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Tag: PVL

  • ZUS Coffee reloads with five additions ahead of All-Filipino Conference 

    ZUS Coffee reloads with five additions ahead of All-Filipino Conference 

    Momentum has become a valuable currency for ZUS Coffee, and the Thunderbelles are clearly intent on cashing it in heading into the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference. 

     

    After turning heads in the previous conference, the league’s once-overlooked squad is leaning into growth rather than standing pat, reshaping its roster with a calculated mix of prime contributors and battle-tested leaders.

     

    On Monday, ZUS Coffee formally unveiled five new reinforcements — Cess Robles, Renee Peñafiel, Karen Verdeflor, Chie Saet, and Rachel Daquis — signaling an aggressive push to transform last season’s breakthrough into sustained contention. The announcement underlined the franchise’s belief that progress demands both fresh legs and steady hands.

     

    “Let’s make it official! Welcome to the ZUS Coffee family, Karen Verdeflor, Ren Peñafiel, Cess Robles, Chie Saet, and Rachel Anne Daquis! Tuloy ang trabaho! Tuloy ang laban,” the team wrote in a Facebook post.

     

    At the center of that influx is Robles, who arrives from Chery Tiggo with the profile of a scorer capable of carrying stretches of offense. 

     

     

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    Her addition gives head coach Jerry Yee another reliable option on the wing, while Peñafiel and Verdeflor bolster the team’s depth with versatility across multiple rotations, particularly on defense and serve reception.

     

    The Thunderbelles’ makeover is not just about production, but presence. Daquis, after a quiet stint with Farm Fresh, brings a familiar voice into the locker room as she reunites with longtime friend Jovelyn Gonzaga. 

     

    Alongside veteran setter Chie Saet, she adds experience and composure to a group that learned quickly last season but still felt the growing pains of youth.

     

    These newcomers slot into a foundation that is already taking shape, anchored by Cloanne Mondonedo’s playmaking, the continued rise of Thea Gagate, and the steady contributions of AC Miner, Alyssa Eroa, Riza Nogales, Chinnie Arroyo, and Gonzaga. 

     

    With continuity now paired with credibility, ZUS Coffee enters the All-Filipino Conference not as a feel-good story, but as a team intent on proving its surge was no fluke.

     

     

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  • Petro Gazz’s exit from PVL may be temporary as franchise leaves door open for return

    Petro Gazz’s exit from PVL may be temporary as franchise leaves door open for return

    The sudden absence of Petro Gazz from the PVL raised more questions than answers — but team officials insist it may not be the end of the Angels’ story.

     

    In a recent appearance on Noli Eala’s Power and Play, team manager David Dichupa hinted that the franchise’s withdrawal from the league might only be a temporary pause. When asked if a comeback was possible, Dichupa didn’t hesitate: “There’s a very big chance.”

     

    That optimism is rooted in a key detail: Petro Gazz never officially folded. Even as merger talks with Nxled fell apart, the organization consistently described its decision as a leave of absence, not a dissolution. That distinction may seem subtle, but it keeps the franchise’s future open.

    “Walang sinabi na hindi pwede or pwede. I guess it’s an open thing. If we come back, we ask permission to come back again and join up,” Dichupa said.


     “We did not disband the team, technically. [It was a] leave of absence.”

     

    However, Petro Gazz’s return is not guaranteed. Any comeback would depend on the league’s stance and the PVL board’s approval — a process Dichupa acknowledged is still in motion. 

     

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    “Nothing final on that. When the time comes, I guess we’ll have to see what goes sa decision ng board,” he said.

     

    While the franchise’s future remains undecided, its former players are already forging new paths. Dichupa appealed to the Angels’ loyal fanbase to keep supporting the athletes who once wore Petro Gazz colors, even as they move on to new teams.

     

    “I hope the fans continue to be supportive of our players, the ones who came from Petro Gazz, even though some of them have gone to other teams. Angels pa rin ‘yan kumbaga,” he said.

     

    For now, Petro Gazz is not disappearing from Philippine sports. The organization continues to support La Salle’s men’s basketball and men’s volleyball programs, keeping its presence alive even without a PVL team.

     

    Dichupa added that discussions with the PVL are ongoing, as the franchise explores ways to remain involved with the league while it considers a potential return to competition.

    The question now isn’t whether Petro Gazz is gone — but whether their hiatus is simply a pause before the next chapter.

