Rookie sensation Shaina Nitura made history with a record-breaking 38-point performance, but Adamson still fell short in a grueling five-set loss to the University of the Philippines (UP) in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, March 16.Despite Nitura’s dominant display of 35 kills and three aces, the Lady Falcons suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, closing the first round with a tough 15-25, 25-15, 26-24, 22-25, 10-15 loss.  Her scoring feat surpassed the previous UAAP record of 35 points held by Ateneo de Manila University’s Alyssa Valdez (Season 75, 2013) and University of Santo Tomas’s Sisi Rondina (Season 81, 2019). However, the disappointment was evident as the 20-year-old Adamson star remained in the dugout for hours after the match and declined media interviews, with head coach JP Yude also refusing to speak.  Nitura, who also tallied 15 excellent receptions, had already cemented her place in Adamson history by tying Angela Bengting’s 33-point school record in her debut against Ateneo last month.

Petro Gazz secured the final slot in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference semifinals after decisively sweeping feisty ZUS Coffee in a must-win Game 3 on Tuesday, March 25, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.The Angels cruised to victory with a straight-sets victory, 25-21, 25-19, 25-23.With this triumph, Petro Gazz joins defending champions Creamline, along with Choco Mucho and Akari, in the round-robin semifinals. The two teams with the best records will then advance to the best-of-three finals to determine the league champion.Despite cruising through the first two sets, Petro Gazz faced strong resistance in the third, as the young and determined Thunderbelles fought to extend the match. However, the Angels maintained their composure when it mattered most.

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala continued her impressive form as she marched into the Round of 16 at the Oeiras Ladies Open in Portugal, overcoming Dutch player Anouk Koevermans in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, on Tuesday, April 15 (Manila time).Despite a lengthy rain delay that interrupted their first-round match, the 19-year-old top seed in the WTA 125 event kept her composure. The match, originally set for Monday, was halted with Eala trailing 2-4 in the second set. Once play resumed, she flipped the script and surged ahead to close out the win efficiently.“There were definitely some challenges,” Eala shared after her victory. “I’m happy how I came back out on the court.”

Mark "Magnifico" Magsayo showed why he remains one of the Philippines’ brightest boxing hopes, as he earned a convincing unanimous decision win over Mexico’s Jorge Mata Cuellar in the undercard of the Pacquiao-Barrios showdown at the MGM Grand Arena.It wasn’t easy. Cuellar proved to be a rugged, resilient opponent, forcing Magsayo into a gritty 10-round battle filled with powerful exchanges. But in the end, it was the former world champion from Tagbilaran City, Bohol who came out on top.Two judges saw the fight as a 100-90 shutout, while the third scored it 98-92 — all in favor of Magsayo, who improved to 28 wins (18 by KO) against 2 losses. The win also earned him the WBC Continental Americas super featherweight title, adding momentum to his march back to world title contention.“He was tough. He took a lot of shots but kept firing back. I had to stay sharp all the way,” Magsayo said after the bout.While the scorecards suggest a dominant performance, the reality inside the ring told a tougher story. Cuellar absorbed Magsayo’s best shots — especially in the fourth round where the Filipino let loose a flurry of clean power punches — and still managed to respond with sharp counterattacks.The victory marks a successful U.S. return for Magsayo, whose last title reign came after dethroning Gary Russell Jr. in 2022 to become the WBC featherweight world champion.Now competing in the super featherweight division, Magsayo is once again on the brink of a world title shot, and Saturday’s win solidified his position in the queue.“We’re staying focused. I can’t be complacent. The goal is to be world champion again,” he said.With the win, Magsayo made it 2-0 for Filipino fighters on the Pacquiao-Barrios undercard, following Eumir Marcial’s earlier victory — a strong showing for Philippine boxing on one of its grandest nights.“Hats off to Jorge Mata, he is a tough fighter. Thank you for giving a great show to the boxing fans tonight. Big thank you to my team for all the improvements you made to me — I owe it to all of you,” Magsayo concluded.

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala slipped to No. 69 in the latest Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, dropping from her career-best No. 56 due to inactivity during a month-long break from competition.After a successful European clay and grass campaign, the 20-year-old Eala has been on hiatus, recently returning home to Manila and showing support for fellow Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao via online streaming, as shared on her social media.Eala is set to return to action at the National Bank Open in Montreal, Canada, from July 26 to August 7. The high-profile tournament will feature top players such as Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Iga Swiatek, and Jasmine Paolini.The National Bank Open marks Eala’s transition to the North American hard court season and serves as a crucial preparation for her upcoming Grand Slam appearance at the US Open, scheduled for August 24 to September 7 in New York.

