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Tag: #UAAP

  • UAAP standout Irah Jaboneta keen on entering 2026 PVL Draft

    UAAP standout Irah Jaboneta keen on entering 2026 PVL Draft

    The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) is set to usher in a new wave of talent as it officially opens applications for the 2026 PVL Draft on Monday, April 20. With the league continuing to grow in popularity and competitiveness, this year’s draft is expected to feature a strong pool of collegiate standouts, particularly from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

     

    Among the most notable early entrants is Nina Ytang, the three-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker from the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. Ytang recently confirmed her intention to take her talents to the professional ranks, marking the end of a decorated collegiate career defined by consistency and dominance at the net.

     

    She may soon be joined by teammate Irah Jaboneta, who has also expressed a strong desire to enter the draft. Jaboneta, one of UP’s most reliable scorers in recent seasons, spoke candidly about her decision to move on from the collegiate level and embrace the next chapter of her volleyball journey.

     

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    “It’s time to take the next step na talaga and magpa-draft. Tanda na rin’ eh. It’s time for the kids and the remaining players to show what they have got. Kasi kumbaga, ako, I have served my purpose na talaga for UP. And sana talaga nakita nila at na-appreciative nila kasi every game, hindi naman kaming lahat ng players, and alam ko kaming tatlo every game talaga binubuhos namin kung ano kaya namin,” Jaboneta said in a media interaction.

     

    Jaboneta’s UAAP career came to a close on Sunday, April 19, following UP’s four-set loss to the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses in the Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament. Despite a spirited effort, the Fighting Maroons bowed out with a 23-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-19 defeat, signaling the end of an era for one of the program’s key leaders.

    While Ytang and Jaboneta appear poised to take the leap, team captain Joan Monares remains undecided about her immediate future. The veteran setter hinted at taking time off before making a final decision on whether to pursue a professional career.

     

    “Ako, magbe-beach muna ako. Titingnan ko kung saan ako dadalhin ng hangin,” Monares shared, suggesting a more reflective approach after years of intense collegiate competition.

     

    Monares and Jaboneta, along with Ytang, have been instrumental in the Fighting Maroons’ rise over the past five years. The trio endured a challenging rebuilding period that saw the program transition through five different head coaches, while steadily helping restore pride and competitiveness to the UP women’s volleyball team.

     

    Reflecting on their journey, Jaboneta emphasized the significance of their shared experience and the transformation they witnessed firsthand.

     

    “I would say since kaming tatlo, parang same same kami nag-start, we entered UP, and we played in UP parang sabay, hindi ‘yon madali. We witnessed seeing the crowd empty coming to now, seeing the UP crowd filling up the arena. Ako, kasi masasabi ko na my chest is gonna explode kasi somehow nandoon kami nung binubuo ang UP ngayon at kung ano UP na meron ngayon,” she concluded.

     

    As the PVL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on this new generation of UAAP standouts looking to make their mark on the professional stage. For players like Ytang and Jaboneta, the transition represents not just a career move, but the continuation of a journey that began in the collegiate ranks and now heads toward a bigger spotlight.

     

     

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  • La Salle completes 14-0 sweep, punches finals ticket in controversial classic

    La Salle completes 14-0 sweep, punches finals ticket in controversial classic

    History doesn’t always arrive clean. For the De La Salle Lady Spikers, their return to perfection came wrapped in drama, resilience, and just a touch of controversy—fitting for a team that has made a habit of living at the edge of big moments.

     

    In front of a roaring 19,419 crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena, La Salle completed a flawless 14-0 elimination round sweep in UAAP Season 88, outlasting defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs in a gripping five-set battle, 27-25, 15-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13.

     

    But this wasn’t a straight path to history—it was a climb.

     

    For long stretches, National University dictated the pace, even pushing La Salle to the brink late in the fourth set. Down 20-23, the Lady Spikers needed not just execution, but belief. They found both, clawing their way back to force a deciding fifth set.

     

    “Ginusto ng mga bata manalo. Ever since (sa Set 4), lamang ang NU e, pero pinusuan ng mga bata,” said assistant coach Noel Orcullo.

     

    “Ugly win, but a win is a win.”

     

    The final point, however, ensured this match would be remembered beyond the record books.

     

    With La Salle ahead 14-13 in the fifth, an initial four-touch violation was called against them. Head coach Ramil de Jesus challenged for a block touch—unsuccessful at first glance. But a closer review revealed contact on the net by a NU player’s forearm.

     

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    What followed was a rare referee’s discretionary challenge, ultimately reversing the call and handing La Salle the match—and the sweep.

