The Blazers know the sting of coming so close. Twice in the past three years, Benilde reached the NCAA finals only to see the title slip away. Now, entering Season 101, their aim is not just to shake off regrets but to end a 25-year championship drought.Central to that hope is MVP Allen Liwag, a force in the frontcourt whose leadership and production must anchor the team. This time, he brings reinforcement: Shawn Umali, SJ Moore, and Raffy Celis have committed themselves to the Blazers’ cause. Umali, a bruising presence from Lyceum, and Moore & Celis, both UAAP veterans, add depth, versatility, and fresh firepower.Alongside them, holdovers Justine Sanchez, Tony Ynot, and Gab Cometa return to lend experience and continuity. The roster is further bolstered by Jhomel Ancheta, Joshua Cajucom, Anton Eusebio, Matthew Oli, Jericho Jalalon, and Ian Torres, as well as contributors Bonn Daja, Irele Galas, Jake Gaspay, Jio Gonzaga and John Morales—all part of the Blazers’ Redemption Lineup.

After a rollercoaster Season 100, the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals step into NCAA Season 101 with momentum, a refined identity, and perhaps their strongest claim yet to be a dark horse in the race. With a blend of seasoned returnees and a sensational incoming rookie, EAC is aiming to break new ground—finally punching into the Final Four and beyond.The foundation remains steady. Holdovers Kyle Ochavo, Brianne Angeles, and Nico Quinal return to carry continuity, leadership, and stability. They will help offset the departures of Harvey Pagsanjan, King Gurtiza, and Axel Doromal, whose exit left gaps in experience and production. The Generals also retain key contributors such as Jethro Bacud, Jude Bagay, Deo Lucero, Ruzzelle Dominguez, Wilmar Oftana, and Gelo Loristo, whose veteran presence gives balance and depth.But the real game-changer is EJ Castillo. A 6-foot-1 rookie guard who dominated his high school years with the EAC Brigadiers, Castillo arrives with an impressive pedigree: Mythical Five honors, a Most Improved Player award, and scoring consistency. He has publicly committed to staying with EAC as he transitions to collegiate play. While recognizing he must learn and adapt, Castillo brings a natural scoring touch and confidence that promises to shake up lineups.To round out the additions, EAC also welcomes Jacob Shanoda and Oman Omandac, both of whom are expected to contribute defensively and offer rotational flexibility. Completing the roster are Joshua Devara, Adam Doria, Chester Jacob, Rico Postanes, Joshua Tolentino, and Felix Villarente, each vying for meaningful minutes.

The Alas Pilipinas girls’ under-16 squad has soared to world No. 25 in the latest FIVB Girls’ U17 rankings after clinching a berth in next year’s world championship in Santiago, Chile.The young nationals made a remarkable leap of 17 spots, from world No. 42, after finishing fifth in the 2nd Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship in Amman, Jordan. Even more impressive, the program began at world No. 57, making their rise one of the most significant in Philippine youth volleyball history.“Awesome leap from 57 to 25! We didn’t realize that our small wins in the Asian Qualifying were that instrumental in raising our country’s standing to a higher rank,” said head coach Edwin Leyva. “It just shows that the level of play here in the Philippines has improved and is slowly catching up with our top Asian counterparts.”Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara hailed the feat as “big,” emphasizing how the federation’s grassroots program, strengthened over the past four years, continues to bear fruit.“We are now reaping the fruits of the grassroots program that the PNVF has started four years ago,” Suzara said.Since its establishment in post-pandemic 2021, the PNVF has steered Philippine volleyball to significant growth: breakthroughs by Alas Pilipinas Men and Women at the Asian and world levels, the country hosting world-level events, and Suzara’s rise to AVC president and FIVB executive vice president.With their new ranking, the U16 team is now the highest-ranked Philippine volleyball squad worldwide, surpassing the Alas Women (46th) and Alas Men (80th).Leyva, however, was quick to remind the team that the journey continues.“Being in the top 25 is already a milestone. Why stop dreaming? Let’s train hard, play harder!” he said. “We have the momentum and we are highly motivated. First, win a set or two, then work up from there. It’s up to us to keep the fire burning.”The Philippine U16 team secured 14 ranking points after a gutsy 25-23, 25-20, 19-25, 25-22 victory over Thailand—clinching the final Asian ticket to the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship.China qualified automatically as defending world champion, while Asian representatives also include newly crowned AVC U16 champion South Korea, silver medalist Chinese Taipei, and fourth-placer Japan. Against all odds, the Philippines now stands proudly among Asia’s elite.The world championship in Santiago is set for August 5 to 16.

