the federation’s training program.

     

    PVL Control Committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo said the league is carefully studying the possibility but emphasized that the decision is not theirs alone.

     

    “‘Di ko pa kasi alam ‘yung program ni coach Taka at saka ng whoever’s running,” Malonzo said.

     

    He added that Minowa’s primary responsibility is coaching the players placed under his care, while decisions regarding the team’s schedule rest with those managing the national program.

     

    “Si coach Taka kasi, coaching lang ‘yan eh. Kung ano ibigay sa kanya, susunod lang ‘yan. But ultimately, ang trabaho niya is ‘yung team. Where they go, hindi siya ‘yun.”

     

    While discussions continue regarding the national team’s potential participation, the league has already outlined how it intends to complete the tournament field.

     

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    According to Malonzo, invitations will first be extended to the top four PVL clubs based on the combined weighted rankings from the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference and the ongoing PVL On Tour. 

     

    Should any of the qualified clubs decline, the league will simply move down the weighted standings until all four PVL representatives have been finalized.

     

    The Invitational is also expected to feature two guest teams, continuing the tournament’s tradition of bringing international competition to the league.

     

    If Alas Pilipinas ultimately joins the field, the national squad would essentially resemble an all-star selection, with many of the country’s top PVL players expected to wear the Philippine colors.

     

    The initial national team pool includes Jia De Guzman, Bella Belen, Eya Laure, Angel Anne Canino, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, Justine Jazareno, Jen Nierva, Dawn Catindig, Vannie Gandler, Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Provido, Nina Ytang, Pangs Panaga, Erika Santos, Arah Panique, Mars Alba, Shaira Jardio, Dell Palomata, and Alyssa Solomon.

     

    Should the invitation push through, those players would compete under one banner instead of representing their respective PVL clubs.

     

    It was also reiterated that players included in the Alas Pilipinas roster will remain unavailable for their club teams for as long as they are carrying out national team duties, making coordination between the league and the national federation a key factor in determining whether the proposal becomes a reality.

     

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  • PVL clarifies Alas Pilipinas policy after Gel Cayuna plays while Fifi Sharma, Pangs Panaga sit out 

    PVL clarifies Alas Pilipinas policy after Gel Cayuna plays while Fifi Sharma, Pangs Panaga sit out 

    The opening week of the PVL On Tour has not only showcased preseason action but has also highlighted the balancing act between club commitments and national team duties.

     

    Questions surfaced after three Alas Pilipinas pool members found themselves in different situations during Wednesday’s games—Gel Cayuna made her debut for Nxled, while Fifi Sharma and Pangs Panaga remained on the bench in street clothes for Akari and Creamline, respectively.

     

    The contrasting scenarios prompted the PVL to reiterate its stance on players currently involved with the national team program.

     

    PVL control committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo emphasized that the league’s directive remains unchanged: players who are part of the Alas Pilipinas pool are expected to prioritize national team responsibilities during the preseason.

     

    “During our team managers’ meeting, sinabi ko naman na those players who are part of the national team, focus sila sa national team. Kung kasama sila dito, if you’ll notice, ‘di naman sila talaga naglaro,” Malonzo said.

     

    The policy was introduced to support the country’s preparations for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, with the league specifying that national team players may only participate in the PVL On Tour if they are not part of the official delegation.

     

    That guideline was evident in the cases of Sharma and Panaga, who stayed on the sidelines throughout their respective teams’ matches despite being in uniform with their clubs.

     

    Cayuna, however, was the lone exception among the three.

     

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    Making her first appearance for Nxled following Cignal’s leave of absence from the league, the veteran setter came off the bench and immediately took charge of the Chameleons’ offense.

     

    She finished with 22 excellent sets and three points, although Nxled eventually fell to defending champion Creamline, 18-25, 23-25, 25-16, 19-25.

     

    Malonzo also revealed that not every player in the current pool remains committed to joining the national team’s preparations, although he declined to identify those who have withdrawn.

     

    “Hindi ko kabisado lahat ng status, pero ‘yung iba yata, parang nag-decline. ‘Yung pag-decline, ibang usapan. ‘Yung iba naman na hindi nag-decline, alam ko hindi naman naglaro rin,” he said.

