All news tagged volleyball

The Alas Pilipinas Men suffered their second straight loss in the AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup 2025 after bowing to Chinese Taipei, 19-25, 25-23, 28-30, 20-25, on Wednesday, June 18, in Manama, Bahrain.

The loss has relegated the team to the classification phase of the tournament where they will face the defeated teams in other pools to determine their final standing. 

Team captain Marck Espejo led the Alas Men with a game-high 26 points from 22 attacks and four blocks after a brief knee injury scare during the fourth set. 

Earlier in the tournament opener against Pakistan—a match the Nationals fell short—Espejo sustained an ankle injury but was later medically cleared to continue playing.

Leo Ordiales backstopped Espejo’s effort with 15 markers. 

Fresh off from their dominant three-day Alas Pilipinas Invitationals, Alas Men absorbed a four-set loss, 25-18, 25-12, 18-25, 25-22, to World No. 49 Pakistan in their game opener of the AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup 2025, Tuesday night, June 17, in Manama, Bahrain.

Following a rough start in the first two sets, Alas Men bounced back in the third set with Leo Ordiales igniting a crucial rally pouring 10 of his game-high 22 points to keep the match alive.

Down 19-22 in the fourth set, Ordiales teamed up with his fellow National University stars Buds Buddin and Peng Taguibolos to trim the deficit to one, 21-22.

Jia De Guzman is making her Premier Volleyball League (PVL) return with the Creamline Cool Smashers, but her heart and full attention remain with Alas Pilipinas as they gear up for a busy international calendar.

Speaking during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum, the veteran setter made it clear that her main focus is on the national team’s ongoing campaign.

“Of course, I’m going back to Creamline, but I went to a team that also knows that I have responsibilities also for the flag,” said De Guzman. “This is national team season, and Rebisco management made it clear that they’re fully supportive while we serve the country.”

Before she became a volleyball icon, a cover girl, and a fitness entrepreneur, Rachel Anne Daquis was just a young girl in Rizal with a dream and a pair of knee pads. Her journey from schoolyard rallies to the national spotlight is not just a story of athletic triumph—it’s a testament to heart, hustle, and reinvention.

Born on December 13, 1987, Daquis first discovered her passion for volleyball during her high school years at Juan Sumulong Memorial Junior College. It was not long before her natural talent and towering presence led her to Far Eastern University (FEU), where she took up Business Management—a course that would later complement her entrepreneurial pursuits.

During her time at FEU, she quickly rose through the ranks to become team captain of the FEU Lady Tamaraws, earning the moniker “Queen Tamaraw”—a title that symbolized both her athletic dominance and her influence within the squad. 

In 2008, she led FEU to a UAAP championship, marking a career-defining moment in her collegiate journey.

Daquis’ leadership extended beyond college. In 2014, she was named team captain of PLDT HOME TVolution, proudly representing the Philippines at the Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship. That same year, she also joined the Ateneo Lady Eagles as a guest player in the 10th season of the Shakey’s V-League, helping the team secure a runner-up finish.

Her stint with the Philippine Army Lady Troopers was equally decorated as she captured titles and awards, including the SOS Clear Skin In & Out Of The Court Award, and spearheaded a championship run in the 11th season of Shakey’s V-League.

Her career in the Philippine Super Liga (PSL) only strengthened her legacy. Representing TMS-Philippine Army in 2013, she was honored as the PSL Face of the League, highlighting her dual impact as a top-tier athlete and as a public figure.

In 2015, she demonstrated her versatility once again, teaming up with fellow volleyball stars Cha Cruz, Michele Gumabao, and Gretchen Ho to capture the Nestea Beach Volleyball title in Boracay.

As the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) continues its aggressive push towards becoming a fully professional and sustainable league, officials are now setting their sights on launching an official player trade system-potentially in place before the 2025-26 season.

Following the successful debut of its first-ever rookie draft in 2024, the PVL is taking the next major step in solidifying its infrastructure. PVL competition director Sherwin Malonzo revealed the development during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday, June 3, at the Rizal Memorial Complex in Manila.

“Rookies cannot be traded, but we’ve already floated the idea of trading to teams,” Malonzo said in Filipino.

“Rookies need to stay for one season before being eligible for trade. Rookie draft rights also cannot be traded.”

The trade policy, while still under discussion, is already being shaped with clear-cut rules aimed at maintaining parity across all franchises—starting with a firm ban on rookie trades and draft pick swaps.