     

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  • Farm Fresh adds six SGA signings for 2026 PVL All-Filipino tilt 

    Farm Fresh adds six SGA signings for 2026 PVL All-Filipino tilt 

    Farm Fresh didn’t just tweak its roster this offseason — it rewired it.

     

    As Strong Group Athletics (SGA) finalizes the placement of its 10 new signings ahead of the 2026 PVL season, the Foxies emerged as the biggest beneficiaries, landing six players in one decisive sweep. The move positions Farm Fresh as one of the most transformed teams entering the new year, both in depth and balance.

     

    Joining the Foxies are Ara Galang, Royse Tubino, Mylene Paat, Imee Hernandez, Bia General, and Remy Palma, a group that collectively fills almost every gap on the roster. It’s a deliberate rebuild rather than a patchwork fix — one that touches offense, defense, leadership, and experience.

     

    At the center of that shift is Palma, who is set to take on a unique dual role as playing assistant coach, working alongside her former Petro Gazz mentor Koji Tsuzurabara, pending his confirmation as head coach. Beyond her on-court contributions, Palma is expected to anchor a frontcourt that will now feature several new pieces.

     

    For Galang, Paat, and Hernandez, the move also represents long-awaited stability. The trio finally finds new homes following Chery Tiggo’s disbandment last December, closing a period of uncertainty and reopening the door to consistent competition.

     

    Tubino and General, meanwhile, turn the page after separating from a retooled Choco Mucho lineup earlier in the offseason, giving Farm Fresh additional versatility on the wings and in the backcourt.

     

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    On paper, the Foxies’ new look is strikingly complete:

    • Tubino slots in as a natural outside hitter 
    • Paat reinforces the opposite position 
    • Galang adds a reliable two-way presence 
    • Palma and Hernandez fortify the middle 
    • General shores up the libero role 

    Notably, the only spot left untouched is the setter position, already stabilized by the tandem of Alohi Robins-Hardy and Louie Romero — a sign that Farm Fresh’s overhaul was targeted, not indiscriminate.

     

    With Farm Fresh claiming the lion’s share of SGA’s additions, the remaining four signings are set to bolster ZUS Coffee, led by veteran setter Chie Saet and former Chery Tiggo standouts Cess Robles, Renee Peñafiel, and Karen Verdeflor.

     

    As the PVL landscape continues to shift in the wake of team exits and offseason realignments, Farm Fresh’s aggressive reload stands out. It’s a clear statement: the Foxies aren’t just adding names — they’re building a new identity for 2026.

     

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  • Bernadeth Pons brings championship fire back to Creamline as Cool Smashers reload for PVL All-Filipino Conference

    Bernadeth Pons brings championship fire back to Creamline as Cool Smashers reload for PVL All-Filipino Conference

    Creamline’s road back to the summit begins with a familiar spark — and this time, it’s coming straight from the sand.

     

    As the Cool Smashers gear up for the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, the return of Bernadeth Pons signals more than just a roster boost. It marks a reset for a franchise that experienced something unfamiliar in 2025: a season without a title.

     

    Pons’ absence last year, a conscious decision to focus on beach volleyball, coincided with Creamline’s rare dry spell — their first since the pandemic interrupted league play. 

     

    While the trophies stopped coming indoors, Pons was quietly building momentum elsewhere. Alongside fellow Cool Smasher Dij Rodriguez, she reached the top of the podium at the 33rd SEA Games women’s beach volleyball tournament in Thailand, delivering international gold even as the club recalibrated at home.

     

    Now, with that chapter closed, Pons is back where she has long thrived — the hard court — carrying the urgency of unfinished business.

     

    Fresh from their SEA Games triumph on November 19, Pons and Rodriguez wasted no time easing back in. Training resumed shortly after New Year’s Day, with the duo rejoining Creamline sessions as early as January 2, a move that underscored the team’s renewed sense of purpose.

     

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    “’Yung goal talaga namin is makabalik sa taas, pero siyempre, hindi siya ganun kadaling makuha kaya everyday namin ‘yun paghahandaan talaga,” Pons said.


     “Simula January 2 pa lang, bumalik na kami, nag-ensayo na kami kaya paghihirapan talaga namin.”

     

    Creamline’s identity, after all, has never revolved around a single name. Across 10 championship runs, the Cool Smashers built their dynasty on depth, continuity, and chemistry — elements now coming back into focus. The expected returns of Jia de Guzman, Jema Galanza, and Bea de Leon have only amplified belief within the camp.

