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Tag: PVL

  • Fresh start fuels Jolina Dela Cruz as ZUS Coffee opens PVL On Tour with win over Akari 

    Fresh start fuels Jolina Dela Cruz as ZUS Coffee opens PVL On Tour with win over Akari 

    For Jolina Dela Cruz, changing teams was about more than wearing a different jersey—it was about finding the confidence and opportunity she felt had slipped away.


    That decision immediately paid off on Wednesday as Dela Cruz impressed in her ZUS Coffee debut, helping the Thunderbelles defeat the Akari Chargers, 25-11, 25-23, 26-28, 25-17, to kick off their Premier Volleyball League On Tour campaign at the Capital Arena.

     

    After her contract with Farm Fresh expired, the former De La Salle standout was offered an extension by the Foxies. Instead of staying, she chose to pursue a fresh challenge, believing a move to ZUS Coffee would provide the chance to reclaim the form that once made her one of the league’s brightest young outside hitters.

     

    Her first match with the Thunderbelles offered an encouraging glimpse of that potential.

    Dela Cruz contributed 12 points while anchoring the team’s passing game with 13 excellent receptions, providing the all-around performance ZUS Coffee needed to secure an impressive opening victory under head coach Jerry Yee.

     

    The performance was especially meaningful for Dela Cruz after a difficult stretch with Farm Fresh.

     

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    She joined the Foxies in 2024 following the disbandment of F2 Logistics but had to delay her debut as she recovered from a torn ACL in her right knee. Although she made an immediate impact upon returning, her opportunities gradually became limited as Farm Fresh continued experimenting with different lineups.

     

    Rather than settle for a reduced role, Dela Cruz decided it was time for a new beginning.

     

    “Ayun nga, tapos na rin naman ‘yung contract ko with Farm Fresh and that time dapat i-renew rin (nila ako). Pero ayun nga, nag-request na rin ako na (‘wag na),” Dela Cruz said.

     

    More than anything, the move was driven by her desire to regain the belief she once had in her game.

     

    “Siyempre, una, ‘yung kumpiyansa talaga kasi last conference rin. Ang hirap din ng kumpiyansa; wala rin talagang playing time that time. So eto, super big opportunity ‘to talaga para sa akin,” the former DLSU Lady Spikers standout said.

     

    With the trust of Yee and her new teammates, Dela Cruz now hopes her debut is only the beginning of a steady climb back to peak form as she embraces a bigger role with the Thunderbelles.

     

    The victory also earned ZUS Coffee P100,000 under the PVL On Tour incentive program, while Akari received P50,000 as the losing team.

     

    The Thunderbelles continue their campaign against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on July 11 in Batangas City, while Akari looks to bounce back when it faces the same opponent on August 1 in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

     

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  • Michele Gumabao powers shorthanded Creamline past Nxled with 18 points in PVL On Tour opener 

    Michele Gumabao powers shorthanded Creamline past Nxled with 18 points in PVL On Tour opener 

    With several of Creamline’s biggest stars watching from the sidelines, Michele Gumabao made sure the defending champions never missed a beat. 


    Showing both poise and experience, Gumabao delivered 18 points built on 16 attacks, one block, and one ace to spearhead Creamline’s offense.

     

    Cool Smashers proved that its championship pedigree runs far deeper than its star-studded lineup, opening its 2026 Premier Volleyball League On Tour Showdown campaign with a convincing 25-18, 25-23, 16-25, 25-19 victory over Nxled on Wednesday at the Capital Arena.

     

    Creamline entered the tournament without several of their biggest names. Tots Carlos, Alyssa Valdez, Bea De Leon, and Pangs Panaga were all unavailable, while veteran setter Jia De Guzman remained on national team duty with Alas Pilipinas. 

     

    Yet the depleted roster showed little sign of slowing down, relying on contributions from both veterans and fresh faces to secure the opening-day win.