To further avoid potential abuse of the system, especially echoing the controversial “conduit” trades that have plagued Philippine basketball, the PVL is also ruling out transactions between sister teams. This move affects prominent franchise pairs such as:

• Creamline Cool Smashers and Choco Mucho Flying Titans (both under Rebisco),
• PLDT High Speed Hitters and Cignal HD Spikers (owned by Manny V. Pangilinan),
• Akari Chargers and Nxled Chameleons (linked through appliance business affiliations),
• Farm Fresh Foxies and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles (both under Strong Group Athletics).

Long before she took the helm as captain of ZUS Coffee and earned the prestigious titles of NCAA Season 99 Best Setter and Most Valuable Player, Cloanne Mondoñedo never imagined her path would unfold the way it did. 

Her story wasn’t shaped by certainty, but by detours, doubt, and the quiet power of unexpected opportunities. 

Growing up in Oriental Mindoro, Mondoñedo explored almost every sport she could find. She initially dabbled in athletics, then shifted to table tennis—her father’s sport—and even gave football a try, but it wasn’t until a school intramural event that her curiosity for sports transformed into a true passion.

She recalled stepping onto the volleyball court for the first time, completely unsure of herself, until a teacher recognized a spark in her and told her she had potential—worlds that would quietly shape her future.

Encouraged by her mother, a former volleyball player, Mondoñedo began competing in local leagues, though her progress remained gradual.

As she advanced to larger meets and provincial competitions, the harsh reality of high-level play set in. There were moments she didn’t even get the chance to step on the court—a humbling experience that left her on the bench, reflecting in silence and building quiet determination.

Rather than giving up, she trained harder, secured better gear, and poured herself into a sport that had yet to fully welcome her. Her perseverance finally bore fruit when she earned a spot in the prestigious Palarong Pambansa—where her evolving talent caught the eye of a coach who would soon redefine her path.

In the world of collegiate volleyball, some stars shine quietly, only to blaze brightly when the time is right. 

Jhasmin Gayle Pascual, born on August 3, 1999, is one such star—a powerful opposite hitter whose journey with the Benilde Lady Blazers became a story of resilience, dominance, and triumph.

When Pascual first stepped onto the court for the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in NCAA Season 95, expectations were high. She was poised to make her mark—but fate had other plans. The season, like many sports events in 2020, came to an abrupt halt as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe. For Pascual and her teammates, it was a moment of heartbreak and uncertainty, a pause in what could have been a breakout year.

But champions are not only defined by trophies—they are also shaped by how they bounce back.

Two years later, the NCAA returned with renewed vigor in Season 97. The Lady Blazers came back with something to prove, and Pascual emerged as one of their most vital weapons. With her powerful spikes and unshakable composure, she led the team to their second NCAA title—their first since Season 90. 

Her performance earned her the Finals Most Valuable Player award, a fitting recognition for someone who had waited years for her moment.

In the ever-evolving world of volleyball, where new stars rise and seasoned veterans step aside, there are some names that never quite fade from the spotlight. Jovelyn Gonzaga, affectionately known as the “Bionic Illonga,” is one of those rare few whose story continues to unfold-gracefully, powerfully, and with relentless purpose.

Before she became one of Philippine volleyball’s most revered figures, Gonzaga was simply a determined student-athlete from Central Philippine University, where she captained the school's volleyball team with quiet strength and visible heart. It was there that the seeds of leadership, grit, and excellence were planted—traits that would soon carry her to the national stage.

In 2013, Gonzaga caught the nation’s attention when she was named Most Valuable Player of the Shakey’s V-League Season 10 Open Conference. 

She later called it a “pleasant surprise”—but for those who had seen her rise, it was anything but. Her ascent continued in 2014 when she joined the FEU Lady Tamaraws as a guest player, proving that her skills could shine in any lineup, at any level.

The years that followed would be a golden stretch for Gonzaga. In the 12th Season of the Shakey’s V-League, she was nearly unstoppable—earning a string of accolades that included:

Best Opposite Spiker – Open Conference

Best Opposite Spiker – Collegiate Conference

Most Valuable Player & Best Opposite Spiker – Reinforced Open Conference

In a sea of rising stars in Philippine volleyball, one name continues to shine brighter with each spike and block—Thea Gagate. 

Born on July 26, 2000, the towering middle blocker from De La Salle University (DLSU) has carved her own path from a promising rookie to a key figure in both the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) and the Philippine national team.

Gagate’s first taste of collegiate volleyball came in 2020, wearing the green and white jersey of the DLSU Lady Spikers. It was a dream come true, but the dream was short-lived. 

The UAAP Season 82 was abruptly canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, putting a halt to her much-anticipated debut season.

But even when the world paused, Thea didn’t stop. She trained, stayed ready, and waited for her moment.

