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  • DJ Fenner confirms plan to enter 2027 PBA Draft after William Jones Cup and MPBL stints

    DJ Fenner confirms plan to enter 2027 PBA Draft after William Jones Cup and MPBL stints

    Veteran guard DJ Fenner is keeping his sights firmly set on the present, but the well-traveled American already has his next major career goal in mind.

     

    Fenner is currently training with Strong Group Pilipinas as the squad prepares for the 2026 William Jones Cup in Taiwan, where it will attempt to capture a third consecutive title later this month.

     

    While the upcoming international tournament remains his immediate priority, Fenner has also confirmed that he intends to take the next step in his Philippine basketball journey by entering the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Draft in January 2027.

     

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    “Yes, that’s the plan, is to enter this draft in January and see what happens,” Fenner told members of the media.

     

    The decision could mark another significant chapter in Fenner’s already well-traveled basketball career. The American guard has built considerable experience playing in the Philippines and is now looking to translate that familiarity with the country’s basketball scene into an opportunity in the PBA.

     

    However, Fenner is not looking too far ahead just yet.

     

    Rather than identifying a preferred PBA team or speculating about where he could land in the draft, the veteran guard said his attention is firmly on finishing his current commitments on a strong note.

     

    “You know, I’m not too sure. I’m just really trying to finish the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) strong, have a good showing here with Strong Group in Taiwan,” Fenner said.

     

    “So I’m really just kind of taking it step by step and trying to get better each and every day. Hopefully, I will be ready to go in the PBA in 2027.”

     

    That measured approach reflects Fenner’s focus as he prepares for what could be one of the biggest opportunities of his career.

    Before thinking about the PBA Draft, however, Fenner has another important task in front of him.

    Strong Group Pilipinas is aiming to extend its dominance in the William Jones Cup after winning the prestigious international tournament in the previous two editions. The team will once again field a deep and star-studded roster as it attempts to make it three titles in a row.

     

    Leading the charge is former National Basketball Association (NBA) star Boban Marjanovic, whose imposing presence in the frontcourt gives Strong Group a major advantage heading into the tournament.

     

    Marjanovic will be joined by a talented group of international and Filipino players, including Filipino center Malick Diouf, Puerto Rican forward Isaiah Pineiro, American center Tajuan Agee and two-time NCAA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Allen Liwag.

     

    Fenner is also part of the loaded roster, adding veteran experience and another capable scoring option to a team built to compete at the highest level.

     

    For Fenner, the William Jones Cup provides another opportunity to test himself against quality international competition while continuing to build toward his long-term objective of playing in the PBA.

     

    The tournament could also serve as an important showcase for players hoping to make an impression ahead of the next PBA Draft cycle.

     

    Fenner, however, appears determined not to let the possibility of a PBA future distract him from his immediate responsibilities.

     

    His approach is straightforward: perform well with Strong Group, continue improving and let the rest take care of itself.

     

    That mentality could prove valuable as the competition heats up in Taiwan, particularly with Strong Group entering the tournament carrying the expectations that come with being the defending champion.

     

    The 2026 William Jones Cup is scheduled to take place from August 13 to 20 in New Taipei City, Taiwan.

     

    With a championship to defend and a loaded roster at its disposal, Strong Group will be aiming to once again establish itself as the team to beat.

     

    For Fenner, meanwhile, the tournament represents both a chance to help Strong Group make more history and another important step toward his own basketball ambitions.

     

    If everything goes according to plan, his next major stop could be the PBA Draft in January 2027.

    But for now, Fenner is taking the road one step at a time — starting with Strong Group’s pursuit of a third straight William Jones Cup crown.

     

     

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  • Boban Marjanović arrives as Strong Group’s towering weapon in Jones Cup three-peat bid 

    Boban Marjanović arrives as Strong Group’s towering weapon in Jones Cup three-peat bid 

    Strong Group Athletics’ pursuit of a historic William Jones Cup three-peat just got a whole lot bigger.

     

    Former NBA giant Boban Marjanović has officially arrived in the Philippines, bringing his towering 7-foot-4 frame to a Strong Group squad aiming to accomplish something no team has achieved in more than a decade.

     

    The Serbian veteran will headline Strong Group’s campaign in the 45th William Jones Cup, scheduled from August 8 to 23 at the New Taipei City Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan, where the Philippine club is chasing a third consecutive championship.