     

    Lorie Bernardo also provided steady support with 13 points, while newcomer Ishie Lalongisip wasted no time making an impact in her first outing for the Cool Smashers after transferring from Cignal, finishing with nine points.

     

    Creamline’s offense also flowed smoothly under the direction of Kyle Negrito, who produced 16 excellent sets. On the defensive end, Denden Revilla anchored the serve reception with 16 excellent receptions, while Ella De Jesus contributed nine excellent digs to help neutralize Nxled’s attacks.

     

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    The victory also came with P100,000 in prize money for Creamline, while Nxled received P50,000 as runner-up.

     

    “Siyempre, masaya ako kasi nag-perform nang maganda ‘yung team namin. Kahit ‘yung mga seniors namin ‘di nakalaro, ‘yun naman ‘yung maka-experience sila ng ganitong laro. Magandang laro. So masaya,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.

     

    Despite falling short, Nxled showed resilience after extending the match to four sets by claiming the third frame.

     

    Middle blocker MJ Phillips paced the Chameleons with 13 points, while EJ Laure chipped in 12 markers. Rookie Irah Jaboneta and veteran Jonah Sabete-Escamillan also reached double figures with 11 points apiece.

     

    Another notable storyline was the appearance of former Cignal standouts in new uniforms. Lalongisip suited up for Creamline, while Gel Cayuna, Jackie Acuna, and Erin Pangilinan now represented Nxled, adding an extra layer of familiarity to the season-opening encounter.

     

    Cayuna, who was invited to the Alas Pilipinas pool but reportedly begged off, handled playmaking duties for the Chameleons and finished with 22 excellent sets.

     

    Creamline returns to action on August 8 against a revamped Capital1 squad in Santiago, Isabela, looking to build on a strong opening performance led by Gumabao. Nxled, meanwhile, will seek its first win when it takes on the Solar Spikers on July 25 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. 

     

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  • Creamline begins title defense as Nxled eyes statement start in PVL On Tour 

    Creamline begins title defense as Nxled eyes statement start in PVL On Tour 

    The first challenge awaiting Creamline in its latest title defense comes from a team determined to prove that last conference’s disappointment no longer defines its identity.

     

    When the PVL On Tour opens in Ilagan City, Isabela, on Wednesday, the spotlight will immediately fall on the 6:30 p.m. showdown between the reigning All-Filipino Conference champions and an Nxled squad eager to show that months of preparation have transformed it into a legitimate contender.

     

    The Chameleons entered the previous conference carrying high expectations after assembling one of the league’s deepest lineups. Instead, they settled for a fifth-place finish after struggling to find consistency and chemistry when it mattered most.

     

    Head coach Ettore Guidetti believes the long offseason has given his squad the opportunity to address those issues ahead of another campaign.

     

    “As usual it’s difficult because Creamline has a bunch of combinations, a bunch of possibilities to play, so we will try to summarize as much as we can. We are in a good moment. The team is playing good day after day after day. We are trying to automatize the new players. So let’s see if we can give a good performance against the champions,” said Guidetti.

     

    Nxled once again leans on reigning MVP Brooke Van Sickle alongside veterans Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips, while expecting a deeper supporting cast to make the difference this time around. 

     

    The Chameleons also feature Lyann de Guzman, Ranya Musa, Aduke Ogunsanya, Chiara Permentilla, Jonah Escamillan, Jovelyn Fernandez, Jackie Acuña, and experienced setter Gel Cayuna as they look to finally convert potential into victories.

     

    Standing in their way, however, is the league’s modern-day dynasty.

     

    Fresh from capturing an 11th PVL championship, Creamline enters the preseason with much of its championship nucleus intact. Jema Galanza, Tots Carlos, Alyssa Valdez, Pangs Panaga, Bea de Leon, Jia de Guzman, and Kyle Negrito remain at the heart of the Cool Smashers, who further reinforced their roster by adding Dona Paralejas, Erin Pangilinan, Ishie Lalongisip, and promising rookie Barbie Jamili.