     

    Messy or not, the result stood. And so did La Salle’s dominance.

     

    The victory secured an outright Finals berth, marking their 14th appearance in the last 16 seasons and putting them on track for a 13th title. More importantly, it grants them a crucial advantage: rest and preparation, while the rest of the field battles through a stepladder semifinal.

     

    Leading the charge was Shane Reterta, who delivered 21 points along with 18 receptions and 15 digs in an all-around masterclass. Angel Canino added a triple-double of 15 points, 16 receptions, and 12 digs, while Shevana Laput and Amie Provido combined for 31 points—most of them coming when the match hung in the balance.

     

    On the other side, NU proved why it remains a contender. Vange Alinsug led the Lady Bulldogs with 22 points, backed by Arah Panique and Chammy Maaya, while rookie Sam Cantada and libero Shaira Jardio anchored the defensive stand.

     

    Yet in the end, it was La Salle that found a way. Not perfect in execution—but perfect where it mattered most.

     

    And now, while the rest of the league fights for survival, the Lady Spikers wait—one step closer to turning a flawless run into another championship chapter.

     

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  • PVL: Universities That Produced the Most Players in the League this Conference 

    PVL: Universities That Produced the Most Players in the League this Conference 

    The Premier Volleyball League isn’t just a battleground for the country’s best—it has become a reflection of where they were built.

     

    And in 2026, one thing is unmistakable: the UAAP remains the league’s most powerful talent engine.

     

    Across all 10 teams in the PVL All-Filipino Conference, the fingerprints of UAAP programs are everywhere. From star scorers to defensive anchors, from seasoned veterans to rising standouts, the collegiate league continues to dictate the rhythm of the professional game.

     

    At the center of it all is De La Salle Lady Spikers—not just producing talent, but sustaining a system that keeps feeding the pro ranks year after year.

     

    Built on a foundation shaped by Ramil de Jesus and his 12 championships, La Salle’s presence in the PVL goes beyond numbers. It’s about continuity. From established names like Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Ara Galang, and Kim Fajardo, Mika Reyes, and Kianna Dy to the next wave featuring Erika Santos and Alas standouts in Fifi Sharma, Julia Coronel, and Thea Gagate, the program continues to reload without losing its identity.

     

    What sets La Salle apart isn’t just volume—it’s the ability to evolve while staying dominant.

    But the story doesn’t end there.

     

    Adamson Lady Falcons have quietly built one of the most reliable pipelines in the modern era. Without a UAAP title to their name, they’ve instead carved out a reputation for producing adaptable, pro-ready players. Names like Jema Galanza, Eli Soyud, and Mylene Paat highlight a program that thrives on development over accolades.

     

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    Meanwhile, FEU Lady Tamaraws continue to supply the league with versatility. Led by veterans such as Rachel Daquis and supported by players like Bernadeth Pons and Gel Cayuna, FEU products are known for their ability to fit into any system—an invaluable trait in the ever-evolving pro game.

     

    The dominance of NU Lady Bulldogs at the collegiate level has also translated seamlessly into the pros. With stars like Bella Belen and Ivy Lacsina, alongside veterans such as Myla Pablo, the program has built a reputation for producing players who arrive in the PVL ready to contribute immediately.

     

    And then there’s UST Golden Tigresses—a program that continues to endure. Even without recent championships, UST remains a steady source of high-impact players. From icons like Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure to emerging contributors, the Tigresses prove that relevance isn’t always measured in titles alone.

     

    Beyond the UAAP, other pathways still exist.

     

    The NCAA Philippines, provincial schools, and even overseas institutions have carved out their own presence in the PVL. But in terms of scale, consistency, and influence, no system comes close to matching what the UAAP continues to produce.

     

    What the PVL shows today is not just a collection of teams—it’s a continuation of rivalries, systems, and cultures first forged in college gyms.

     

    And as long as that pipeline remains intact, the future of Philippine volleyball will continue to run through the UAAP.

     

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  • PBA: Universities That Produced the Most Players in the League This Season

    PBA: Universities That Produced the Most Players in the League This Season

    Even under bright arena lights and pro-level pressure, something familiar still lingers in the PBA.

     

    It shows in subtle ways—in pregame nods between former rivals, in the extra edge when familiar colors line up across the court, and in the pride players carry whenever their alma mater is mentioned. The league may be professional, but its foundation still beats with a collegiate pulse.

     

    Because long after the jerseys change, school pride doesn’t.

     

    With the PBA’s 50th season now in full swing, a closer look at active rosters tells a deeper story—one that traces the league’s lifeblood back to the UAAP and NCAA. Certain schools don’t just produce players; they consistently shape the identity of the pro game.