     

    “Sobrang saya kasi kumpleto na talaga kami,” Pons said. “Lahat kami nandito na. Si Jia, nandiyan na. ‘Yung mga injured before, makakabalik na rin so kumpleto talaga kami ngayon.”

     

    For Pons, the transition back to indoor volleyball has been intentional rather than rushed. Nearly all of 2025 was spent on sand as part of Alas Pilipinas Women’s Beach Volleyball’s SEA Games buildup, and while her fitness level remains high, the adjustment hasn’t been seamless.

     

    “Physically, siguro conditioned pa kami coming from beach [volleyball]. ‘Yung medyo mahirap and challenging sa’min is yung hard floor ulit,” Pons admitted.


     “Eight months kami nasa sand so mahirap din pagbalik. Pati rin ‘yung timing namin sa palo, medyo off pa.

     

    “’Yun pa ‘yung wino-workout namin everyday sa ensayo namin and hopefully, magtuloy-tuloy ‘yung progress.”

     

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  • Eya Laure’s long-awaited PVL return headlines Choco Mucho opener

    Eya Laure’s long-awaited PVL return headlines Choco Mucho opener

    Nearly two years after she last stepped onto a PVL court, Eya Laure is finally back — and her return immediately takes center stage in the opening act of the 2026 All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Laure’s long-awaited comeback will headline opening day on January 31 at the Playtime Filoil Centre, when Choco Mucho faces reigning bronze medalist Akari in the 6:30 p.m. main game. It will be Laure’s first PVL appearance in 656 days, almost 20 months since her final match with now-defunct Chery Tiggo during the 2024 All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Her absence left a noticeable void in the league. Once regarded as one of the most electric scorers of her generation, Laure steps back into the PVL at a time when the balance of power has shifted and the title picture appears more open than ever.

     

    For Choco Mucho, her arrival represents both a statement and a reset — a chance to reintroduce a proven game-changer into a roster eager to break through.

     

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    Laure will not be alone in her return. Former Choco Mucho captain Sisi Rondina is also set to reappear in league play after stepping away to focus on beach volleyball, a gamble that paid off with a SEA Games gold medal. Their reunion adds an emotional and competitive layer from being teammates in UST to a Flying Titans squad that is clearly intent on making noise early.

     

    While the spotlight firmly rests on Laure, the opener also provides an immediate test against an Akari side that finished on the podium last conference and enters the season with momentum. The matchup offers an early gauge of how quickly Laure can settle back into PVL intensity and how Choco Mucho plans to structure its offense around her presence.

     

    The league’s opening day begins earlier with a clash between Cignal and Galeries Tower, but it is Laure’s return that anchors the narrative of the conference’s opening night. Beyond January 31, the PVL has already mapped out the first three weeks of action, including a highly anticipated Rebisco Clasico between Choco Mucho and Creamline on February 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    For now, however, all eyes remain on Laure. After months of anticipation and a long road back, her return signals not just the comeback of a star, but the reintroduction of a player capable of reshaping the rhythm — and expectations — of the PVL season.

     

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  • PVL opens 2026 All-Filipino Conference on January 31 under new format

    PVL opens 2026 All-Filipino Conference on January 31 under new format

    The Premier Volleyball League’s most prestigious tournament returns on January 31, but the 2026 All-Filipino Conference will look and feel very different from the editions that came before it.

    Rather than hinging solely on star power or pedigree, this season-ender is built around a competition format that puts a premium on consistency, depth, and the ability to peak at the right time. 

     

    With a trimmed 10-team field and a structure designed to keep contenders alive deeper into the tournament, the PVL is bracing for one of its most unpredictable title races yet.

     

    At the heart of the new setup is a bold incentive: any team that sweeps the single round-robin eliminations earns an automatic ticket to the semifinals.

     

     It’s a reward meant to separate the truly dominant from the rest, though in a field where lineups are widely viewed as evenly matched, pulling off a perfect elims run borders on unrealistic.

     

    If no team manages that feat, the race tightens further. The top four squads advance to the Qualifying Round, where knockout games determine who moves on. But unlike past conferences, losing doesn’t immediately spell the end.

     

     Instead, those teams drop into the newly introduced Play-In Stepladder phase, where squads ranked fifth through 10th are given a lifeline — and a chance to flip the script with a timely surge.

    The format ensures urgency from opening day to the final whistle. 

     

    Every set matters, with rankings determined by the FIVB Team Classification System, which weighs wins, set ratio, and points ratio to maintain competitive balance and transparency.