     

    If successful, Strong Group would become the first team since Iran (2009-2011) to win three straight Jones Cup titles.

     

    Marjanović’s arrival also continues the recent trend of towering international stars bringing their talents to Philippine basketball. Earlier this year, 7-foot-3 center Bol Bol suited up for TNT in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, while Boban now takes his talents to the international stage with Strong Group.

     

    The veteran center was personally welcomed by head coach Charles Tiu, who spearheaded the effort to bring the former NBA big man to the tournament.

     

    According to veteran Filipino-based player agent Roger Jimenez, the recruitment process began when Tiu reached out in search of a marquee reinforcement capable of anchoring the team’s title defense.

     

    Jimenez then connected with Marjanović’s representative in Serbia—the same agency that also handles three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić—and negotiations quickly progressed before the Serbian agreed to join Strong Group.

     

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    Jimenez has built a reputation for bringing high-profile imports to Philippine basketball, having previously helped secure the services of current NLEX import DeQuan Jones, former San Miguel champion Chris McCullough, and former Meralco reinforcement Tony Bishop.

     

    For Filipino basketball fans, Marjanović is hardly an unfamiliar face.

     

    The veteran center twice stood in the way of Gilas Pilipinas while representing Serbia in international competition.

     

    He was part of the Serbian squad that defeated the Philippines during the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China before once again helping eliminate Gilas in the 2021 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade.

     

    This time, however, Marjanović will be wearing Philippine colors as he helps Strong Group continue its dominance in one of Asia’s most prestigious invitational tournaments.

     

    The Serbian will join a loaded roster featuring former Gilas standouts Matthew Wright and William Navarro, Fil-Am guard Remy Martin, Puerto Rico national team veteran Isaiah Piñeiro, brothers Dave and Shaun Ildefonso, naturalized Filipino Malick Diouf, DJ Fenner, Allen Liwag, Titing Manalili, and Tajuan Agee.

     

    Strong Group opens the tournament in a challenging preliminary group alongside Chinese Taipei Blue, South Korea, and Japan, with its sights firmly set on adding another championship to its growing legacy.

     

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  • Strong Group Athletics settles for silver after inspiring run in Formosa Women’s Volleyball Invitational

    Strong Group Athletics settles for silver after inspiring run in Formosa Women’s Volleyball Invitational

    Representing the Philippines in the 2026 Formosa Women’s Volleyball Invitational Tournament, Strong Group capped its campaign with a silver medal after bowing to Japan’s Aleeza Aichi in the championship match on Sunday.


    The Japanese club lived up to its billing as tournament favorite, defeating the Filipinas in straight sets, 25-17, 25-19, 25-15, to secure the championship.

     

    Despite the final scoreline, Strong Group refused to back down early. The Philippine side challenged Aleeza Aichi throughout the opening two sets, staying within striking distance before the Japanese squad gradually imposed its superior rhythm and execution.

     

    The third set ultimately became the turning point of the match.

     

    Sensing the title within reach, Aleeza Aichi tightened its grip and built a commanding 19-12 advantage that left Strong Group scrambling to stay alive.

     

    Ces Molina and Trisha Tubu tried to ignite one final comeback, leading a 4-1 run that briefly breathed life into the Philippine side’s hopes. 

     

    But the Japanese champions responded immediately, closing the match with a dominant 5-0 finishing burst to complete the straight-set sweep and lift the trophy.

     

    Although the championship slipped away, Strong Group’s path to the final highlighted the team’s resilience throughout the tournament.

     

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    The Filipinas opened their campaign with a four-set defeat to Thailand’s Supreme Tip Chonburi-E.Tech, placing their title hopes in jeopardy. 

     

    Instead of folding, they bounced back with a crucial victory over Chinese Taipei’s Earthpower EPV, creating a three-way tie at 1-1 in the standings.

     

    That win proved enough to send Strong Group into the gold medal match after advancing on a superior set ratio, giving the Philippine representatives an opportunity to compete for the championship despite finishing the preliminary round with a 1-1 record.

     

    Riding that momentum, Strong Group entered the final believing another upset was within reach. However, Aleeza Aichi quickly demonstrated why it had been considered the tournament’s team to beat, controlling the match from start to finish.

     

    Still, the silver-medal finish stands as an encouraging result for a squad assembled from two Premier Volleyball League clubs—Farm Fresh Foxies and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles. 

     

    Despite limited time together, the team quickly developed chemistry and reached an international championship match against established regional competition.