Jaja Santiago, now known as Sachi Minowa, embarks on a new chapter in her volleyball career after officially signing with the Denso Airybees in Japan’s SV.League.The Airybees confirmed her arrival on Wedsnesday, August 27, marking the Filipina middle blocker’s seventh season in Japan’s premier league and her third stint with a Japanese club.The 6-foot-5 standout recently concludied a successful two-year run with Osaka, where she played a key role in delivering the championship in the previous SV.League season. Before that, she spent four productive years with the Saitama Ageo Medics.

Laoag City threw its full support behind the country’s historic hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship by staging the “Set Na Natin ‘To Trophy and Mascot Tour” at Laoag City over the weekend.Cignal stars Josh Umandal, JM Ronquillo, and Vince Malinao attended the festivities, which included a mini-tournament at Dap-Ayan Park. The Block Builders, led by MVP John Paul Lorenzo, claimed victory over North Western University, the Laoag men’s team, and Pasuquin.PNVF and AVC president Tats Suzara expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and acknowledged the efforts of local officials and partners in making the event possible.“We are very thankful to the City of Laoag and the Province of Ilocos Norte for the warm welcome and enthusiastic support for the world championships,” said PNVF and AVC president Ramon “Tats” Suzara.The tour, which launched at SM Seaside Cebu, will culminate at SM Downtown Cagayan de Oro.Fans enjoyed appearances by official mascots KidLat and Hataw, as well as participation from Department of Tourism officials and SM City Laoag representatives.The 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship kicks off September 12 at Mall of Asia Arena, with Alas Pilipinas debuting against Tunisia at 6 p.m. The opening ceremony will feature a performance by K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR.The tournament runs through September 28, bringing together 32 nations for one of volleyball’s biggest events.

The Petro Gazz has further cemented its position as one of the powerhouses in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) after taking down the ZUS Thunderbelles in four sets, 25-20, 24-26, 28-26, 25-22, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday, February 4.Petro Gazz, who were tied at 16-all in the fourth round, took advantage of ZUS Coffee's costly mistakes to pull away by as much as four points.Jovelyn Gonzaga and Kate Santiago made an effort to keep the Thunderbelles afloat, but Myla Pablo and Brooke Van Sickle's combined effort proved to be too strong, as the Angels scored their final four points to win.Reigning conference MVP Van Sickle erupted 27 points built on 25 attacks and two aces, on top of 15 excellent digs and five receptions to fuel Petro Gazz’s sixth consecutive win for 7-1, taking the top spot in the team standings. 

Creamline maintained their perfect record, securing its fifth win at the expense of Capital1, 25-19, 25-19, 25-18, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, January 21, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.The Cool Smashers sustained their title as the lone undefeated team in the conference, improving their record to 5-0 in the standings.The team was dominant from beginning to end, with Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, and Alyssa Valdez leading the defending Grand Slam champions in the third set with a 7-1 run, giving them a 16-10 advantage. Creamline kept up their momentum as Lorie Bernardo and Galanza completed the match, before Patty Orendain's error sealed the victory.