     

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    Once the field narrows, the semifinals will unfold via a single round-robin, again using FIVB standards, before the top two teams collide in a best-of-three Finals at the Araneta Coliseum. Sports Vision has penciled in April 28 as the target date for crowning a champion.

     

    The opening salvo comes at the FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan, with Galeries Tower and Cignal kicking off the season at 4 p.m., followed by Akari’s early test against a reinforced Choco Mucho squad at 6:30 p.m. The schedule continues to deliver intrigue in the days that follow, highlighted by Farm Fresh versus a revamped Nxled, ZUS Coffee taking on Capital1, and Creamline’s much-anticipated debut against PLDT on February 5.

     

    Off the court, the league’s reshaped landscape may be the biggest storyline of all. With defending champion Petro Gazz on hiatus and Chery Tiggo stepping away, talent has been redistributed rather than lost. 

     

    Nowhere is that more evident than in Nxled, bolstered by former Petro Gazz standouts and guided by coach Ettore Guidetti, who believes the Chameleons are primed for a significant leap forward.

     

    Still, the path to the title continues to run through the Cool Smashers — but the gap is narrowing. Choco Mucho gets a boost from the return of Sisi Rondina, while PLDT, Farm Fresh, and Akari remain intact and hungry. ZUS Coffee, fresh off a Finals appearance in the Reinforced Conference, aims to prove that its breakthrough was no fluke.

     

    With fewer teams, a sharper format, and pressure baked into every stage, the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference isn’t just another season-ender. It’s shaping up as a proving ground — where balance, resilience, and timing could matter just as much as raw talent.

     

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  • PNVF, PVL partner to strengthen Philippine women’s volleyball pipeline

    PNVF, PVL partner to strengthen Philippine women’s volleyball pipeline

    Newly elected Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Tony Boy Liao recently confirmed plans to address the federation’s longstanding differences with the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), a move aimed at strengthening the development pipeline for the national team following the country’s performance at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Bangkok, Thailand.

     

    While 2025 has been a generally productive year for Philippine women’s volleyball, the SEA Games marked a notable setback. Alas Pilipinas, the national women’s squad, finished fourth in Bangkok, extending the country’s volleyball medal drought at the SEA Games to 20 years. This came despite earlier successes in the year, including a historic silver medal at the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Nations Cup and two bronze medals in the Southeast Asian Volleyball League, which demonstrated the team’s growing competitiveness in regional competitions.

     

    During the tenure of former PNVF president Tats Suzara, tensions reportedly arose between the federation and the PVL over the release of top professional players for national team duty. Of the 14 players on the SEA Games roster, nine were drawn from the PVL, highlighting the league’s importance to national team success. However, scheduling conflicts, particularly during the critical May-to-September international window, frequently became a source of friction between PVL team owners and the national federation. These conflicts occasionally hindered the national team’s preparation for international tournaments.

     

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    Upon taking office, Tony Boy Liao emphasized collaboration and unity as central pillars of his leadership. In line with this vision, the PNVF has now announced a formal partnership with the PVL, designed to foster closer coordination between the federation and the country’s premier professional volleyball league. The goal is to ensure that national team selections are streamlined, players are available for key international competitions, and the overall talent pool for Philippine women’s volleyball continues to grow.

     

    Under this partnership, PVL players will be invited to try out for the Alas Pilipinas women’s team, giving professional athletes the opportunity to compete for national team spots in a structured and transparent process. The tryouts will also be open to standout athletes from collegiate and university programs, allowing the federation to identify promising talent across multiple levels of Philippine volleyball.

    “As part of this collaboration, an invitational tryout for the Alas Pilipinas women’s team will open to PVL players. It will also be open to athletes from university and collegiate programs,” the PNVF stated.

     

    The federation added: “This partnership is a significant step toward the betterment of Philippine volleyball, strengthening collaboration between national, professional, and collegiate programs. Together, PNVF and PVL are committed to developing elite athletes, expanding opportunities, and building a stronger future for Philippine volleyball.”

     

    Volleyball analysts say the move could be a turning point for the sport in the Philippines, as it not only addresses historical scheduling and player availability conflicts but also creates a clearer pathway from collegiate and professional programs to the national team. By widening the pool of eligible players and formalizing coordination between leagues, the PNVF-PVL partnership may help ensure that the national team can compete at the highest level in upcoming regional and international tournaments, including the Asian Games and future SEA Games editions.

     

    For Tony Boy Liao and the PNVF, the collaboration signals a new era of unity and strategic planning in Philippine volleyball. With professional, collegiate, and national programs now working in tandem, the federation aims to build a sustainable system that nurtures talent, develops elite athletes, and restores the country’s standing in regional and global competitions.