     

    With the overseas campaign ended, the players will turn their attention back to their respective PVL clubs as the PVL On Tour continues in the coming weeks.

     

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  • Strong Group Athletics drops Formosa Invitational opener to Supreme Chonburi after late comeback bid

    Strong Group Athletics drops Formosa Invitational opener to Supreme Chonburi after late comeback bid

    Strong Group Athletics could not complete its comeback bid as Supreme Tip Chonburi-E.Tech held firm for a 25-13, 25-20, 16-25, 25-21 victory in the opening match of the 2026 Formosa Women’s Volleyball Invitational Tournament on Thursday at Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Chinese Taipei.


    The Philippine side struggled to establish its rhythm early, allowing the Thai club to build a two-set advantage before making a strong response in the third frame.

     

    Strong Group showed its fighting spirit after the break, controlling the third set from the opening exchanges. Holding a slim 13-11 lead, Ces Molina helped ignite a crucial 12-5 closing run before finishing the set with a kill to extend the match.

     

    The momentum appeared to shift toward Strong Group in the fourth set as it carried its confidence from the previous frame and built an early advantage. 

     

    However, Supreme Tip Chonburi remained composed and relied on the efforts of Kuttika Kaewpin and Waranya Srilaoong to erase the deficit and regain control.

     

    Trisha Tubu gave Strong Group one final chance after her powerful attack grazed Kaewpin’s arms to save a match point, but Srilaoong delivered the finishing blow with an off-the-block kill to secure the victory for Supreme Chonburi.

     

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    Supreme Chonburi dictated the pace early in the match, especially in the opening set. Strong Group stayed within striking distance before the Thai side unleashed a 7-0 run, capped by a Kaewpin kill, to turn a 9-7 advantage into a 16-7 lead.

     

    The Philippine squad attempted to slow down the surge as Nualwan committed a service error and AC Miner stopped Kaewpin at the net, but Supreme Chonburi quickly regained momentum and closed the set with a 9-4 run.

     

    Strong Group continued to battle in the second set and managed to cut the gap to 21-19 following a Jonna Perdido kill. 

     

    However, Kaewpin sparked a decisive 4-1 finish that gave Supreme Chonburi a commanding 2-0 lead.

     

    Despite the opening loss, Strong Group gained valuable international exposure as the team continues to build chemistry against foreign competition. 

     

    The squad, which combines players from PVL clubs Farm Fresh Foxies and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, features key contributors such as Tubu and is using the tournament as preparation against higher-level opponents.

     

    Strong Group will look to bounce back when it faces host team Earth Power Taipei on Saturday night, with a victory needed to strengthen its chances of advancing to the medal round.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas gets major lift as SGA-backed stars flood national team pool 

    Alas Pilipinas gets major lift as SGA-backed stars flood national team pool 

    The Alas Pilipinas Women has received a significant boost ahead of the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup, as a deep pool of reinforcements from Strong Group Athletics (SGA) officially joins the national team buildup.

     

    With veterans Alyssa Valdez and Myla Pablo leading the core, the program is now set to benefit from at least 12 SGA-backed players coming from various PVL clubs and collegiate programs as preparations intensify for the tournament in Candon City.

     

    Multiple sources confirmed that several of the invited players have already started training under interim head coach Shaq delos Santos, signaling an early push to build chemistry ahead of the international competition.

     

    At the forefront of the new additions are Farm Fresh standouts Ces Molina and Trisha Tubu, along with University of the Philippines middle blocker Nina Ytang, a dominant force in the UAAP who has earned multiple individual distinctions and is widely regarded as one of the country’s top young frontliners.

     

    ZUS Coffee provides the biggest bulk of reinforcements, sending a loaded group that includes Jov Gonzaga, Riza Nogales, Alyssa Eroa, Thea Gagate, Clo Mondonedo, Royse Tubino, and NCAA Season 101 MVP Zam Nolasco from the Lady Blazers, strengthening the national pool with both experience and emerging talent.

     

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    The collegiate representation continues with the Colegio de San Juan de Letran trio of Vanessa Sarie, Lara Mae Silva, and Natalie Estreller, adding more depth across multiple positions.

     

    Rounding out the expanded roster are a mix of PVL and UAAP standouts, including Creamline’s Kyla Atienza and Nxled’s Jules Tolentino, Far Eastern University’s Cla Loresco, Tin Ubaldo, and Jaz Ellarina, Adamson’s Lhouriz Tuddao, and a strong National University contingent composed of Arah Panique, Vange Alinsug, Celine Marsh, and Shaira Jardio.