     

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    Team captain Alyssa Valdez believes the extended preparation has allowed the team to integrate its newest additions while maintaining the chemistry that has fueled Creamline’s sustained success.

     

    “Medyo mas matagal ata ‘yung preparation ngayon. Wala kaming camp or anything but medyo ilang months din nakapag-training ‘yung buong team for the PVL On Tour Showdown and very excited kasi may mga bago kami – sila Erin, si Dona – for this conference,” Valdez said. 

     

    The day’s action begins at 4 p.m., where ZUS Coffee and Akari look to start their preseason campaigns on the right foot in a matchup featuring two teams eager to erase the frustrations of their previous conference.

     

    ZUS Coffee enters the PVL On Tour looking for a fresh start after finishing at the bottom of the All-Filipino Conference standings, a campaign derailed by injuries to several key players. Now healthier and deeper, the Thunderbelles hope to show they are capable of climbing back into playoff contention.

     

    The return of middle blocker AC Miner bolsters a lineup that already features Thea Gagate, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Chinnie Arroyo, Fiola Ceballos, Jolina dela Cruz, Riza Nogales, Cess Robles, Chai Troncoso, Kate Santiago, and veteran setter Cloanne Mondonedo.

     

    Akari, meanwhile, also has unfinished business after ending its previous campaign in sixth place despite flashes of strong play. The Chargers have since reinforced an already talented roster and will look to hit the ground running in Isabela.

     

    Leading the way are Ivy Lacsina, Fifi Sharma, Grethcel Soltones, Ced Domingo, and Eli Soyud, while Faith Nisperos is expected to return alongside new additions Ann Monares, Sharya Ancheta, and Risa Sato, giving Akari one of its deepest squads in recent seasons.

     

    That opening clash serves as the perfect appetizer before the marquee encounter later in the evening, when reigning champion Creamline begins its latest title defense against an Nxled squad determined to prove it belongs among the league’s contenders. 

     

    After Ilagan, the tour heads to Batangas City on Saturday, where Galeries Tower takes on Farm Fresh before Choco Mucho faces ZUS Coffee in another marquee matchup. The succeeding legs will be held in Vigan, Polomolok, Santiago City, and Lanao del Norte before concluding on Aug. 22 at a venue that has yet to be announced.

     

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  • PVL On Tour brings preseason action and new twists to fans across the country 

    PVL On Tour brings preseason action and new twists to fans across the country 

    The road to the new Premier Volleyball League season begins far from its usual Metro Manila stage.

     

    Instead of opening inside the country’s biggest arenas, the league is taking professional volleyball on the road once again as the PVL On Tour officially gets underway on Wednesday in Ilagan City, Isabela, kicking off a seven-leg preseason caravan that aims to bring the sport closer to fans across the Philippines.

     

    Four of the league’s top clubs will headline the opening doubleheader, marking the start of a month-long tour that will also visit Batangas on July 11, Vigan City in Ilocos Sur on July 25, Polomolok, South Cotabato on August 1, the City of Santiago on August 8, Lanao del Norte on August 15, before wrapping up on August 22 at a venue that will be announced later.

     

    Beyond preparing teams for the upcoming conference, the league views the preseason showcase as an opportunity to strengthen its connection with volleyball supporters outside the capital.

     

    “The PVL On Tour is our way, together with the teams, of bringing the game closer to our fans during the preseason. It allows supporters from different parts of the country to experience PVL volleyball firsthand, while giving our teams valuable opportunities to build chemistry and prepare for the season ahead,” said PVL Control Committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo.

     

    Every match will also carry financial rewards, with the winning team receiving P100,000 while the losing squad will still earn P50,000, ensuring that every contest has something at stake despite being part of the preseason.

     

    The league has also introduced competition guidelines designed to maximize player development.