Just weeks after being appointed as head coach of the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, LA Tenorio is already making bold moves — the latest being the blockbuster Javi Gomez de Liano–Jerrick Ahanmisi trade.In the deal approved by the PBA, Gomez de Liano will now don the Magnolia jersey after previous stints with Terrafirma, the Korean Basketball League, and the Strong Group Athletics in the Jones Cup. Meanwhile, the sweet-shooting Ahanmisi will suit up for the Dyip. The trade also includes Magnolia’s second-round pick, which now belongs to Terrafirma.With the transaction complete, one question lingers: Who really won the trade?On paper and in the eyes of many analysts and fans, Magnolia appears to have the edge. Gomez de Liano offers a more complete package: size, versatility, and a well-rounded skill set.That said, Ahanmisi’s scoring potential should not be underestimated. He has the ability to heat up and take over a game when given the opportunity, a weapon that was not fully maximized under his former coach. With Terrafirma, he could rediscover that spark and become a major offensive threat.

Adamson University stamped its dominance in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, locking in the top semifinal seed with a convincing sweep of Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 25-18, 25-17, 25-16, on Wednesday at the Paco Arena in Manila.The Lady Falcons kept their spotless slate intact at 6-0, riding on a balanced effort from rookie sensation Abby Segui, who fired 12 points, and star hitter Shaina Nitura, who added 10 points and anchored their floor defense. Frances Mordi also provided steady scoring with 12 markers in the win.Adamson showed little mercy in the third set, quickly racing to a 14-3 advantage before sealing the match with Red Bascon’s emphatic block. Earlier, Segui and Lhouriz Tuddao combined for crucial points in the second frame to help the Falcons gain full control.

From supposed token participants to giant slayers, Alas Pilipinas delivered a performance that forever etched their place in the country’s sporting history.On a magical Tuesday night, the 82nd-ranked Nationals shocked the volleyball world, stunning African champions and world No. 21 Egypt with a 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21 victory at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.What was once thought impossible—winning even a set against the world’s top teams—turned into a breakthrough triumph that shook Pool A standings and gave the Filipinos (1-1) a fighting chance to reach the Round of 16.“This is history, and I am so proud to be part of it,” said Bryan Bagunas, who spearheaded the attack with 25 points on 23 kills. “We came into this game with a ‘nothing to lose’ mentality, but we showed what we are made of. It’s just a proud moment for us and the country.”Bagunas found support from Marck Espejo and Leo Ordiales, who atoned for his tough debut against Tunisia with 21 points in the bounce-back win. Espejo capped his 13-point performance with the game-winning block that sealed the victory.“It was all instinct on my part,” Espejo said in Filipino. “After we won the first set, I felt that it was already an achievement. But we knew we could still do better.”For Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni, the victory was more than just a number in the standings.“I am very happy—not because we won, but because we were able to show that we can play well on this stage. They gave us an opportunity to win the match and we took it,” he said.The win sets up a pivotal clash with world No. 16 Iran on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena. Iran, Asia’s top-ranked squad, is coming off a rebound victory over Tunisia but had previously lost to Egypt—making the duel against the Philippines even more intriguing.From doubted hosts to history-makers, Alas Pilipinas has proven it belongs among the world’s best—and now, the dream of advancing is suddenly within reach.

Egypt head coach Marco Bonitta lauded Alas Pilipinas after the hosts’ stunning four-set victory over the reigning African champions in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena.The three-time Olympian admitted that his squad did not play at its usual level but emphasized that the Filipinos fully deserved their historic triumph.“First of all, congratulations to the Philippine team because they played one amazing, consistent match, especially on serve, blocking, and defense,” Bonitta said. “They had clear options in transition, especially in attack after defense. They deserve to win. Today wasn’t our best level of volleyball. We will try to do our best after tomorrow because we have to win against Tunisia.”Bonitta noted that he was not entirely surprised by the performance of the Angiolino Frigoni-coached Nationals, pointing to their gritty showing against Tunisia in their opening match as an early sign of their potential.“Philippines played amazing match today but we knew that before,” he said. “The level of this team was the third set against Tunisia and they lost only 25-23. We knew that we had to be patient to play—but they played better than us and they deserve it.”Despite the loss, world No. 22 Egypt remains in contention for a Round of 16 berth, with all four Pool A squads holding identical 1-1 records. The Egyptians now prepare for a crucial showdown with Tunisia on Thursday, September 18.Bonitta stressed the importance of his team resetting both mentally and physically ahead of the decisive clash.