     

    As preparations ramp up for the next SEA Games cycle, volleyball fans across the Philippines will be watching closely, hopeful that this strengthened partnership will finally end decades of near-misses and deliver lasting success for Alas Pilipinas.

     

     

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  • “Heartbreaking but understandable”: Brooke Van Sickle opens up on Petro Gazz’s PVL absence

    “Heartbreaking but understandable”: Brooke Van Sickle opens up on Petro Gazz’s PVL absence

    Filipino-American outside hitter Brooke Van Sickle has firmly established herself as one of the Premier Volleyball League’s (PVL) most dominant forces in recent years. Her explosive scoring, elite all-around skillset, and consistency with the Petro Gazz Angels have elevated her to the status of arguably the best player in the country today.

     

    Van Sickle played a pivotal role in Petro Gazz’s recent championship run, helping the Angels capture both the 2024–25 All-Filipino Conference title and the 2025 Reinforced Conference crown. Over the past two seasons, her performances earned her a long list of accolades: two Best Outside Hitter awards, three Conference MVP trophies, and the league’s first-ever PVL Most Valuable Player award in 2025.

     

    Despite this run of success, Petro Gazz management made the shocking decision to take a leave of absence from the PVL—a development that left players free to join other clubs. The news stunned the volleyball community and deeply affected the athletes who had built the Angels into a perennial contender, including Van Sickle herself.

     

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    “It was very sad to hear the news, actually. Coming off a championship last conference to having a leave of absence, it was heartbreaking but understandable. We are definitely keeping our spirits up and we’re just really grateful that the core decided to stick together and by no means were forced,” Van Sickle said.

    “I know there were a lot of allegations being said but we kind of all, as players, like have a common goal that we make sure that the core sticks together and you know, continue to build something special, especially with the Nxled group like we think we can do that. It was all part of the plan, I guess. Things happen, it’s uncomfortable and you just gotta be optimistic and still hungry,” she added.

     

    With Petro Gazz stepping away from competition, the league suddenly found itself with several sought-after free agents—and Nxled Chameleons acted swiftly. Van Sickle headlined the list of big-name signings, but she wasn’t alone. Nxled also brought in two-time Finals MVP MJ Phillips, former PVL MVP Myla Pablo, and rising setter Jules Tolentino, last year’s 11th overall draft pick.

     

    The result? Nxled effectively absorbed the backbone of the once-dominant Petro Gazz core, instantly transforming the team from a lower-table squad into a legitimate contender.

     

    “So far the practices have been super awesome, they’re very awesome. It’s just really awesome to be able to have an Italian coach and he has so much experience from around the world and to be able to bring that to the gym is awesome.

     

    “I feel like this is probably the most prepared I’m gonna be for a conference, personally, just because the amount of touches and just like the quality of practice is really good, especially all the girls are absolutely pushing each other in the gym so it’s really highly competitive so with that being said — yeah, our goal is to win,” Van Sickle concluded.

     

    With Van Sickle leading the charge and surrounded by a lineup filled with MVPs, Finals stars, and championship-tested veterans, Nxled’s dramatic roster overhaul feels less like a rebuild and more like a declaration of intent. As the PVL enters the 2026 season, the Chameleons are no longer just aiming to improve—they are positioning themselves firmly in the championship conversation.

     

     

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  • “My favorite color is green”: MJ Phillips eager to start a new chapter after joining Nxled

    “My favorite color is green”: MJ Phillips eager to start a new chapter after joining Nxled

    The Nxled Chameleons have continued their roster overhaul during the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) offseason, and they made a major statement on Thursday, January 15, by signing two-time Finals MVP MJ Phillips from the Petro Gazz Angels.

     

    Following Petro Gazz’s decision to take a leave of absence from the PVL, several players became available, and Nxled acted quickly to bolster their lineup, snapping up Phillips and other key talents from the former powerhouse franchise.

     

    The versatile hitter admitted she is excited for the fresh start with Nxled, particularly under Italian coach Ettore Guidetti.

     

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    “Nxled, they were one of the bottom teams. So, it’s gonna be a challenge, but we are all up for it. And I’m excited for an Italian coach. I have never been under an Italian coach before. He has a strong background with coaching, so I feel like I have a lot to learn from him,” Phillips said.

    She added that joining Nxled gives her a renewed sense of purpose after spending years with Petro Gazz.