Unbeaten Filipino middleweight contender Weljon Mindoro is keeping the door open to representing the Philippines in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games — a move he and his team consider a great honor.Mindoro, alongside handlers Gerry Balmes and Orly Barcelango, are awaiting official communication from the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) or the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) to formalize his inclusion.During Monday’s presentation of the 3rd Asian Youth Games medalists, POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino mentioned Mindoro’s possible addition to the national boxing lineup.“Wala naman kaming ihi-hindi. Sa tingin ko mas maganda kung maging pormal na lang yung pagmi-meeting diyan,” said Barcelango during the PSA Forum. “Hindi namin ipagdadamot si Weljon dahil isang karangalan yun makapagsilbi para sa bayan.”A native of Zamboanga del Sur, Mindoro previously competed in Batang Pinoy and Palarong Pambansa, but never made it to the national team. Competing in the SEA Games, he said, would be a dream come true.“Excited ako diyan na makalaban sa SEA Games. Kung manalo ako sa SEA Games, mas maganda kung makalaban ako sa Olympics,” he added.Mindoro and his team are set to train in Japan for stronger sparring partners. Trainer Joven Jimenez and former champion Jerwin Ancajas have also expressed support for his SEA Games prospects.Mindoro recently served as a sparring partner for Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial in the Thrilla in Manila 50th Anniversary event. His team hopes he’ll soon officially join the national squad, eager to chase gold and represent the country on a bigger stage.

After wrapping up her season with a hard-fought Round-of-16 loss to Canada’s Victoria Mboko (3-6, 6-3, 6-4) at the Hong Kong Open, Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is already looking ahead — with the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) firmly in her sights.“SEA Games is in my plans. It’s definitely in my plans,” said Eala after her match in Hong Kong.The 20-year-old sensation, who has become one of the brightest young stars in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tour, is expected to bring her world-class form to Team Philippines when the 33rd SEA Games take place this December in Thailand.Eala is coming off a breakthrough WTA season, highlighted by a dream semifinal run in the Miami Open, which propelled her into the top 75 in the world rankings and eventually to her career-best ranking of No. 51.“It’s really amazing. The target I had to end the year was to make the top 100 and that was kind of like pushing it. We got past it by a mile. I’m so happy with regards to next year,” said Eala. “I’m confident that my team has planned and we’ll plan accordingly and I’m here to give it my all and I’ll do my best to get better.”Her 2025 campaign also featured several historic milestones — including the Philippines’ first-ever US Open main draw victory, when she defeated Clara Tauson in the first round, and her first WTA title at the Guadalajara 125 Open.With her momentum and confidence at an all-time high, Eala’s potential SEA Games return could provide a major boost to Philippine tennis — and another chance to make history for the country.“If it were to happen, I would be so, so happy, and it’s just such a milestone for Philippine tennis. Not just obviously for me but for everybody there because growing up, we never had these kinds of tournaments. As long as I can remember, we didn’t even have a 15K in a professional international tournament, so to come in with a 125 is such a big step, and I’m so proud of how far we’ve come.”“It’s only the start, so I’m so happy with that news, even if it’s just in the talks. The fact that they took a step and we’re taking action is something I’m so proud of and excited to see evolve.” Eala added.

Carl Jammes "Wonder Boy" Martin posted a fifth-round knockout against his Mexican opponent Juan Tostado in their super-bantamweight contest on Saturday night (Sunday in Manila) in Tijuana, Mexico.The referee called a mercy halt to the bout after Martin dropped Tostado with a barrage of head shots.The native from Ifugao made sure his lofty world rating was going to stay, and the impressive victory could elevate him to top contender from No. 2 in the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and in the top five from No. 7 in the International Boxing Federation (IBF).Tostado managed to get up, but the third man on the ring was wise enough to stop the carnage, allowing the Filipino southpaw to raise his record to 24-0 with 19 knockouts.The victory of “Wonder “Boy” over Tostado was Martin’s second fight outside the Philippines after relocating from his homebase in Lagawe, Ifugao.Meanwhile, Tostado already has a boxing record of 27-15-1 win-loss-draw with 10 of his wins being knockouts.Last September, Martin also knocked out Mexican boxer Anthony Jimenez Salas in Sinaloa.