     

    With a deeper and more diverse pool now in place, Alas Pilipinas enters its next phase of preparation with heightened expectations and a significantly strengthened lineup heading into its AVC campaign.

     

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  • Strong Group Athletics to offer collegiate players to reinforce Alas in AVC Women’s Cup 

    Strong Group Athletics to offer collegiate players to reinforce Alas in AVC Women’s Cup 

    At a time when Alas Pilipinas is scrambling to rebuild its roster, one of the country’s biggest sports backers has stepped forward with a clear message: help is available.

    Strong Group Athletics (SGA), the sports stable behind multiple collegiate and professional volleyball programs, publicly committed its support to the national team on Thursday, offering not only players but also financial backing for whoever gets called up to the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup pool.

     

    The timing could hardly be more significant.

    With several established national team players already withdrawing from consideration due to injuries, fatigue, scheduling conflicts, and personal decisions, Alas Pilipinas has been left searching for available bodies less than a month before the continental tournament in Candon City.

    Rather than waiting on the sidelines, SGA positioned itself as a potential bridge between the depleted national squad and the next wave of available talent.

    “In light of the reported shortage of players for the upcoming 2026 AVC Women’s Cup, Strong Group Athletics expresses its willingness to pool the best talents from its teams from both professional and collegiate in support of the national team campaign in the AVC,” the statement read.

    The Frank Lao-backed organization oversees PVL teams ZUS Coffee and Farm Fresh while also supporting several collegiate programs, including University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines, Letran, and College of Saint Benilde.

     

    That wide network now gives the national team additional flexibility as it tries to complete a competitive roster in time for the AVC Women’s Cup.

    More notably, SGA made it clear that collegiate athletes called into the national pool would receive the same treatment as professional players — a move that could further encourage younger standouts to immediately embrace national team duty.

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    “All collegiate players who will be selected for the national roster pool will be given the same compensation and benefits as PVL draftees, including win-game bonuses and practice allowances,” the statement added.

    The declaration arrives at a moment when the national team program is confronting uncertainty on multiple fronts.

    Several cornerstone players from the previous Alas setup, including Jia De Guzman, Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Angel Canino, Shevana Laput, and Amie Provido, have already become unavailable for the tournament. Injuries and coaching concerns have further complicated preparations heading into the June competition.

    That reality has shifted attention toward younger collegiate players and emerging PVL standouts who may now be asked to take on bigger national team responsibilities sooner than expected.

    SGA’s latest move suggests the organization is prepared to become one of the major support systems behind that transition.

    With its programs spread across both collegiate and professional volleyball, the sports stable now holds access to one of the country’s deepest talent pools — and as Alas Pilipinas searches for answers, that depth may soon become more valuable than ever.

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  • Strong Group lands free agency heavyweight as Ara Galang finally finds a new home

    Strong Group lands free agency heavyweight as Ara Galang finally finds a new home

    PVL free agency has been defined by uncertainty, rapid exits, and franchises scrambling to reset—but one of its longest-standing questions has finally been answered. Ara Galang, arguably the most accomplished name still available on the market, has committed to the Strong Group Athletics (SGA) program, bringing clarity to a turbulent offseason.

     

    Galang’s arrival marks SGA’s 10th signing in a span of weeks, a clear signal of how aggressively the group has moved to stockpile proven talent ahead of the 2026 season. 

     

    More than just another addition, the veteran opposite hitter represents pedigree, stability, and a track record that few in the league can match.

     

    Her signing also continues the steady dismantling of the Chery Tiggo core. Galang is now the 10th former Crossover to secure a new PVL landing spot since the franchise formally disbanded in December, further shrinking a free-agent pool that once brimmed with championship-level contributors.

     

    Transitions, however, are nothing new for Galang. A preseason silver medalist and former Invitational Conference Best Opposite Hitter, the 31-year-old has already navigated a similar upheaval before.

     

     In 2023, she was forced into the open market following F2 Logistics’ sudden exit from the league—a move that sent shockwaves across PVL circles. 

     

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    That episode only reinforced her value, as she quickly emerged as one of the most coveted players available before being scooped up by Chery Tiggo.