     

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    Each team will be required to field all 14 players on its roster before the end of the second set, with every player seeing action in at least three rallies. Once the second set is completed, coaches will regain full control of their rotations under the modified substitution rules.

     

    Meanwhile, the PVL reiterated that players currently committed to official Philippine national team duties will not be eligible to participate in the tour. Athletes may only suit up if they are not part of an official national team delegation and have no scheduled international commitments.

     

    Perhaps the biggest attraction this year is the introduction of the Premier Ball, a rule first unveiled during the PVL All-Star festivities.

     

    Once per set, the serving team’s captain can activate a specially colored ball that turns the next rally into a two-point opportunity instead of the usual single point, adding another layer of strategy for both teams.

     

    To preserve the integrity of close finishes, however, the Premier Ball cannot be used to clinch a set. In the first four sets, teams may only activate it before either side reaches 22 points, while in a deciding fifth set, it may only be used before the score reaches the league’s designated cutoff.

     

    As the tour begins another journey around the country, the PVL is hoping to achieve two goals at once — helping teams prepare for the new season while giving thousands of fans outside Metro Manila a front-row seat to the country’s premier professional volleyball league.reaches 12 points.

     

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  • PVL bars Alas Pilipinas players from suiting up for their clubs in the 2026 On Tour preseason

    PVL bars Alas Pilipinas players from suiting up for their clubs in the 2026 On Tour preseason

    The 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour preseason conference is set to officially begin on Wednesday, July 8, in Ilagan City, Isabela, ushering in a new chapter for Philippine club volleyball with a series of significant rule changes designed to strengthen the league’s alignment with the national team’s international commitments while enhancing the overall fan experience.

     

    As the preseason tournament travels to different parts of the country, the league is aiming to provide valuable game action for its member clubs while bringing high-level volleyball closer to supporters outside Metro Manila. At the same time, the competition will serve as an important platform for teams to develop chemistry, evaluate new combinations, and prepare for the upcoming PVL season.

     

    Ahead of the tournament, however, the league announced one of its most notable policy changes in recent years, ruling that players currently committed to or selected for Alas Pilipinas will not be allowed to suit up for their respective club teams during the On Tour conference.

     

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    Under the new policy, the only exception applies to players who are not included in the official delegation of the Philippine women’s national volleyball team and who do not have scheduled national team commitments. Those athletes will be permitted to rejoin their respective PVL clubs for the duration of the preseason tournament.

     

    The move comes in response to new guidelines established by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) following the suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF). The policy is intended to ensure that club competitions are better synchronized with the country’s international volleyball calendar while allowing national team preparations to proceed without conflict.

     

    The absence of several Alas Pilipinas standouts is expected to create opportunities for younger players and newcomers to take on larger roles throughout the tournament. Coaches will also have a chance to assess the depth of their rosters as teams navigate the preseason without some of their marquee players.

     

    Beyond the national team eligibility policy, the PVL has introduced several innovations aimed at making every match more competitive while encouraging full-team participation.

    For the first time, every game in the On Tour conference will carry guaranteed cash incentives for both teams. The winning squad will receive P100,000, while the losing team will still earn P50,000, providing added motivation throughout the preseason despite the tournament’s exhibition nature.

     

    The league has also implemented a mandatory player participation rule designed to maximize exposure and development for every athlete on the roster. All 14 players listed on a team’s lineup must have entered the court by the end of the second set, with each player required to participate in at least three rallies before coaches regain full substitution flexibility.

     

    Perhaps the most intriguing innovation is the official introduction of the two-point Premier Ball into preseason competition after its successful debut during the PVL All-Star festivities.

     

    Under the rule, teams may activate the special ball until reaching 22 points in Sets 1 through 4 and 12 points in the deciding fifth set. If activated, the next rally will be worth two points instead of the traditional single point, adding another layer of strategy that could dramatically alter momentum and late-set tactics.