     

    “Pero like I said, nu’ng team managers’ meeting, in-encourage ko sila to focus on the national team.”

     

    As preparations for the Asian Games continue, several PVL standouts have already reported to the Alas Pilipinas training camp under the supervision of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

     

    Among those already training are Jia de Guzman and Jen Nierva of Creamline, Mars Alba and Justine Jazareno of Akari, Dell Palomata of PLDT, Thea Gagate of ZUS Coffee, and Capital1 stars Bella Belen, Vanie Gandler, and Erika Santos.

     

    The POC also confirmed that several invitees have yet to report, including Sharma and Cayuna, while PLDT’s Alleiah Malaluan continues her rehabilitation from a knee injury.

     

    With the PVL On Tour serving as both a preseason showcase and a bridge to international competition, the league expects national team commitments to remain the priority as the country’s buildup for the Asian Games gains momentum.

     

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  • Jolina Dela Cruz finds her place as ZUS Coffee’s new-look rotation delivers 2-0 start in PVL On Tour

    Jolina Dela Cruz finds her place as ZUS Coffee’s new-look rotation delivers 2-0 start in PVL On Tour

    ZUS Coffee is proving that early success is not built around a single star but on a roster learning to move as one—and Jolina Dela Cruz is quickly becoming an important piece of that puzzle.


    The Thunderbelles continued their impressive start to the 2026 PVL On Tour on Saturday, sweeping Choco Mucho, 25-15, 25-20, 25-23, at the Batangas City Sports Center to seize the early solo lead in the tournament with a 2-0 record.

     

    For Dela Cruz, the unbeaten start reflects more than just victories. It is also evidence that she is gradually finding her rhythm after making the move to ZUS Coffee following her stint with Farm Fresh in the previous conference.

     

    “I think, unti-unti naman nakakasunod na rin talaga sa sistema nila. Siyempre, sariling sistema din talaga si coach Jerry, tapos ‘yung players talaga, galing din talaga sa kanya,” Dela Cruz said.

     

    Rather than immediately taking on a starring role, the 26-year-old outside hitter has embraced the team’s structure, allowing the Thunderbelles’ balanced system to flourish under head coach Jerry Yee.

     

    That depth was on full display against the Flying Titans as Chinnie Arroyo paced the offense with nine points, while Jovelyn Gonzaga and Alyanna Ong chipped in eight each. 

     

    Dela Cruz and Rachel Anne Daquis contributed six markers apiece, while Kate Santiago, Zam Nolasco, AC Miner, and Riza Nogales all added five points, highlighting the team’s distributed scoring attack.

     

    Dela Cruz credited Yee’s willingness to constantly rotate his players for helping everyone stay involved.

     

    “Today, talagang binabalasa rin talaga ni coach (Jerry) ‘yung mga tao. Makikita rin naman kahit sa other teams, ganun ‘yung ginagawa,” Dela Cruz explained.

     

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    Yee said the frequent lineup adjustments are intentional as the team continues to build chemistry with several new faces and players adapting to different responsibilities.

     

    “We’re trying to practice our rotation. Marami kaming bago, mga bagong position, so we’d like to practice and get them some playing time,” said Yee.

     

    “I’d like to say na masaya ako at nagre-respond sila sa mga changes, but siyempre, marami pa rin kaming adjustments na kailangang gawin,” he added.

     

    The Thunderbelles have now opened the tournament with consecutive victories after also defeating Akari in their opener in Isabela, with their disciplined net defense and balanced offense emerging as early trademarks.

     

    ZUS Coffee will now have ample time to continue refining its chemistry before returning to action on Aug. 8, when it faces the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the next leg of the PVL On Tour in the City of Santiago.

     

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  • Lams Lamina trades PVL On Tour for Alas Pilipinas duty after Galeries Tower debut win 

    Lams Lamina trades PVL On Tour for Alas Pilipinas duty after Galeries Tower debut win 

    Lams Lamina’s PVL On Tour journey lasted just one match—but it ended exactly the way she hoped.

     

    The No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft walked away from the preseason tournament with her first professional victory before immediately answering a bigger responsibility, as she joins the Alas Pilipinas Women training pool beginning Monday.