Proving that age is just a number, Laurence Quinlivan, 90, grandfather of actress and model Hannah Quinlivan, stole the spotlight at Taiwan’s World Masters Games, not only for his athletic performance – winning one gold and two silver medals – but also for his charming sense of humor.On the opening day of the competition, May 18, Quinlivan won gold in javelin and silver in the 100m sprint in the 90+ age group.Meanwhile, Jay Chou, 46, took to Instagram Stories on May 18 to congratulate his grandfather in law, posting a photo of Quinlivan being interviewed by the media with the proud caption:“@hannah_quinlivan’s grandpa is awesome.”Hannah Quinlivan, also known as Hannah Chou, is originally from Kaohsiung, where her father once ran a tutoring center.Quinlivan is the grandfather of Chou’s wife, Hannah Quinlivan, a 31-year-old Taiwanese-Australian model and actress. Her father is Australian, while her mother is of Chinese and Korean descent.Hannah also shared a heartwarming video of her grandfather sprinting down the track, captioned:“Thank you for cheering for grandpa.”Quinlivan’s inspiring participation not only highlights the spirit of lifelong athleticism but also shines a spotlight on how sport continues to unite and uplift—across generations.

It was a grind night for the defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers as ZUS Coffee pushed them to a five-set thriller, 25-22, 28-30, 26-24, 17-25, 15-13, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at the Philsports Arena.The Smashers improved to 4-0, and now tied with Cignal HD Spikers at the top of the league standings heading into 2025.Alyssa Valdez fired up 17 points, while Jema Galanza had 15 and Michele Gumabao added 14. The Cool Smashers had a 72-66 advantage in kills, allowing them to offset their whopping 33 unforced errors.Also coming through were Bernadeth Pons, and Galanza who scattered 17 and 15 hits, 12 digs and 12 receptions respectively, for the dynastic champion-seeking a magnificent five-peat feat and 11th crown.

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone is set to begin team practice on November 18 as preparation for the first window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.The national team will undergo a 10-day training camp before kicking off their qualifying campaign on November 28 against Guam in Mangilao, Guam. The second leg will take place on December 1 at the Blue Eagle Gym inside Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City.This marks the first reunion of the Gilas squad since the FIBA Asia Cup held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Gilas is expected to hold practices either at the Blue Eagle Gym—to familiarize with the game venue—or at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna, a regular training hub for the team in previous camps.The lineup is expected to be complete by the start of training, as overseas-based players are allowed to return home to represent the Philippines in FIBA-sanctioned tournaments

Vietnamese volleyball star Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen has been ruled out of the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand following a recurrence of an abdominal muscle injury.Her absence was confirmed after her name was left off the official Vietnam women’s national team roster for both the training camp and the tournament.Bich Tuyen, known for her explosive scoring and power, had also skipped the 2025 FIVB Women’s World Championship earlier this year, initially citing personal and family reasons as well as issues related to new FIVB eligibility rules. However, reports now reveal that her lingering injury has once again flared up, sidelining her from international competition.The setback is a major blow for Vietnam, which will look to adjust its lineup as it aims to stay competitive in the regional volleyball scene.Meanwhile, team captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy (4T) and middle blocker Tran Thi Bich Thuy are set to join the national team’s training camp in early December, once they conclude their ongoing stints in Japan’s V.League.Both players are expected to bring veteran leadership and international experience to bolster Vietnam’s campaign in the upcoming 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.