     

    League officials believe the new rules will not only improve player development but also make matches more entertaining for spectators as clubs adapt to fresh tactical challenges throughout the conference.

     

    “The PVL On Tour is our way, together with the teams, of bringing the game closer to our fans during the preseason. It allows supporters from different parts of the country to experience PVL volleyball firsthand, while giving our teams valuable opportunities to build chemistry and prepare for the season ahead,” PVL Control Committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo said in a media interaction.

     

    The 2026 PVL On Tour opens with a doubleheader on Wednesday in Ilagan City, featuring the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles against the Akari Chargers in the curtain-raiser before the Creamline Cool Smashers take on the Nxled Chameleons in the evening’s featured matchup.

     

    With new rules, fresh incentives, and a renewed emphasis on player development and nationwide fan engagement, the PVL On Tour is expected to offer an entertaining and competitive buildup to the league’s 2026 season while providing clubs with a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their squads before the campaign officially begins.

     

     

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  • This Week’s Sports Fixtures: PVL, PBA, FIFA World Cup, and Alex Eala’s Wimbledon Championships (July 6 – 12)

    This Week’s Sports Fixtures: PVL, PBA, FIFA World Cup, and Alex Eala’s Wimbledon Championships (July 6 – 12)

    Fans are in for another packed week of sporting action as the PVL On Tour begins, the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup gets underway, Alex Eala takes history and center stage at Wimbledon, Gilas Pilipinas battles Australia in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage heats up.


    PVL On Tour


    Ilagan City, Isabela

    Wednesday, July 8

    • 4:00 PM – ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles vs. Akari Chargers
    • 6:30 PM – Creamline Cool Smashers vs. Nxled Chameleons

    Batangas City
    Saturday, July 11 

    • 4:00 PM – Galeries Tower Highrisers vs. Farm Fresh Foxies
    • 6:30 PM – Choco Mucho Flying Titans vs. ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles

    Wimbledon Championships – Women’s Singles


    Round of 16 – Monday, July 6

    • 8:30 PM* (PHT) – Alex Eala vs. Jasmine Paolini

    PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup


    Friday, July 10

    Ynares Center, Antipolo

    • 5:15 PM – Terrafirma vs. Titan
    • 7:30 PM – Macau vs. NLEX Road Warriors

    Saturday, July 11

    Ynares Center, Montalban

    • 5:15 PM – Blackwater vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
    • 7:30 PM – Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters vs. Magnolia Hotshots

    Sunday, July 12

    Ynares Center, Montalban

    • 5:15 PM – NLEX Road Warriors vs. Terrafirma
    • 7:30 PM – Titan vs. Converge FiberXers

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    FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifier
    Monday, July 6

    • 6:30 PM (PHT) – Australia vs. Philippines

    FIFA World Cup

    Round of 16

    Tuesday, July 7

    • 3:00 AM (PHT) – Portugal vs. Spain
    • 8:00 AM (PHT) – United States vs. Belgium

    Wednesday, July 8

    • 12:00 AM (PHT) – Argentina vs. Egypt
    • 4:00 AM (PHT) – Switzerland vs. Colombia

    Quarterfinals

    Friday, July 10

    • 4:00 AM (PHT) – France vs. Morocco

    Saturday, July 11

    • 3:00 AM (PHT) – Winner of Round of 16 Match 5 vs. Winner of Round of 16 Match 6

    Sunday, July 12

    • 5:00 AM (PHT) – Norway vs. England
    • 9:00 AM (PHT) – Winner of Round of 16 Match 7 vs. Winner of Round of 16 Match 8

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  • Jewel Encarnacion determined to become a key piece for new team Choco Mucho

    Jewel Encarnacion determined to become a key piece for new team Choco Mucho

    The Choco Mucho Flying Titans have strengthened their roster ahead of the new Premier Volleyball League season by acquiring versatile outside hitter Jewel Encarnacion, one of the biggest offseason additions following the Capital1 Solar Spikers’ decision to take a leave of absence from the league.