     

    The timing means Lamina will miss the remainder of the PVL On Tour, with league regulations preventing players who are actively involved in official national team preparations from participating in the preseason competition.

     

    Instead of continuing her rookie campaign with Galeries Tower, the young setter now shifts her attention to helping the national team prepare for a packed international calendar.

    Fortunately for the Highrisers, Lamina left on a high note.

     

    Coming off the bench against Farm Fresh, the former National University standout provided stability to Galeries Tower’s offense, finishing with seven excellent sets as the Highrisers secured a breakthrough four-set victory.

     

    It turned out to be a memorable send-off before temporarily exchanging club colors for the Philippine jersey once again.

     

    The move was confirmed shortly after the match by Galeries Tower and National University strength and conditioning coach Kim Bejo through social media.

     

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    “First and last game for Lamina today before she joins the national team on loan starting Monday,” Bejo wrote.

     

    Her return to the national team was also welcomed by one of her closest former teammates.

    Alas Pilipinas standout Bella Belen, who won multiple championships alongside Lamina at National University, greeted the rookie setter as she prepared to report for duty.

     

    “Congrats and see [you] on Monday,” Belen posted.

     

    Lamina’s arrival gives Alas Pilipinas another talented option at setter as preparations intensify for a busy stretch of international competitions, including the Southeast Asian V. Cup and the 2026 Asian Games.

     

    She joins an experienced playmaking group headlined by national team captain Jia de Guzman and Akari setter Mars Alba, adding another young talent expected to contribute to the team’s long-term future.

     

    For Lamina, the transition reflects how quickly her volleyball career continues to evolve.

     

    Only days after beginning her professional journey with Galeries Tower, she is once again wearing national colors, balancing the early stages of her PVL career with the opportunity to represent the Philippines on the international stage.

     

    While her PVL On Tour stint has been put on hold after just one appearance, the rookie setter now faces an even bigger challenge as she helps Alas Pilipinas prepare for another crucial year of international competition.

     

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  • Erika Deloria welcomes challenge of becoming Galeries Tower’s offensive leader after shining in debut

    Erika Deloria welcomes challenge of becoming Galeries Tower’s offensive leader after shining in debut

    The Galeries Tower Highrisers opened their 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour preseason conference campaign on a high note after overcoming the Farm Fresh Foxies in a thrilling five-set battle, 25-17, 24-26, 25-19, 26-24, on Saturday, July 11, at the Batangas City Sports Coliseum in Batangas City.

     

    The victory gave Galeries an ideal start to their preseason preparations as the team looks to build momentum following a historic breakthrough in the previous All-Filipino Conference. The Highrisers displayed composure in crucial moments, holding off Farm Fresh’s fightback and securing a hard-earned win against one of the league’s rising contenders.

     

    New acquisition Erika Deloria immediately made her presence felt in her first appearance for Galeries, delivering a standout performance that highlighted why the Highrisers were eager to add her to their roster. The versatile outside hitter led all scorers with 24 points while also contributing 13 excellent receptions and 10 digs, providing a significant impact on both offense and defense.

     

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    Deloria’s all-around effort proved vital as Galeries relied on her consistency throughout the match, particularly in the deciding moments when Farm Fresh threatened to force another set. Her ability to produce points while remaining effective in the back row gave the Highrisers the balance they needed to secure the victory.

     

    After her impressive debut, Deloria embraced the responsibility of becoming one of Galeries Tower’s primary offensive options, viewing the increased expectations as both a challenge and an opportunity to grow as a player.

     

    “I treated it as both a challenge and an opportunity – for myself and for the team. More than anything, I was thinking about the team because I want us to win together. Whatever I can do to help, no matter how hard the training is, I will do it for the team,” Deloria said.

     

    The 25-year-old joined Galeries following the disbandment of the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, where she was selected as the 20th overall pick in the 2025 PVL Draft. After becoming available in free agency, Deloria found a new home with the Highrisers and immediately showed that she could be a valuable piece for a team aiming to continue its upward trajectory.

    For Deloria, earning a victory against Farm Fresh made her first game with Galeries even more meaningful, especially considering the Foxies’ status as one of the league’s competitive teams and the Highrisers’ desire to prove that their previous success was not a one-time achievement.