Filipino weightlifter Princess Jay Ann Diaz delivered another proud moment for the Philippines after clinching the bronze medal in the Girls’ 44kg Clean & Jerk event at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain.The young lifter displayed impressive strength and composure, posting a total lift of 141 kilograms, highlighted by a 63kg snatch and a 78kg clean & jerk, to secure third place against Asia’s top youth competitors.Diaz’s podium finish not only added to Team Philippines’ growing medal count but also underscored the country’s sustained success in the sport of weightlifting, a discipline that continues to flourish following the legacy of Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo.Her bronze medal marks another milestone in the Philippines’ strong showing at the continental event, reflecting the nation’s rising pool of young talent in international competition.

The Philippines blasted Italy-FilCom Basketball Association, 76-49, to stay unbeaten in the Pilipinas Super League (PSL) Global Championship Challenge at the Victoria Sports Club on Wednesday, July 17.The country, represented by Davao-NTB Wolves, scored 30 points of the total 23 turnovers committed by Italy while also showing bench depth where the shock troopers produced a total of 51 points, 43 more than their opponents.The country’s Born 2004 division team also hammered its might where it scored 54 compared to only 14 from the Pinoy players based in Italy.With the win, the Philippines’ under-20 team will move on to the next round unblemished.The Philippines-Cebu, on the other hand, showcased equally impressive brilliance in the Born 2006 division as the homebased team also clinched its three-game sweep.The team, bannered by University of San Jose-Recolletos, outlasted the hapless New Zealand-Fil Nation Select NZ with a 89-35 victory,Four players delivered double figures for the Philippines with Shaun Grava anchoring the pack with 13 points, Jaylord Pepito scored 12, Gab Pasaol contributed 11 markers, while Shinrae Mansave tallied a double-double performance of 10 points and 11 boards.

Filipina rower Joanie Delgaco’s goal to keep the Philippines bid alive in the 2024 Paris Olympics shattered as she bows out of medal contention in the quarterfinals of the women’s single sculls on Tuesday, July 30, at Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium.Delgaco registered a time of 7:58.30 to wind up sixth in the six-woman heat. Only the top three athletes in each heat will advance to the semifinals.The 26-year-old, who is the first female rower from the Philippines in the Olympic Games, qualified for the quarterfinals after she topped the repechage heat with 7:55:00 last Sunday, July 28.Delcago will try to bounce back in the consolation semifinals set for Wednesday, July 31, at the same venue.

Alas Pilipinas Men displayed a gallant stand against Osaka Blueton, but ultimately came short in both games of the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals on Sunday, September 8, at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.Alas absorbed straight sets loss, 25-17, 25-10, 25-21, in a weekend volleyball spectacle that marked the start of the countdown to next year’s FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championships that will be hosted by the Philippines.Olympian and star spiker Yuji Nishida, also a fan favorite among Filipino fans, led the Japan V.League squad with 12 points anchored from seven attacks, along with four aces and a block completing a sweep of the two exhibition matches against Alas.Six-foot-2 Cuban Miguel Angel Lopex Castro contributed 10, with nine from attacks and adding an ace for the Japanese club.Despite the dominant two-day sweep of the Nishida-led team, Alas Pilipinas team captain Kim Malabunga expressed the team members' proud effort due to the encounter that helped them identify the areas they need to work on. 

Creamline Cool Smashers and Cignal HD Spikers are set to lock horns for the grand slam at the 2024 season of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday, September 12.The finals-bound Cool Smashers decisively crushed Farm Fresh Foxies’ podium hopes with a straight-set victory, 25-15, 25-13, 25-19, in the final Invitational Conference preliminary game.Creamline secured the finals berth with Jema Galanza’s triumphant return to the lineup after her duties with Alas Pilipinas. Galanza posted a game-high 13 points anchored on 11 attacks and two blocks, booting out Farm Fresh for a podium finish.

Cebuano para triathlete Alex Silverio waved the Philippine flag on the international stage after his silver medal finish in the PTS4 Men Classification at the 2024 Asia Triathlon Para Cup Chiba in Japan on Saturday, October 19.The 34-year-old left arm amputee claimed a podium finish after completing the 750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run course with a remarkable time of 1:16:07. Silverio crossed the finish line just six minutes behind Japanese Keiya Kaneko, who bagged the gold with a time of 1:06:27, while Kaneko’s compatriot Chikara Ara clinched the bronze medal after clocking in 1:17:09. 

The Philippine National Shooting Association (PNSA) will host the Southeast Asian Shooting Association Championships from November 24 to December 14, 2024.This is the 46th edition of the event in which it will feature competitions in practical shooting, sporting clays, bench rest, and Olympic shotgun which includes both trap and skeet shooting. About eight to nine neighboring countries are expected to participate in the three-week meet comprising around 300-350 shooters.According  to  PNSA secretary-general Iryne Garcia even though this is not their  first time in the Philippines to hold such a big event, all of them including the organizers are filled with joy and happiness in the upcoming event. 