     

    Ateneo sets the standard (21 players)

     

    At the top remains Ateneo, with 21 players currently active in the PBA—a position it has held for years, and one that reflects more than just volume.

     

    The Blue Eagles’ dominance as a talent pipeline can be traced to a culture shift under Tab Baldwin, where structure, discipline, and international-style play became the norm. That system has proven to be one of the most translatable to the pro ranks.

     

    Chris Newsome stands as the standard-bearer, embodying the program’s two-way excellence and professionalism. Around him is a mix of veterans and Baldwin-era products such as Gian Mamuyac, Kai Ballungay, and Tyler Tio—players molded in a system that values decision-making as much as skill.

     

    Even veterans like LA Tenorio, who continues to straddle roles as both leader and competitor, reinforce the program’s generational reach. Ateneo doesn’t just send players to the PBA—it sends them prepared.

     

    Letran’s surge powered by a winning cycle (19 players) 

     

    At No. 2 with 19 players, Letran’s rise mirrors its recent run of dominance in the NCAA.

     

    The Knights’ three-peat under coach Bonnie Tan wasn’t just about banners—it created a pipeline. Winning, after all, breeds visibility, and visibility opens doors to the next level.

     

    For years, Letran’s presence in the PBA was anchored by veterans like Raymond Almazan, Kevin Alas, and Kevin Racal. Now, that core has been reinforced by a fresh wave of talent—Sonny Estil, Jun Roque, Mark Omega—players shaped by a system that emphasized toughness and cohesion.

     

    What makes Letran’s climb notable isn’t just the number—it’s the timing. The school has successfully turned recent collegiate success into sustained professional relevance.

     

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    La Salle’s consistency across eras (18 players) 

     

    Just behind is La Salle with 18 players, continuing its long-standing reputation as one of the UAAP’s most reliable producers of pro-ready talent.

     

    Unlike programs defined by a single era, La Salle’s strength lies in continuity. Across different coaching staffs and playing styles, the Green Archers have consistently developed players who fit the modern game.

     

    Justine Baltazar and Jason Perkins headline the current group, both serving as anchors for their respective teams. Their presence highlights La Salle’s ability to develop versatile bigs who can adapt to evolving systems.

     

    Meanwhile, the entry of rookies like Joshua David shows that the pipeline isn’t slowing down. The Archers continue to send players who are not just skilled—but adaptable, a key trait in today’s PBA landscape.

     

    San Beda’s foundation of winners (14 players) 

     

    San Beda, with 14 players, remains one of the most respected programs when it comes to producing winners.

     

    The Red Lions’ identity has always been rooted in discipline and composure, and that DNA continues to show in the pros. Players like Calvin Oftana and Robert Bolick aren’t just contributors—they’re focal points, often tasked with leading their teams through critical stretches.

     

    Even beyond the stars, Bedan players are known for their reliability. They understand roles, embrace systems, and bring a level of professionalism that translates well beyond college.

     

    It’s not always about having the most players—it’s about having the right ones.

     

    FEU’s guard factory endures (10 players) 

     

    Rounding out the top five is FEU with 10 players, a number that reinforces its reputation as one of the country’s premier guard factories.

     

    From veterans like Mark Barroca to sharpshooters like Roger Pogoy and rising stars like RJ Abarrientos, the Tamaraws continue to produce backcourt players who thrive in the PBA’s fast-paced environment.

     

    Their guards are often defined by poise—comfortable with the ball, capable of creating, and unafraid of big mom

    ents. It’s a tradition that has spanned generations and continues to hold strong.

     

    The bigger picture: roots that don’t fade. What this list ultimately reveals isn’t just which schools have the most players—it shows how deeply embedded collegiate influence remains in the PBA.

     

    Systems learned in college carry over. Rivalries resurface. Identities persist. In a league where rosters constantly shift and new faces emerge, these school ties provide a sense of continuity. They remind fans—and players alike—that every pro career began somewhere familiar: a campus, a jersey, a system that shaped who they would become.

     

    Because in the PBA, talent may evolve. But where it comes from still matters.

     

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  • UST looks to rebound against Ateneo, La Salle eyes third straight win on Wednesday UAAP volleyball clash 

    UST looks to rebound against Ateneo, La Salle eyes third straight win on Wednesday UAAP volleyball clash 

    The UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball action heats up this Wednesday as the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses face off against the Ateneo Lady Eagles.

     

     While De La Salle University looks to extend its winning streak against the University of the Philippines.

     

    UST is coming off a tough 3-set defeat to the La Salle Lady Spikers, falling 25-14, 25-15, 26-24. Despite the setback, the Golden Tigresses are determined to regroup and secure their first win of the first round. 