     

    “It’s really heartwarming because, as we all know, Farm Fresh is one of the contenders. We felt that all the hard work we put in during the offseason finally paid off. We just played with all our hearts. We had nothing to lose, and we simply showed how much we love volleyball,” she added.

     

    Galeries Tower head coach Aying Esteban also praised the team’s improved mindset and work ethic during training, highlighting the commitment shown by his players as they prepare for another challenging PVL campaign.

     

    Following the team’s semifinal appearance in the last All-Filipino Conference, Esteban believes the Highrisers have developed greater confidence and discipline, which were evident in their opening preseason match.

     

    “The biggest change has been their mentality, especially in training. I’m happy because they never get tired of the work we are asking them to do. I’m really grateful for their commitment and the effort they are putting in for the team,” Esteban stated.

     

    The preseason tournament serves as an important opportunity for teams to evaluate their progress, build chemistry, and integrate new additions ahead of the upcoming PVL season. For Galeries Tower, the emergence of Deloria as a key offensive weapon adds another dimension to a squad that has already shown it can compete with the league’s top teams.

     

    With their confidence boosted by a strong opening performance, the Highrisers will look to continue their positive start when Deloria, Esteban, and the rest of the squad return to action against the Nxled Chameleons on Saturday, August 1, in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

     

    Galeries Tower hopes their opening-day victory can serve as the foundation for another successful campaign as they continue their push to establish themselves among the PVL’s elite teams.

     

     

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  • Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses assures fans Alyssa Valdez will see action in the PVL On Tour

    Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses assures fans Alyssa Valdez will see action in the PVL On Tour

    The Creamline Cool Smashers began their 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour preseason conference campaign on a high note after securing a hard-fought victory over the Nxled Chameleons on Wednesday, July 8, at the Capital Arena in Ilagan City, Isabela.

     

    Creamline overcame Nxled in four sets, winning 25-18, 25-23, 16-25, 25-19, to start their preseason journey with a statement performance. While the result itself was encouraging, what made the victory even more significant for the league’s most successful franchise was the way they achieved it.

     

    The Cool Smashers secured the win without needing to rely on several of their biggest stars, as Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, Bea de Leon, and Pangs Panaga were not fielded during the match.

     

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    Instead, Creamline used the opportunity to showcase the depth of their roster and provide valuable playing time to players who have traditionally had fewer opportunities on the court.

     

    The move was made possible by the new PVL rule requiring all teams to utilize all 14 active players in every game. Rather than viewing the regulation as a challenge, Creamline’s coaching staff and management used it as an opportunity to evaluate their expanded roster and give developing players important experience in competitive situations.

     

    Among those who benefited from the opportunity were players such as Lorie Bernardo and Nica Celis, who were able to step into larger roles and demonstrate their abilities against a competitive Nxled side.

     

    Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses assured fans that the team’s biggest names will still be part of the PVL On Tour experience, explaining that the preseason tournament provides the perfect platform to maximize their entire 21-player roster.

     

    Meneses emphasized that the team’s approach is not only focused on winning but also on ensuring that every player contributes and gains valuable experience throughout the tournament.

    “For sure, makakalaro sila sa second game o third game. Siyempre, para sa fans naman ‘yung ‘On Tour.’ Pipilitin talaga naming makapag-perform nang maganda kasama sila,” Meneses said.

     

    The absence of Creamline’s veteran leaders also highlighted the franchise’s continued commitment to developing young talent and maintaining a strong pipeline of players capable of contributing at the highest level.

     

    In recent seasons, Creamline has placed significant emphasis on building for the future by adding promising young players to complement its established stars. The team’s recent acquisitions include rookie Barbie Jamili, former Cignal Super Spikers players Ishie Lalongisip and Erin Pangilinan, as well as former Petro Gazz Angels setter Donnalyn Paralejas.

     

    The young additions have already shown flashes of potential, but the challenge for Creamline’s management and coaching staff is helping them adjust to the expectations that come with playing for the PVL’s most successful organization.

     

    Creamline has built a championship culture over the years, and every player who joins the franchise is expected to embrace the team’s high standards, discipline, and commitment to excellence.