     

    This offseason unfolded in much the same way. With nearly every team reportedly exploring the possibility of adding her, Galang ultimately chose the SGA route, positioning herself to suit up for either Farm Fresh or ZUS Coffee—two of the league’s younger squads looking to fast-track their competitiveness.

     

    Beyond her scoring punch, Galang brings leadership and championship-level experience to an SGA build that has leaned heavily on balance. 

     

    Of the stable’s 10 acquisitions, six came from the now-defunct Chery Tiggo roster, forming a familiar core that includes Mylene Paat, Cess Robles, Imee Hernandez, Karen Verdeflor, and Renee Penafiel.

     

    They are joined by former Petro Gazz standouts Chie Saet and Remy Palma, along with ex-Choco Mucho contributors Royse Tubino and Bia General, creating a mix of veterans and prime contributors rarely assembled in one offseason.

     

    As PVL teams race against the calendar and the free-agent board continues to thin, Galang’s decision doesn’t just close one chapter—it reshapes the competitive landscape for the season to come.

     

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  • Strong Group Athletics signs Imee Hernandez ahead of 2026 PVL season

    Strong Group Athletics signs Imee Hernandez ahead of 2026 PVL season

    Strong Group Athletics has continued its aggressive signing spree in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) offseason, securing the services of former Chery Tiggo Crossovers star Imee Hernandez and adding another crucial piece to its rapidly strengthening roster. The move underscores the organization’s intent to reshape the competitive landscape of the league heading into the 2026 season.

     

    The multi-team franchise — which operates the Farm Fresh Foxies and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles — formally introduced Hernandez on Tuesday, January 6, through a social media announcement. Strong Group welcomed the veteran middle blocker with a message that highlighted not just her physical tools but also the leadership and defensive impact she is expected to provide: “Strong Will. Imee Hernandez adds power and presence to Strong Group’s wall, ready to lock it down at the net. Welcome home, Imee!”

     

    Hernandez, a former University of Santo Tomas standout in the UAAP, turned professional in 2023 when she joined Chery Tiggo for the PVL Invitational Conference. A consistent performer known for her height, mobility, and blocking instincts, she quickly carved a role with the Crossovers. However, her progress was slowed by a significant left knee injury that she sustained during her rookie season, causing her to miss extended time and limiting her opportunities to build momentum.

     

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    Despite the setback, Hernandez fought her way back into competitive shape and returned during the 2025 PVL On Tour preseason tournament, which ultimately became her final outing with Chery Tiggo before the franchise disbanded. Her availability on the market immediately drew interest, and she now becomes the sixth former Crossover to secure a contract with a new club.

    The addition of Hernandez further reinforces Strong Group’s offseason overhaul, joining an incoming class headlined by veteran scorer Royse Tubino, seasoned setter Chie Saet, and middle blocker Remy Palma. Collectively, these signings reflect a clear strategy: pair experience with emerging talent to build well-rounded rosters capable of contending on both ends of the floor.

     

    At this point, Strong Group Athletics has yet to disclose which of its two PVL squads — Farm Fresh or ZUS Coffee — Hernandez will join. The lack of clarity has fueled speculation among fans and analysts, as both clubs present compelling pathways. Farm Fresh, anchored by a youthful core, could benefit from Hernandez’s stability and leadership, while the rebuilding Thunderbelles could lean on her defensive presence to establish a stronger identity at the net. Either way, her arrival promises to elevate internal competition and add versatility to training rotations.

     

    Strong Group’s aggressive approach this offseason also signals a shifting dynamic in the PVL. With multiple franchises undergoing roster changes and new contenders emerging, teams are taking bold steps to solidify their competitive footing. For Strong Group, the strategy is clear: strengthen every position, deepen its talent pool, and create lineups that can adapt to the evolving pace and physicality of the league.

     

    With Hernandez now part of their expanding arsenal, Strong Group Athletics is positioning itself as a formidable force ahead of the 2026 All-Filipino Conference. Whether she ends up with the Foxies or Thunderbelles, her experience, resilience, and defensive prowess make her a valuable asset — and her arrival signals that Strong Group is not just filling holes, but actively building a roster capable of challenging the PVL’s elite from Day 1.

     

     

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  • Royse Tubino headlines Strong Group’s latest veteran signings ahead of 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference

    Royse Tubino headlines Strong Group’s latest veteran signings ahead of 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference

    Royse Tubino emerged as the headline addition as Strong Group Athletics continued to fortify its Premier Volleyball League rosters, announcing a new wave of veteran signings ahead of the 2026 season.

