All news tagged PVLAll-FilipinoConference

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.

PLDT High Speed Hitters had to be rescued from their training facility along G. Araneta Avenue in Quezon City after heavy rains from the southwest monsoon (habagat) left the flood-prone area submerged yesterday, Monday.

The team was stranded inside their gym since the afternoon, passing the time with meals and an improvised karaoke session while waiting for help. At around 9 p.m., the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Army arrived, safely evacuating players and staff via rescue boats.

“Maraming salamat po to our Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Army and our volley friends who assisted in rescuing our High Speed Hitters out of the Araneta Avenue area. We know your night is far from over and there are more people to help. We hope and pray you all return home safely. Again, thank you so much!”  the team expressed on social media. 

About an hour after the rescue, several players took to Instagram to share updates and further gratitude to their rescuers.

PLDT is scheduled to fly out in a few days for the Cebu City leg of the 2025 PVL on Tour, where they’ll put their unbeaten record on the line against co-league leader Nxled (July 26) and Galeries Tower (July 27).

Cignal bounced back from a tough loss and clinched the first outright quarterfinal berth in Pool B, defeating ZUS Coffee, 25-22, 25-17, 21-25, 25-16, in the PVL On Tour at the City of Passi Arena on Sunday.

After dropping the third set and missing out on a sweep, the HD Spikers responded with a dominant fourth set. Erika Santos led the way with a stellar 30-point performance, blending power and creativity to guide Cignal to a one-hour, 51-minute victory.

Cignal seized control early in the fourth, racing to a 6-2 lead with key contributions from Ishie Lalongisip, Jackie Acuña, Heather Guino-o, and playmaker Gel Cayuna. The team also capitalized on ZUS Coffee’s errors and showcased superb floor defense, anchored by libero Buding Duremdes.

Santos sealed the win with a blistering down-the-line hit for her 30th point, pushing Cignal to match point. After a brief delay by a Chinnie Arroyo hit, Cignal closed out the match by winning a floor touch challenge.

The win lifted Cignal to a 4-1 record and secured their place at the top of group play, guaranteeing a spot in the quarterfinals. Despite her standout performance, Santos credited the team.

“We prepared hard for this. Yesterday, we were a bit off, but this time we stayed composed and just enjoyed the game. Everyone sacrificed.” said Santos. 

Lalongisip and Acuña added 15 and 11 points, respectively, while Roselyn Doria-Aquino, Tin Tiamzon, and Cayuna all contributed on both ends. Cayuna also tallied 27 excellent sets, outplaying her counterpart Cloanne Mondonedo.

For ZUS Coffee, Arroyo topscored with 20 points, while Chai Troncoso, Fiola Ceballos, and rookie AC Miner provided support.

Cignal’s firepower was evident as they outgunned ZUS Coffee, 71-49, and controlled the net with a 9-5 edge in blocks, overcoming their 23 unforced errors. ZUS Coffee, meanwhile, committed 15 errors of their own.

After falling behind 0-2, the Thunderbelles rallied in the third set, fueled by Arroyo’s attacks and a timely timeout by coach Jerry Yee. However, Cignal shut the door in the fourth, refusing to let the match extend to a fifth set.

A five-day break now awaits before the action resumes in Cebu City on Saturday, July 26, with Nxled taking on PLDT and Galeries Tower facing Farm Fresh at the USJ-R Coliseum. 

Bella Belen has officially taken her talents to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), inking a multi-year deal with the Capital1 Solar Spikers following her selection as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie draft, confirming the much-anticipated move.

Co-owner Milka Romero made the official announcement of the Premier Volleyball League top rookie pick’s signing on social media.

“Welcome to the Capital1 family,” Romero posted, sealing Belen’s jump to the pros.

While Belen has been seen supporting the team courtside in recent weeks. 

Her fans will have to wait a bit before seeing the young phenom in action. Belen will only debut for Capital1 in October, as she is still committed to her national team duties with Alas Pilipinas.

It’s important to note that this amount is only a starting baseline under the PVL’s salary scale system—teams are free to negotiate and offer higher pay based on player value and contract terms.

With her official entry into the pro ranks, Belen brings her championship pedigree and MVP credentials from National University to a Capital1 squad eager to build a competitive foundation for the future. Her debut may still be a few months away, but the anticipation surrounding one of Philippine volleyball’s brightest stars continues to grow.

The Premier Volleyball League’s highly-anticipated 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference will begin today, November 9, at the Philsports Arena which will run for six-long months.

The Akari Charges and Galeries Tower Highrisers will play for the opening game to kick off the new season at 4:00 pm. Both clubs are looking to improve after having contrasting performances in the previous Reinforced Conference.

Akari surprised the league by making it to the Finals but losing the title to Creamline, while Galeries Tower finished winless at the bottom of the 12-team field.

The Chargers, led by Ced Domingo, Fifi Sharma, Faith Nisperos, and Ivy Lacsina, will aim to maintain their positive attitude from that historic run in the championship round and establish themselves as serious contenders for the title.

The Highrisers, on the other hand, will attempt to overcome a somber past and get into the spotlight, with setter Julia Coronel of Alas Pilipinas making her debut and spikers Roma Joy Doromal, Jewel Encarnacion, and Alyssa Eroa contributing firepower. 

Choco Mucho and Petro Gazz will face off in the main event at 6:30 pm with the goal of trying to get their quest for the first All-Filipino title off to a victorious start.

It will be a different world now for the Flying Titans after the departure of Maddie Madayag, who brought her act to the Japan SV. League.

However, Choco Mucho remains committed to its championship dreams, with Sisi Rondina, Dindin Manabat, Isa Molde, Cherry Nunag, and the returning Kat Tolentino leading the way.

Meanwhile, the Angels have kept their roster intact, with players like Myla Pablo, Djanel Cheng, Remy Palma, MJ Phillips, and Brooke Van Sickle always ready to fight.