     

    Meneses believes the new players have responded positively to the environment and are showing the hunger and determination needed to succeed.

     

    “Naging competitive pa sila nu’ng napunta sila sa Creamline. Nasa Creamline na sila, iba ‘yung kultura dito. Masisipag ‘yung mga bata. Masaya kami na sila ‘yung napunta sa Creamline. Kailangan talaga nilang magtrabaho and mag-enjoy sila kasama ‘yung Creamline. ‘Yun naman ‘yung maganda sa mga bata, talagang malakas din ‘yung loob. Sumusunod sila. Hopefully, magtuluy-tuloy ‘yung performance nila na maganda,” he added.

     

    The victory over Nxled provided an early indication that Creamline’s strength extends beyond its star players. While Valdez, Carlos, de Leon, and Panaga remain central figures in the team’s championship ambitions, the emergence of reliable contributors could prove crucial during the long PVL season.

     

    The Cool Smashers will now have an extended period to continue refining their lineup and integrating their new players before returning to action. Their next PVL On Tour preseason conference match is scheduled against the Capital1 Solar Spikers on August 8 at the City of Santiago.

     

    With a deep roster, a winning culture, and a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talent, Creamline has once again shown why they remain one of the teams to beat in Philippine volleyball.

     

     

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  • Brooke Van Sickle embraces leadership role from the bench while recovering from injury

    Brooke Van Sickle embraces leadership role from the bench while recovering from injury

    The Nxled Chameleons have been handed a major setback in their preparations for the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour preseason conference after star player Brooke Van Sickle was ruled out for the entire tournament due to a shoulder injury.

     

    Van Sickle, widely regarded as one of the most complete and dominant players in the PVL, will miss the preseason competition as she continues her recovery from a minor right shoulder tear. Her absence leaves Nxled without one of its most important leaders and removes a key weapon from a team hoping to make a strong impression during the preseason tournament.

     

    The three-time PVL Most Valuable Player (MVP) has been the centerpiece of the Chameleons’ lineup since joining the league, providing elite production on both offense and defense. Her ability to score from different areas of the court, stabilize the team’s reception, deliver strong serves, and contribute in crucial defensive situations has made her one of the league’s most valuable all-around players.

     

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    Nxled head coach Ettore Guidetti confirmed Van Sickle’s status during a media interaction, explaining that the team decided not to rush her return and will instead prioritize her complete recovery. The Chameleons are taking a cautious approach to ensure their franchise player returns at full strength rather than risking a more serious injury by pushing her back too early.

     

    While Van Sickle will not be able to compete on the court during the preseason conference, she remains committed to supporting her teammates. The Filipino-American star has traveled with the team and intends to provide leadership from the sidelines as Nxled continues its campaign without her presence in the playing rotation.

     

    “It’s kind of up in the air, the timeline of recovery. So just stay patient. I trust management and our PTs to have the best care for me and the best plan moving forward. I’m just trying to stay positive, step into more of a team leadership role, and just try to be there for my team as much as possible, even though physically I’m not able to participate in practice or anything as of right now,” Van Sickle said in a media interaction.

     

    The 27-year-old admitted that she initially underestimated the severity of the injury, choosing to continue playing through discomfort during the previous All-Filipino Conference because she believed the issue was only a minor case of tendinitis.

     

    However, the pain gradually became more noticeable and eventually affected her during the PVL All-Star Weekend. After returning home, Van Sickle realized that the problem had not improved and required further evaluation.

    “I was trying to be a little too tough, and I thought that, ‘Oh, it’s just a minor pain. It’s fine. I can do it. It’s just tendinitis. And it turns out it was more than tendinitis. I was dealing with it back during the last conference, the All-Filipino event. I didn’t really start noticing it was a big problem until the All-Star event. And then when I was home, it wasn’t going away,” she added.

     

    Van Sickle’s decision to step away from competition highlights the importance of long-term injury management, especially for a player who has carried significant responsibilities for both club and country. Rather than focusing solely on immediate results, Nxled is aiming to ensure that its star athlete can recover properly and return ready for future challenges.