     

    The move gives Choco Mucho another dynamic weapon on the wings as the Flying Titans continue to bolster their lineup in pursuit of a championship. Known for her athleticism, scoring ability, and all-around play, Encarnacion is expected to provide added firepower while complementing an already talented roster.

     

    For the former Capital1 standout, however, the transfer is more than just a change of uniform. It represents a fresh opportunity to continue her development, embrace a new system, and establish herself as a dependable contributor for one of the PVL’s perennial contenders.

     

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    Encarnacion shared that her primary focus is on maximizing her growth while earning the trust that Choco Mucho has placed in her.

     

    “My goal is really to continue improving myself to the best that I can, to build great chemistry with the team, and to become one of the terminating outside hitters that Choco Mucho can rely on,” Encarnacion said in a media interaction.

     

    A product of the University of the Philippines-Diliman’s respected volleyball program in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Encarnacion made a name for herself through her versatility, composure, and offensive production at both the collegiate and professional levels. Her arrival gives Choco Mucho another capable scorer who can contribute on both ends of the floor while providing additional depth in the outside hitter position.

    The Flying Titans will have an early opportunity to integrate their newest acquisition when they compete in the upcoming PVL On Tour preseason conference. The tournament is expected to serve as an important proving ground for the team as it fine-tunes its rotations and develops chemistry ahead of the league’s major conferences.

     

    For Encarnacion, the preseason is more than just a series of exhibition matches. It is an opportunity to familiarize herself with the tactical approach of head coach Dante Alinsunurin and gradually establish on-court chemistry with her new teammates.

     

    “I will take this opportunity to try new things, while continuing to develop chemistry with my teammates, especially with our setters. I think this is the perfect opportunity for us to keep building that connection before the major conferences.

     

    The transition into a new program comes with its own challenges, particularly in learning a different offensive system and adapting to new teammates. Encarnacion acknowledged that becoming comfortable within Choco Mucho’s style of play will require patience, repetition, and consistent effort, especially as she works to understand the team’s offensive timing and communication.

     

    “Choco Mucho has a different system, so I told myself that I have to consistently put in the effort to learn the movements, patterns, code names, technical terms, and the tempo of the sets. That way, I can stay in sync with the team, execute more cleanly on the court, and contribute to the chemistry they have already built,” she added.

     

    The Flying Titans are expected to lean on the preseason tournament to accelerate the integration of both new and returning players as they prepare for another campaign against the league’s top contenders. With Encarnacion eager to embrace her role and continue developing within Alinsunurin’s system, Choco Mucho hopes its newest addition can quickly become a valuable piece of its championship aspirations.

     

    The PVL On Tour preseason conference opens on July 8, with Choco Mucho set to begin its campaign on Saturday, July 11, in Batangas City. The tournament will provide the Flying Titans with their first opportunity to showcase their revamped lineup and give fans an early glimpse of how Encarnacion fits into the team’s evolving identity.

     

     

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  • Galeries Tower loads up roster for PVL On Tour with Alyssa Bertolano, Jade Gentapa 

    Galeries Tower loads up roster for PVL On Tour with Alyssa Bertolano, Jade Gentapa 

    The Galeries Tower Highrisers are entering the 2026 PVL On Tour with a reshaped and deeper roster, blending proven collegiate talent, versatile veterans, and fresh rookie additions as they aim to elevate their standing in the preseason circuit.

     

    Their latest roster moves is the addition of Alyssa Bertolano, who joins the Highrisers after parting ways with the Farm Fresh Foxies following a multi-role stint that saw her transition from spiker to libero and back to an open hitter depending on team needs.

     

    Before her time with Farm Fresh, Bertolano first entered the Premier Volleyball League with the Gerflor Defenders after leaving the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. 