If there's someone in a Barangay Ginebra’s uniform that's consistent in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup Finals, it will be the former MVP Scottie Thompson.Before the Finals started, Thompson shared his thoughts about the Governors’ Cup Last Dance with Scoreline.ph.He said that the team is happy that they are back in Finals but the job is not yet done.After their grueling series against San Miguel Beermen in the semi-final round, Thompson said that they will bring the same intensity to the championship round.The seven-time PBA champion also said that they expect a tougher series against TNT Tropang Giga especially since both teams know each other well.

Congratulations poured in for Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo as he closed out 2024 with an impressive fight.Magsayo remained on track for a title shot after he demolished Ecuador’s Bryan Mercado inside two rounds in their lightweight bout last Sunday (Manila time) in Long Beach, California.Magsayo dropped Mercado four times with left hooks to the body.Currently ranked third in the WBC super featherweight division, Magsayo is targeting a world title eliminator against Eduardo Hernandez of Mexico, where his promoter Sean Gibbons is working hard to seal the fight.The pride of Tagbilaran City, Bohol, has garnered admiration from fans and fellow Filipino boxers, but he has a lot of work to do to prepare for bigger fights in 2025.He once held the WBC featherweight strap after edging Gary Russell Jr. by majority decision in January 2022 before losing to Vargas on points six months later.The 29-year-old is rated in the top five by the four major sanctioning bodies, including No. 3 by the WBC and WBO. He is highly likely to contend for a belt next year.Magsayo was aggressive from the get-go and was just simply too good for Mercado (11-7-1, 6KOs). He knocked down Mercado for the first time late in the first round with a vicious left hook to the body.Magsayo has been on a resurgence since suffering back-to-back defeats at the hands of two-division champions Rey Vargas and Brandon Figueroa.

Dr. Anya Saini, a 62-year-old pediatrician from Mysuru, has added another remarkable chapter to her life story by winning two gold medals at the ongoing World Masters Games 2025 in Taipei, Taiwan.Dr. Saini also earned a silver medal in the 200m breaststroke and a bronze in the 100m breaststroke, showcasing her endurance and skill on the international stage of this prestigious quadrennial competition.“It feels great to compete at the World Masters and connect with athletes from across the globe,” said Dr. Saini. “It’s truly an honor to be part of this championship.” Dr. Saini said.Her recent triumphs in Taipei follow her impressive performance at the 20th Masters National Swimming Championship in Bhopal in 2022, where she clinched four gold medals in the 50m and 100m breaststroke, and the 200m and 400m freestyle events.Dr. Saini began swimming at the age of eight and has maintained her love for the sport for over five decades. During her MBBS studies at Mysuru Medical College and Research Institute in 1984, she secured a bronze medal at the All India Inter-University Championship.Since the inception of Masters swimming competitions in 2022, Dr. Saini has won over 100 medals, a testament to her consistency and passion.“Returning to the pool is nostalgic,” she shared, reflecting on her journey.Despite her demanding career as a pediatrician, Dr. Saini remains committed to her training, practicing six days a week. Her discipline, resilience, and lifelong dedication to swimming continue to inspire both the medical and sporting communities.

Team Philippines enters the 2025 Chengdu World Games with high hopes and a fighting spirit, as the prestigious international multi-sport event officially opens today in China.A delegation of over 100 Filipino athletes, coaches, and officials arrived earlier this week, ready to compete in sports where the country has previously excelled—including wushu, dancesport, billiards, archery, and modern pentathlon.Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino expressed confidence in the team’s medal prospects, citing their extensive preparation and strong international track records.“We’re not just here to participate—we’re here to compete and win. Many of our athletes are world-class and have proven themselves on the biggest stages,” Tolentino said.Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio will be among the spectators, joined by top Chinese officials and World Games President José Perurena López.The men’s floorball team opens the country’s campaign, facing Latvia at 9 a.m. at the Xindu Xiangcheng Sports Centre. The 14-man squad, ranked No. 12 in the world and coached by Noel Mendoza, arrived in Chengdu last Sunday and has been preparing for their match against the No. 4-ranked Latvians.“We feel great and confident. The team is ready,” said Philippine Floorball Association President Marco Ortiz.Wushu artist Agatha Wong also expressed her excitement about competing in the World Games."I am excited because it is my first time in an opening ceremony. I just want to enjoy and live in the moment," Wong said.Among the key players is forward Melvin Mendoza, a silver medalist at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games and a veteran of three World Championship appearances.