     

    Angge Poyos emerged as a standout performer in the match against La Salle, delivering consecutive cross-court spikes and a clutch service ace that kept UST alive late in the third set. 

     

    Xyza Gula also made significant contributions, showcasing her versatility and court awareness.

     

    Hoping that the team could bounce back and have their first win against the Lady Eagles, a team who also aims to have their first win in the season after losing in their previous game against UP (17-25, 19-25, 25-22, 25-23, 16-14). 

     

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    For the 3pm headliner game, DLSU takes on the University of the Philippines who are fresh off a five-setter victory over the Ateneo Lady Eagles, and are looking to sustain their strong start to the UAAP season with two consecutive wins. 

     

    The Diliman-based squad was led by Nina Ytang and Fina Ali who scored 15 points and 13 points respectively for the Fighting Maroons. 

     

    Captain Shevana Laput leveraged her height to dominate at the net, scoring consecutive points that sealed a 3-0 victory for the Lady Spikers. Laput led her team’s charge alongside Angel Canino, while rookie Eshana Nunag stood out as the player of the game with 16 excellent sets and three points, signaling a promising start to her collegiate career.

     

    With the upcoming UAAP weekend showdowns, La Salle enters with a 2-0 record, behind National University (3-0) and the University of the Philippines (2-0) at the top of the standings. The Lady Spikers are expected to carry their momentum into their next game against UP, aiming for a third consecutive victory.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas standout Angel Canino embraces veteran role for La Salle in UAAP Season 88

    Alas Pilipinas standout Angel Canino embraces veteran role for La Salle in UAAP Season 88

    Angel Canino returns to the UAAP not just as La Salle’s star hitter — but as a player shaped by international battles.

     

    Fresh from representing Alas Pilipinas in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, where the national team finished fourth, Canino heads into UAAP Season 88 carrying lessons forged against the region’s best. The experience, she believes, has prepared her for a bigger responsibility with the Lady Spikers.

     

    The 2025 SEA Games stint tested the Filipinas against seasoned squads from Southeast Asia’s traditional volleyball powerhouses. Though the podium remained out of reach, the campaign exposed Canino to high-pressure situations, tactical adjustments, and the demands of leadership beyond the collegiate level.

     

    Now back in Taft, she steps into a clear role: senior pillar.

     

    After serving as team captain in Season 87 — where La Salle finished runner-up — Canino is now one of the unquestioned veterans following the graduation of key leaders. Alongside fellow fourth-year players Shevana Laput, Amie Provido, and Lyka De Leon, she is tasked with guiding a younger roster hungry to return to championship form.

     

    “Siguro mai-expect lang sa amin is to be an Ate inside the court. Hindi lang sa skills pero kundi kung paano namin i-lead yung mga bata sa loob,” said Canino during the league’s Media Day.

     

    Her voice carries more weight now. The Lady Spikers are coming off two frustrating seasons after winning the crown in her rookie year. They placed third in Season 86 and were swept by National University in last season’s finals — heartbreaks that still linger.

     

    But the SEA Games experience added another layer of maturity.

     

    Competing internationally demanded composure and adaptability, especially in tight matches where momentum swings quickly. That growth, Canino hopes, translates into steadier leadership for La Salle.

     

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    “Ngayong fourth year namin, kami na talaga ‘yung seniors. Wala na talaga kaming ibang Ate, lahat ng mga bata nagde-depend na sa amin. So we have to act as the typical Lady Spikers — yung values, yung ginagalaw as a Lady Spiker, ipakita yun sa mga bata kasi yun at yun lang din ang magdadala ulit sa amin sa championship.”

     

    La Salle opens its Season 88 campaign against Far Eastern University on February 14, with renewed urgency fueling its preparation.

     

    “Siguro sobrang eager kasi to the point na gusto rin namin i-push yung sarili namin, not kung saan lang kami comfortable,” she said.

     

    “Siguro dahil heartbreak after heartbreak, kakaiba rin yung feeling ngayon kasi muntikan na namin makuha yung championship last year. So mas nag-effort talaga kami to work on kung saan kami nagkulang last season.”

     

    The fourth-place finish in the SEA Games may not have delivered a medal, but it gave Canino perspective — that growth often comes before glory.

     

    As UAAP Season 88 approaches, La Salle’s bid to reclaim the throne will lean heavily on its veterans. And at the center of that push stands a player who has seen both the sting of near-misses at home and the grind of representing the country abroad.

     

    This time, Angel Canino is not just chasing another title.

     

    She is leading the way.

     

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