     

    She initially played as an outside hitter, later undergoing a significant conversion to libero during the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference under coach Alessandro Lodi, where analytics-driven adjustments reshaped her role into a backcourt specialist.

     

    However, her versatility was once again put to use in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference under coach Koji Tsuzurabara, where she returned to the wing position as an open hitter. 

     

    Farm Fresh reached the Final Four, finishing fourth after falling to the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the battle for bronze.

     

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    The Highrisers also secured another outside hitter, Jade Gentapa from ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles who will further reinforce their wing rotation and adding more scoring depth to a group already built around veterans Jean Asis, Julia Coronel, and Roselle Baliton.

     

    Galeries’ roster overhaul extends beyond trades and signings, as the franchise continues to lean on the draft to shape its future core. 

     

    Holding the top pick, the team selected setter Lams Lamina in the first round of the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft, banking on her championship pedigree from National University to stabilize their playmaking.

     

    In the second round, Galeries added Far Eastern University standout Ann Asis, further strengthening their depth with another young prospect capable of developing into a key rotation piece.

     

    With the Highrisers clearly prioritizing both immediate competitiveness and long-term development, their PVL On Tour campaign doubles as a testing ground for a retooled system built around versatility, ball control, and increased offensive options.

     

    The team opens its PVL On Tour campaign against the Farm Fresh Foxies on July 11 in Batangas City, setting up an early reunion with Bertolano’s former squad and an immediate test for their newly assembled roster.

     

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  • Akari Chargers lands former Creamline star Risa Sato in major offseason signing

    Akari Chargers lands former Creamline star Risa Sato in major offseason signing

    The Akari Chargers have made one of the biggest moves of the PVL offseason, bolstering their frontline with the acquisition of veteran Filipino-Japanese middle blocker Risa Sato ahead of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour preseason conference.

     

    The highly anticipated signing signals Akari’s determination to strengthen its roster as it aims to establish itself as a legitimate championship contender in the upcoming season. With Sato bringing years of experience, championship pedigree, and veteran leadership, the Chargers have added one of the league’s most decorated middle blockers to an already improving squad.

     

    Akari officially announced the acquisition through its social media platforms, welcoming the veteran blocker to the team.

     

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    “Welcome to Akari, Risa Sato! Ready to bring in her championship experience and energy, Risa will be a huge boost for the Chargers. Let’s go.”

     

    The signing marks Sato’s return not only to competitive volleyball but also to the PVL after stepping away from the sport to focus on motherhood following the birth of her first child. Her comeback has been highly anticipated by volleyball fans, especially after uncertainty surrounded her playing future following the disbandment of the Chery Tiggo Crossovers franchise in December.

     

    The 31-year-old last suited up during the 2025 PVL All-Filipino Conference in November, where she continued to anchor Chery Tiggo’s middle defense with her trademark blocking, court awareness, and consistency at the net. However, the Crossovers’ unexpected exit from the league left several players searching for new homes, with Sato now finding a fresh opportunity to resume her career with one of the league’s ambitious franchises.

    For Akari, the addition addresses a crucial area of need in the middle while also providing the team with invaluable championship experience. Sato has long been regarded as one of the PVL’s most reliable middle blockers, known for her efficient blocking, quick attacks, and ability to provide stability on both ends of the floor.

     

    Before her stint with Chery Tiggo, Sato enjoyed one of the most successful careers in PVL history during her time with the Creamline Cool Smashers. From 2018 to 2024, she was an integral part of Creamline’s dynastic run, helping the franchise establish itself as the league’s gold standard.

     

    During her six-year tenure with the Cool Smashers, Sato captured an incredible 11 PVL championship titles, becoming one of the most decorated players of her generation. Although she often played alongside a star-studded roster, her consistency, versatility, and willingness to embrace her role made her a vital piece of Creamline’s sustained success.

     

    Her move to Akari also sets up familiar reunions.