     

    Her absence will undoubtedly test the depth and resilience of the Chameleons roster during the preseason tournament. Without Van Sickle’s presence, other Nxled players will be expected to take on larger roles offensively and defensively while adapting to increased responsibilities.

     

    The impact of Van Sickle’s absence is significant considering the numbers she produced during the recently concluded All-Filipino Conference. The 28-year-old earned her third Best Outside Hitter award and finished among the league leaders in multiple statistical categories.

     

    She ranked seventh in scoring with 175 points, placed seventh in spiking with a 33.12-percent success rate, finished ninth in serving with 0.22 aces per set, and recorded the third-best receiving efficiency at 40.71 percent.

     

    Those statistics underline why Van Sickle has become such an important figure for Nxled and one of the PVL’s most consistent performers. Her ability to impact nearly every aspect of the game has made her absence a difficult challenge for the Chameleons as they begin their preseason journey.

     

    Despite the frustration of missing time on the court, Van Sickle remains optimistic about her recovery and believes the setback is simply another part of her athletic journey.

     

    “I’m hopeful. I think it’s part of the plan, God’s plan and everything. It is what it is. Injuries are bound to happen, and it’s sports, right? So I have got to continue to stay optimistic and positive,” Van Sickle concluded.

     

    With their star player sidelined, Nxled will now look to rely on its depth, coaching system, and team chemistry as it navigates the PVL On Tour preseason conference. While Van Sickle’s presence will be missed, the Chameleons remain hopeful that a healthy return from their franchise cornerstone will provide a major boost for their long-term championship ambitions.

     

     

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  • Nxled suffers major blow as Brooke Van Sickle misses PVL On Tour preseason due to shoulder injury

    Nxled suffers major blow as Brooke Van Sickle misses PVL On Tour preseason due to shoulder injury

    The Nxled Chameleons have been dealt a significant setback in their preparations for the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour preseason after star player Brooke Van Sickle was ruled out for the entire conference due to a shoulder injury.

     

    The three-time PVL Most Valuable Player will miss the preseason tournament as she continues her recovery from a minor right shoulder tear, leaving Nxled without one of the league’s most impactful all-around players during their campaign.

     

    Chameleon’s head coach Ettore Guidetti confirmed Van Sickle’s absence during a media interaction, explaining that the team has decided to prioritize the long-term health of their franchise player rather than risk further aggravating the injury.

     

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    According to Guidetti, Van Sickle is expected to make her return in the next conference, giving the team confidence that the setback will only be temporary.

     

    “We have an almost complete team. Only Brooke Van Sickle is out. She is dealing with a minor tear on her shoulder but will return for the next conference,” Guidetti said.

     

    While the injury is considered minor, Nxled’s decision reflects the importance of having Van Sickle fully healthy for the more competitive stages of the PVL season. The team is taking a cautious approach with one of the league’s most valuable performers, especially given her importance to both their offensive production and defensive stability.

     

    Van Sickle’s absence is a considerable challenge for Nxled, as the 28-year-old has established herself as one of the most complete players in the PVL. Her ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game—including attacking, receiving, serving, and defending—has made her one of the most reliable players in the league.

    The American-Filipino standout entered the PVL in January 2024 after signing with the Petro Gazz Angels and immediately made an impact. Her performances helped the franchise achieve success, playing a key role in Petro Gazz’s championship campaigns in the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference and the 2025 Reinforced Conference.

     

    Beyond team success, Van Sickle has also built an impressive individual résumé. She has collected three PVL Most Valuable Player awards, earning recognition as the league’s Best Player during the 2024 All-Filipino Conference, the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference, and the 2025 Reinforced Conference.

     

    She has also been recognized among the league’s elite outside hitters, securing Best Outside Hitter honors in the 2024 and 2025 Reinforced Conferences. Her consistency, leadership, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations have made her a centerpiece of every team she has represented, making her absence a major storyline heading into Nxled’s preseason campaign.

     

    Although losing Van Sickle is a difficult blow, her absence provides an opportunity for Nxled’s other players to step into bigger roles and showcase their abilities. The preseason tournament will allow the Chameleons’ coaching staff to evaluate their roster depth, assess new additions, and determine which players can provide valuable contributions once the regular season begins.