In 2022, the UAAP roared back to life. Thea, now no longer a rookie but still with much to prove, stepped onto the court with focus and fire. Her performance in Season 84 spoke volumes.

She helped lead the Lady Spikers to a runner-up finish, losing only to the dominant National University (NU) lady Bulldogs in the Finals. Despite the loss, Thea’s impact didn’t go unnoticed—she was named the 1st Best Middle Blocker, a testament to her defensive prowess and court awareness.

It wasn’t just a personal victory. It was a statement: Thea Gagate had arrived.

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.

Jonah Sabete’s journey to becoming a standout volleyball player is one of determination, heart, and humble beginnings. Born on January 29, 1994, in the quiet town of Kabankalan, Negros Occidental, Jonah’s early life was far from the bright lights of major volleyball arenas. 

As a child, she was a marathon runner — a testament to her endurance and grit — but it wasn’t until a coach convinced her to try volleyball that her true path began to unfold.

Moving away from her hometown, Jonah attended San Pedro High School in Hagonoy, Bulacan, where she started to carve her name in the sport. 

“Even if I had to study by myself, I did everything I could because I had a dream,” she once said, revealing the fire that kept her going despite challenges.

Standing at 5-foot-6, Jonah wasn’t the tallest on the court, but she made up for it with incredible vertical leaps and fierce determination. Her powerful attacks and unwavering commitment made her a key player for Bulacan’s volleyball team in the Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association (CLRAA), where she proved that heart and skill can outmatch physical stature.

Jonah’s college years were spent at Bulacan State University, proudly representing the BulSU Gold Gears. 

Her hard work and talent earned her numerous accolades: she was named to the 2014 Bulacan Collegiate Athletic Association (BCAA) Mythical Six, crowned MVP and Athlete of the Year in 2015, and repeated as Athlete of the Year in 2016. She also made the UCLAA Mythical Six, solidifying her status as one of Bulacan’s brightest volleyball stars.

Djanel Cheng, born on August 28, 1994, is a Filipino volleyball player serving as a setter for the Petro Gazz Angels in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL). 

Known for her smart playmaking and steady leadership on the court, Cheng has built a steady career across multiple local volleyball leagues. She is the sister of fellow volleyball player Desiree Cheng.

Cheng began her collegiate volleyball career at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (CSB), where she played a key role in leading the Lady Blazers to their historic first NCAA women’s volleyball championship in Season 91.

Mary Joy Dacoron, born on October 11, 1995, is a Filipino professional volleyball player currently playing as a middle blocker for the Petro Gazz Angels in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL). Hailing from Oslob, Cebu and raised in Balamban, Dacoron has built a reputation not just as a solid presence on the court, but also as a woman of resilience, intelligence, and heart.

Her journey in volleyball began when she was scouted by Fr. Max Rendon, CM, then Vice President for Finance at Adamson University, during her senior year of high school. 

She moved to Manila to pursue her studies and was granted an athletic scholarship. Initially aspiring to take up BS Accountancy, she eventually shifted to BSBA Financial Management due to the demands of her volleyball training.

Dacoron started as a developmental player for two years with Adamson’s Team B. It was not until UAAP Season 77 that she was officially part of the women’s volleyball roster, although she spent most of that season on the bench.

Her breakthrough game happened in the UAAP Season 79 under head coach Air Padda, who helped unlock her full potential. By Season 80, she was recognized as one of the top middle blockers in the league.

Despite a difficult campaign in Season 81, Dacoron remained grateful for her five years with Adamson, saying, “Adamson is my life. I stayed in Adamson, so it’s already in my blood.”

In a finals stage filled with legacy, rivalry, and pressure, the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs once again proved why they are not just the defending champions — they are the team built to handle the weight of expectation.

Game 1 of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Finals wasn't just a rematch; it was the continuation of a storied trilogy between NU and De La Salle University. And just like a gripping final chapter, NU made their message clear: this crown isn’t up for grabs — not yet.

Facing the same De La Salle team that dethroned them in 2023, the Lady Bulldogs took the court with purpose and poise.

Led by Vange Alinsug’s 21-point explosion and Bella Belen’s all-around brilliance — 19 points, 15 digs, and 10 excellent receptions — NU carved out a convincing 25-17, 25-21, 13-25, 25-17 win at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about mindset — and no one embodies that more than Belen.

In a gripping Finals opener that could very well define the arc of UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws delivered a statement win, outlasting the five-peat-seeking National University (NU) Bulldogs in a five-set thriller.

With a 22-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-22, 15-13 victory, the Tamaraws are now just one win away from claiming the crown—and they’ve made it clear: they want it more.