     

    Sato will once again share the court with fellow middle blocker Ced Domingo, her former teammate at Creamline who joined the Chargers last season. The duo developed strong chemistry during their championship years together and are expected to provide Akari with one of the league’s more formidable middle-blocking tandems.

     

    She will also reunite with former Chery Tiggo teammate Cza Carandang, giving the Chargers another layer of familiarity as they continue building chemistry ahead of the preseason tournament.

     

    Beyond her on-court contributions, Sato’s arrival is expected to provide leadership to an Akari squad eager to take the next step in its development. Having experienced multiple championship campaigns and pressure-filled matches throughout her career, the veteran middle blocker brings a winning mentality that could prove invaluable for a team looking to break into the PVL’s elite tier.

     

    As the Chargers prepare for the 2026 PVL On Tour preseason conference, Sato’s return represents both a personal comeback and a significant roster upgrade. With one of the league’s most accomplished veterans back in action, Akari has sent a clear message that it intends to compete with the PVL’s established contenders in the season ahead.

     

     

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  • ZUS Thunderbelles bolster roster with four new reinforcements ahead of PVL On Tour

    ZUS Thunderbelles bolster roster with four new reinforcements ahead of PVL On Tour

    ZUS Coffee is entering the 2026 PVL On Tour with a fresh look. Determined to build on last season’s campaign, the Thunderbelles have reinforced their roster by bringing in four new players—Jolina Dela Cruz, Zam Nolasco, Chenae Basarte, and Angela Jackson, as they prepare to begin another chapter in the Premier Volleyball League.

     

    The new additions offer a blend of proven collegiate success, professional experience, and young talent, giving head coach Jerry Yee more depth across multiple positions ahead of the preseason tournament.

     

    Leading the new recruits is former De La Salle University standout Jolina Dela Cruz, who moves to ZUS Coffee after spending the previous season with Farm Fresh.

     

    The veteran wing spiker joins her third PVL franchise after first landing with Farm Fresh in 2024 despite recovering from a knee injury following the disbandment of F2 Logistics in 2023.

     

    Her arrival strengthens the Thunderbelles’ outside hitter rotation alongside seasoned campaigners Rachel Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga. The transfer also reunites Dela Cruz with former De La Salle teammate Thea Gagate, giving the squad another familiar on-court connection.

     

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    The Thunderbelles also tapped into the successful College of Saint Benilde program by adding two Lady Blazers.

     

    Fresh from an impressive collegiate career, Zam Nolasco begins her professional journey after capping her final NCAA season with the league’s Most Valuable Player award.

     

    The 6-foot-1 middle blocker established herself as one of the country’s top collegiate frontliners, collecting three NCAA championships and multiple Best Middle Blocker honors during her four-year stay with the Lady Blazers.

     

    Nolasco will once again work under Jerry Yee, who also coached Saint Benilde, making the transition to the professional ranks a familiar one for both player and coach.

     

    Joining her is setter Chenae Basarte, who concluded her collegiate career as team captain of the Lady Blazers entering the NCAA Season 101 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.

     

    Known for her steady playmaking and leadership, Basarte is expected to provide stability to the Thunderbelles’ offense as she takes on her first professional assignment.

     

    Completing ZUS Coffee’s list of newcomers is Angela Jackson, one of the youngest players on the roster.

     

    The former University of the Philippines Integrated School standout was selected in the fourth round of the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft at just 20 years old despite having limited collegiate volleyball experience.

     

    Now preparing for her professional debut, Jackson is expected to add depth at the opposite spiker position as she begins her PVL career.

     

    With four new reinforcements joining the fold, ZUS Coffee hopes its revamped lineup will translate into a stronger showing when the 2026 PVL On Tour opens.

     

    The Thunderbelles begin their campaign on July 8 against the Akari Chargers in Ilagan City, where the team’s newest acquisitions are expected to make their first appearance in ZUS Coffee colors.

     

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