     

    Tubino, a proven opposite spiker known for her steady scoring and versatility, leads a quartet of experienced reinforcements that also includes setter Chie Saet and middle blocker Remy Palma from Petro Gazz, along with libero Bia General of Choco Mucho. 

     

    The moves further strengthen Strong Group’s twin franchises, ZUS Coffee and Farm Fresh, as both teams look to build on promising campaigns last season.

     

    At 32, Tubino brings reliability forged through years of PVL battles. She most recently suited up for Choco Mucho, where she served as a dependable offensive option off the bench, providing timely points and stability whenever called upon. 

     

    Her arrival gives Strong Group a seasoned attacker capable of contributing immediately, whether in a starting role or as a key rotation piece.

     

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    Saet adds championship pedigree to the group. The 41-year-old veteran setter spent her entire PVL career with Petro Gazz since 2019 and was instrumental in four title runs, three of which came during the league’s professional era.

     

    Her experience and court leadership offer Strong Group a calming presence in high-pressure moments.

     

    Palma, meanwhile, strengthens the middle while bringing leadership off the floor. A three-time PVL champion at 30, she is set to take on a dual role as a playing assistant coach, blending on-court contributions with mentorship for younger teammates.

     

    General rounds out the signings as a defensive specialist. During her stint with Choco Mucho, she served as the primary backup to multi-time Best Libero Thang Ponce, giving Strong Group a reliable option in the backcourt with experience in structured defensive systems.

     

    The latest acquisitions come just a month after Strong Group secured former Chery Tiggo standouts Cess Robles, Karen Verdeflor, and Renee Peñafiel, highlighting a clear strategy of surrounding its teams with veteran leadership.

     

    ZUS Coffee is coming off a breakthrough Reinforced Conference run that ended with a maiden Finals appearance, while Farm Fresh registered a franchise-best 7–1 elimination-round record before exiting in the quarterfinals. 

     

    With Tubino leading the newest batch of additions, Strong Group appears intent on turning last season’s gains into sustained contention in 2026.

     

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  • Veteran setter Chie Saet joins Strong Group Athletics after leaving Petro Gazz Angels

    Veteran setter Chie Saet joins Strong Group Athletics after leaving Petro Gazz Angels

    Strong Group Athletics have bolstered their Premier Volleyball League (PVL) presence after securing the services of veteran setter Chie Saet, who has decided to part ways with the Petro Gazz Angels ahead of the upcoming PVL conference.

     

    Strong Group, the organization behind PVL teams Farm Fresh Foxies and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, officially announced Saet’s arrival through a social media post on Sunday, January 4. The franchise welcomed the seasoned playmaker with a message that highlighted the intangibles she brings to the court: “Strong Mind, Strong Heart. Chie Saet joins Strong Group, bringing leadership, experience, and calm under pressure to the squad. Welcome, Chie!”

     

    Saet’s acquisition is widely seen as a major boost for any roster she eventually joins, given her wealth of experience and proven ability to steady a team in high-pressure situations. A former standout from De La Salle University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Saet has long been regarded as one of the country’s most reliable setters. Her collegiate success paved the way for a professional career that included a stint with the Cignal HD Spikers in the Philippine Super Liga before she moved to the PVL.

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    In 2018, Saet joined the Petro Gazz Angels and quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise. Despite being in the latter stages of her career, the 41-year-old continued to perform at a high level, providing composure, leadership, and consistency from the setter position. Her steady hand played a crucial role in Petro Gazz’s rise as one of the league’s dominant teams, helping the Angels capture four PVL championships during her tenure. Beyond her on-court contributions, Saet was also widely respected for her mentorship of younger players and her ability to organize the team during critical moments.

     

    At this point, Strong Group Athletics has yet to confirm which of its two PVL teams—Farm Fresh or ZUS Coffee—Saet will suit up for in the upcoming conference. The uncertainty has sparked speculation among fans and observers, with both squads standing to benefit significantly from the presence of a veteran setter of Saet’s caliber.

     

    Regardless of where she ultimately lands, Saet’s move represents a significant addition to the Strong Group franchise and underscores the organization’s intent to be more competitive in the next PVL season. With her experience, leadership, and championship pedigree, Saet is expected to have an immediate impact and help elevate her new team’s performance as the league prepares for another highly competitive conference.

     

     

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