     

    Without their star player on the floor, Nxled will be challenged to find new sources of offense and establish stronger team chemistry. The situation also gives younger players and emerging talents a chance to gain valuable experience against some of the league’s top teams.

    Early test against Creamline

     

    The impact of Van Sickle’s absence was immediately noticeable in Nxled’s opening match of the PVL On Tour preseason. The Chameleons struggled against the defending powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers, falling in straight sets after a competitive start. Nxled suffered a 25-16, 25-23, 16-25, 15-19 defeat on Wednesday, July 8, at Ilagan City in Isabela.

     

    Despite the result, the preseason provides Nxled with an important opportunity to experiment with their lineup and build confidence ahead of future competitions.

     

    The Chameleons will look to bounce back and secure their first victory of the tournament when they face the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Saturday, July 25, in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

     

    As Nxled continues its preseason journey without Van Sickle, the focus will be on how the team responds to adversity and whether its supporting cast can rise to the challenge until its star player returns.

     

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  • Zam Nolasco wastes no time making impact as ZUS Coffee rookie credits familiar system

    Zam Nolasco wastes no time making impact as ZUS Coffee rookie credits familiar system

    For many rookies, the jump from college to the professional ranks comes with a steep learning curve.

     

    For Zam Nolasco, it felt more like picking up where she left off.

     

    The former College of Saint Benilde standout enjoyed a dream debut in the PVL, firing a team-high 15 points to power ZUS Coffee to a 25-11, 25-23, 26-28, 25-17 victory over Akari in the opening match of the 2026 PVL On Tour on Wednesday in Ilagan City, Isabela.

     

    Instead of spending her first professional appearance adjusting to a new environment, Nolasco looked comfortable from the opening set—a familiarity she credits to head coach Jerry Yee, who also mentored her during her collegiate career at Saint Benilde.

     

    “Same lang din po ng coach sa college, tapos same lang sa pro,” Nolasco said. “Pinag-usapan na rin namin ni Coach Jerry [Yee] na ayun yung plano after college. Okay naman po siya sa akin.”

     

    Long before she officially entered the PVL, the move to ZUS Coffee had already been discussed between player and coach, allowing both sides to prepare for a seamless transition.

     

    That continuity showed in her confident performance against the Chargers, where she immediately emerged as one of the Thunderbelles’ primary offensive weapons.

     

    Although Nolasco’s collegiate career ended without an NCAA championship, Yee has already shifted her focus toward accomplishing that goal in the professional ranks.

     

    “Sinabihan niya po ako during training dito sa ZUS. Sinabi niya sa akin, dito na lang kami kumuha ng championship,” she shared.

     

    “Okay lang kasi makakabawi pa ako. Madami pa namang time para mag-prepare, at madami pang games na pagsasamahan namin ni Coach [Jerry].”

     

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    The smooth adjustment hasn’t been limited to the coaching staff.

     

    Nolasco also pointed to the welcoming environment created by her veteran teammates, saying their support made it easier to settle into her new role.

     

    “Sobrang gaan lang din po sila makasama sa loob ng court, which became very helpful for me as a rookie,” she said.

     

    “Familiar na rin kami sa program, sa system, at sa players. Wala naman pong sobrang adjustments. Kine-keep ko lang kung paano ako maglaro.”

     

    Her previous exposure to the PVL also played a role.

     

    Before the Rookie Draft era, Nolasco had already experienced competing against professional clubs, including ZUS Coffee during tune-up matches while she was still with the Lady Blazers.

     

     Those encounters gave her a clearer picture of the level of competition awaiting her after college.

     

    “Na-experience ko na rin po yung PVL, so alam ko na ‘yung feeling ng makipaglaro sa mga pros,” Nolasco said. “Sa teammates naman, kilala ko na sila. Nung college ako, nakakalaro na rin namin yung ZUS sa tune-up.”

     

    If her first outing is any indication, Nolasco’s transition to the professional game may not take long at all.

     

    With confidence, familiarity, and a coach who already understands how to maximize her strengths, the rookie now turns her attention to an even bigger test when ZUS Coffee faces Choco Mucho on Saturday in Batangas City, where she’ll look to build on an impressive first chapter of her PVL career.

     

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