The Tamaraws weren’t just sharp in execution—they played with urgency and hunger. That desperation was unmistakable in their grit and their refusal to fold, even after losing the first and third sets. 

FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo didn’t mince his words when explaining what pushed his team over the edge.

“We were hungry,” Orcullo emphasized in Filipino. “That kind of hunger drives you to prepare and push through the toughest moments. We knew we wanted this championship, and we played like it.”

This was more than just coachspeak. Orcullo’s squad backed up his words with an inspired performance. 

Aleona Denise "Dindin" Antonio Santiago-Manabat stands as one of Philippine volleyball’s most prominent and enduring figures.

Born on September 26, 1993, Dindin carved her legacy through exceptional skill, unwavering resilience, and a decorated career that has spanned collegiate, professional, and international play.

Hailing from a family of athletes—her brother, Axel Leonard, played for the National University (NU) Bulldogs and her sister Jaja Santiago is a standout in Japan’s V.League—Dindin's journey has been a blend of talent, determination, and passion for the game.

She began her collegiate volleyball career with the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses before transferring to the NU Lady Bulldogs, where she became team captain and led the squad with distinction.

Dindin’s collegiate years also saw her rise in the Shakey’s V-League, where she served as a guest player for several teams, delivering crucial performances in championship and bronze medal matches.

Notably, she helped Smart-Maynilad Net Spikers secure a runner-up finish in the 2013 SVL Open Conference and aided PLDT Home Telpad Turbo Boosters in clinching bronze during the 11th season.

Katrina Mae De Lara Tolentino, born on January 27, 1995, is a Filipino-Canadian volleyball standout known for her explosive presence on the court and unwavering resilience off it. 

Currently suiting up for the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), Tolentino’s journey in the sport is marked not just by accolades but also by perseverance through adversity.

Hailing from a sports-oriented Filipino-Canadian family in British Columbia, Tolentino grew up surrounded by athletic excellence. Her brother, Vince Tolentino, made waves in collegiate and professional basketball, playing for the Ateneo Blue Eagles and later the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the PBA.

Cherry Rose Nunag, born on October 22, 1992, in the quiet town of Floridablanca, Pampanga, has become a compelling figure in Philippine volleyball—largely because she didn’t follow the traditional route.

In a sporting landscape where most stars emerge from the UAAP or NCAA, Nunag’s rise to prominence has defied expectations and proved that relentless dedication, resilience, and heart can chart a path just as luminous as any mainstream route.

Nunag’s journey began not in front of the spotlight but in relative obscurity. She first took up volleyball in high school, eventually finding her collegiate footing at De La Salle University–Dasmariñas. While many aspiring athletes aim for the prestige of UAAP or NCAA schools, Nunag made her mark in the V-League in 2013 as a member of the De La Salle Lady Patriots.

Her early performances had already hinted at her potential—posting 17 points in a five-set thriller against the Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) Lady Engineers and following it up with 11 points versus the powerhouse University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tigresses.

Despite these standout performances, her team struggled with back-to-back losses, a tough stretch for a squad that had previously dominated the NCRAA with three championships in four years.

What set Nunag apart was her sheer athleticism and hunger to improve. A 5-foot-10 middle blocker with long arms and explosive lateral movement, she quickly gained a reputation as a net-front force—both offensively and defensively. Her skills blossomed further when she transitioned into the professional scene. 

Ivy Keith Lacsina, born on October 21, 1999, firmly established herself as one of the standout figures in Philippine volleyball through a career that spanned both collegiate glory and professional growth.

Known for her commanding presence as a middle blocker, Lacsina rose to prominence as a key player for the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). 

Her tenure with NU was marked by remarkable milestones, including an undefeated 16-0 season in UAAP Season 84, where she helped deliver the school’s second women’s volleyball championship title in 65 years. Lacsina’s efforts earned her a 5th place ranking in the Best Middle Blocker race of the season with an impressive 154 points.

When it comes to grace under pressure, sharp court vision, and consistency in execution, Maria Deanna Izabella Alvizo Wong—known to fans simply as Deanna Wong—stands tall as one of the Philippines’ most recognized volleyball setters.

Born on July 18, 1998, Wong hails from Cebu, where her volleyball journey began not on a grand court but in a humble sixth-grade intramural game, all thanks to a best friend’s invitation. That small moment would eventually lead to a stellar collegiate and professional volleyball career.

She first studied at Saint Theresa’s College of Cebu and later attended the University of San Jose–Recoletos for high school. Her early promise in volleyball soon caught the attention of university scouts, leading to training invitations from San Sebastian College–Recoletos and eventually Ateneo de Manila University, where her collegiate career truly blossomed.