     

    “My favorite color is green. Yeah, it’s really exciting. I am really bummed about Petro Gazz and been there with them for like five years now or six years or something. I really appreciate them, but I also appreciate Nxled for giving us another home.

     

    “I’m excited with all the new players and the competition in the gym and just what we can bring to the table at this upcoming conference,” she added.

    Phillips wasn’t the only former Petro Gazz player to make the move. Nxled also secured three-time PVL MVP Brooke Van Sickle, former league MVP Myla Pablo, and championship-tested setter Jules Tolentino—last year’s 11th overall pick—effectively transplanting the backbone of Petro Gazz’s once-dominant core into Nxled colors.

     

    “I’m just glad that a lot of the Petro Gazz girls are with me. And to be able to be with new players, it’s just like a fresh start. And I’m like really excited for what we have to showcase next,” Phillips concluded.

     

    The influx of talent has had an immediate impact on Nxled’s roster. The Chameleons now feature several former Angels, including Jonah Sabete, Djanel Cheng, Bang Pineda, Nicole Tiamzon, Ranya Musa, AA Adolfo, and Jellie Tempiatura, giving the team instant chemistry and a competitive edge.

     

    In many ways, Nxled has found an alternate path to contention after a much-discussed—but unrealized—merger with Petro Gazz. With the Angels stepping away from the PVL, the Chameleons have become the unexpected beneficiaries, absorbing not just talent but also experience, winning culture, and championship pedigree.

     

    What once appeared to be a rebuilding franchise has now transformed into a squad stacked with MVPs, Finals heroes, and title-tested veterans.

     

    Rounding out the roster is a carefully curated mix of youth and leadership, anchored by seasoned campaigners Aby Maraño and Aduke Ogunsanya, alongside Joyme Cagande, who provides depth and upside at the setter position.

     

    With Phillips and Van Sickle leading the way, Nxled’s offseason facelift reads less like a gamble and more like a statement. The Chameleons aren’t just looking to improve—they are positioning themselves squarely in the championship conversation as the PVL heads into 2026.

     

     

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  • Eya Laure brings edge and identity as Choco Mucho reshapes title chase

    Eya Laure brings edge and identity as Choco Mucho reshapes title chase

    Choco Mucho may not just be adding firepower ahead of the 2025–26 PVL All-Filipino Conference — it may finally be discovering the emotional core it has long searched for.

     

    The Flying Titans’ decision to bring in Eya Laure ahead of the new season signals more than a roster upgrade. It reflects a clear intent to redefine who they are as a team, especially after years of being competitive yet falling short of a championship breakthrough.

     

    PVL analyst Noreen Go believes Laure’s presence could shape the very personality of the Flying Titans as they chase their elusive first league title.

     

    “We saw Eya Laure going down with a sprain, but she really wanted to play… and that’s what her fans and Choco Mucho fans are hoping she brings to the team because I feel they’re lacking the identity now of Choco Mucho,” Go said in an interview. 

     

    That edge — the willingness to play through pain and lead with visible intensity — is something Choco Mucho has often been accused of missing in crucial moments. Laure’s reputation as an emotional leader and relentless competitor offers a possible remedy to that long-standing critique. 

     

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    Her arrival also restores familiar chemistry within the roster. Laure reunites with former University of Santo Tomas teammates Cherry Rondina, Alina Bicar, and Caitlyn Viray, relationships forged through years of collegiate battles. At the same time, she joins forces with former rivals Maddie Madayag and Deanna Wong, creating a blend of familiarity and competitive respect that could accelerate cohesion.

     

    “And they’re hoping that the combination—Maddie Madayag, Eya Laure, Sisi Rondina, and the new acquisitions—they’re hoping that they play well together with the lot of passion that we know,” Go added.

     

    The move comes amid a broader roster reset for the Flying Titans. In the offseason, Choco Mucho parted ways with Aduke Ogunsanya, Bia General, Royse Tubino, and Cherry Nunag, signaling a willingness to make difficult decisions in pursuit of growth.

     

    Those departures opened the door for new faces and new roles. Alongside Laure, the team added Bicar and Viray, while also strengthening its backcourt by signing former Nxled standout Jaila Atienza — a move that underlines management’s commitment to balance experience, grit, and depth.

     

    As the Flying Titans enter the new conference with a retooled lineup and renewed direction, Laure stands at the center of that transformation. If her trademark passion translates into consistency and belief across the roster, Choco Mucho’s long-running search for identity — and perhaps a championship — may finally be nearing its end.

     

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