All news tagged AizaMaizoPontillas

Aiza Maizo-Pontillas’s rise in Philippine volleyball is a story of passion, leadership, and relentless pursuit of excellence. 

Born on a leap day, February 29, 1988, Aiza’s journey began at Passi National High School, where the seeds of her volleyball dreams were planted. But it was at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) that she truly blossomed — transforming from a back-up setter into one of the fiercest opposite hitters the country has seen.

Her collegiate years with the UST Golden Tigresses were nothing short of remarkable. Starting in UAAP Season 68, she was a bench player, quietly learning the ropes. But by the next season, her coach August Sta. Maria saw her potential and shifted her to opposite hitter — a position that would showcase her explosive attacks and fierce presence on the court.

In UAAP Season 69, she helped lead UST to their 15th championship, marking her first taste of glory. But Aiza was just getting started. As team captain in Season 71, she guided the Tigresses to a bronze finish, personally earning the Best Attacker award. 

Then came Season 72, a season to remember, as UST claimed their 16th UAAP championship by toppling fierce rivals De La Salle University. Aiza’s leadership and skill were instrumental in this triumph.

Her final collegiate season ended with a bittersweet silver finish after a hard-fought series against La Salle, but she was recognized as both the Best Scorer and Best Receiver — a testament to her all-around game.

Aiza’s dominance extended beyond the UAAP. In the Shakey’s V-League, she led UST to five championship titles, including a historic three-peat. She earned accolades across the board: Best Server, Best Blocker, Conference MVP, and Finals MVP. 

She was the first Filipina to win both Finals and Season MVP twice in a single conference, a feat that cemented her legendary status in the league.

Petro Gazz staged an impressive reverse sweep against Chery Tiggo, 20-25, 20-25, 25-23, 25-15, 15-7, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) on Tuesday, January 21, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

The squad improved their record to 6-1, propelling them to the top of the team standings.

Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Myla Pablo played a significant part in the Angels' pivotal runs in the third and fourth sets, but Brooke Van Sickle was the star of the fifth set, earning seven points — including five in a row to begin the final — to help Petro Gazz win for the fifth time in a row.

Van Sickle’s playing time was limited as a precaution due to a minor procedure on her left knee last December, but she still finished in double-digits with 10 points, along with 11 excellent digs. 

Coach Koji Tzuzurabara expressed pride in his wards following their stunning comeback, pointing out their enhanced communication and defense in the All-Filipino Conference.