Petro Gazz Angels head coach Koji Tsuzurabara has parted ways with the Angels.In an exclusive message to Scoreline.ph, the 60-year-old coach confirmed his decision, stating: “As you may have heard, I’ve decided to leave the team. I’ll go to a country that needs me. See you soon.”Tsuzurabara added that his agent is actively searching for his next team but assured fans that he’s open to returning: “If a PVL team needs me, I’ll come back to the Philippines.”His departure means Tsuzurabara will miss the Angels’ crucial final pool match against Choco Mucho on July 29 at the Candon City Arena.Meanwhile, in a Facebook post by the Petro Gazz Angels, they expressed their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to their former mentor, who dedicated his life—especially for the legacy he left behind.“Coach Koji, as you return home to Japan to be with your family, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude. Your decision to pursue new opportunities in your continuing volleyball journey is acknowledged with deep respect.Thank you for the time and dedication you have shared with us. You have been more than just a coach—you have been a mentor, a teacher, and a true inspiration. We are especially grateful for the legacy you leave behind, having led us to our first-ever All-Filipino Championship in the PVL. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.”During his tenure, Tsuzurabara made history with the Angels, guiding them to become the first local team in the league’s pro era to defeat Creamline in the PVL Finals since Chery Tiggo’s 2021 Open Conference victory.Before his PVL debut in January last year, he steered Petro Gazz to gold in the 2024 PNVF Champions League, sweeping Cignal in the finals.Tsuzurabara led the Angels to the podium twice in three conferences—earning bronze in his first All-Filipino Conference, finishing sixth in the import-laden tournament, and eventually capturing the PVL crown.

A well-balanced offense pushed the Converge FiberXers to a 127-109 victory over Blackwater Bossing on Sunday, January 19, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, securing sole second place in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup.As the FiberXers edged closer to a playoff incentive with an 8-3 record, 6-foot-9 big man Justine Baltazar delivered an impressive play for the team, recording a new career-high 20 points along with 10 rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks to earn him Best Player of the Game plum.Jordan Heading provided firepower, leading the charge for Converge with 22 markers, from 3 out of 5 shooting, along with five dimes, and three boards.

The Philippines sustained its impressive run as they trounced another higher-ranked team in world No. 38 Turkmenistan, 2-0, on Wednesday, January 15, at the Yunusobod Sport Complex in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.Katrina Guillou scored the game-winning goal in the 23rd minute to give the Philippines the lead after the first half ended in a draw between the two teams.Then, in the 30th minute, Inday Tolentin secured all three points by beating Maya Musaskaya to the goal after taking advantage of a poor pass from Turkmenistan.The Turkmenistan women maintained a goalless record in the second half thanks to their pesky defensive front to begin the match. 

Rhianne Hailie Jade Alix is already turning heads as a forward for the Philippine National Women’s Ice Hockey Team at the age of 16. She is known for her speed, agility, and smart puck control, Alix brings youthful energy and a fresh edge to the team’s offensive lineup.She is also a product of the Philippines’ growing grassroots ice hockey movement, Alix exemplifies the sport’s expanding reach among the youth. Her journey began in mall skating rinks, where curiosity quickly turned into passion—and then into national-level performance. Despite her age, she has earned the respect of her teammates and coaches with her relentless work ethic, sharp instincts, and playmaking ability.

No amount of preparedness can muster the lionhearted when competing in an arena where the best and the most formidable in the world have gathered to display their exemplary skills and brilliance while aiming to seize the glorious prize in the world’s biggest sporting stage.That is what the two Filipina fencers endured when they were unable to deflect the puncture of reality when they both bowed out in the Table of 32, ending their dream run in the Olympics.Samantha Catantan and Maxine Esteban made history when they both qualified for the Summer Games as the Philippines’ first fencing representative since 1992 and the first homegrown Filipina to qualify for the Olympics, respectively.With a rivalry to be settled in the Fencing events and an Olympic medal at stake, the odds of Catantan and Esteban facing off in the Olympic fencing stage is if they both reach the semifinals.But the encounter was foiled at the Grand Palais where both fencers were ousted from the Paris Games in the early stages of the women’s individual foil competition.

The PLDT High Speed Hitters etched their name in Premier Volleyball League (PVL) history after outlasting Chery Tiggo in a thrilling five-set, 25-17, 25-17, 19-25, 24-26, 15-8, to capture the 2025 PVL On Tour title on Sunday, August 17, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.Guided by head coach Rald Ricafort, PLDT completed a flawless run throughout the tournament—sweeping the group stage with a 5-0 slate before dispatching ZUS Coffee and Creamline in the knockout rounds. The breakthrough marked the High Speed Hitters’ first-ever appearance and victory in a PVL championship stage.