Justin Valencia

Czechia stifles Tuyen Nguyen, advances to FIVB Challenger Final against Puerto Rico

July 6, 2024

Justin Valencia

Czechia secured a spot in the 2024 FIVB Challenger Cup gold medal match and next year’s Volleyball Nations League after a decisive victory over Vietnam, 25-19, 25-14, 25-19 on Saturday evening at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. The Czech team, qualifying from the European Golden League with a second-place finish, aims to clinch their first […]
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Grace Lopez’s VNL dream nears reality

July 6, 2024

Justin Valencia

As someone who has always followed the Volleyball Nations League, Grace Lopez now has the golden opportunity to join the world’s elite. Lopez and her country, Puerto Rico, are one win away from qualifying for the 2025 Women’s VNL after a dominant victory over Belgium in the 2024 FIVB Challenger Cup semifinals, 25-19, 25-15, 25-16, […]
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Puerto Rico dominates Belgium to reach FIVB Challenger Cup Final

July 6, 2024

Justin Valencia

Puerto Rico showcased its balanced offensive firepower to enter the 2024 FIVB Challenger Cup Final, dominating Belgium, 25-19, 25-15, 25-16 in Saturday’s knockout semifinals at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. The NORCECA champions will now await the winner between Czechia and Vietnam for the championship and a spot in next year’s Volleyball Nations League. […]
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Galeries Tower targets roster gaps in PVL Draft, says Okumu

June 28, 2024

Justin Valencia

Galeries Tower’s main objective in the inaugural Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft is to fill the gaps in their roster for the upcoming Reinforced Conference, according to assistant coach Godfrey Okumu. Okumu attended the scrimmages on Day 2 of the Draft Combine at Gameville Ball Park on Tuesday. He said the team is looking […]
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Kiara Cruz confident in Farm Fresh’s progress despite draft deliberations

June 28, 2024

Justin Valencia

Coming off a promising All-Filipino Conference, Farm Fresh looks forward to a better showing in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference. The Foxies will now be handled by an all-Japanese coaching staff. According to their team manager Kiara Cruz, the team has adjusted well and is expected to be more lethal and explosive in […]
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Kim Rubin, Alas Girls bounce back, nip Australia to stay in Princess Cup hunt

June 11, 2024

Justin Valencia

Coming off a huge setback against the host nation, Alas Pilipinas Girls rebounded strongly with a 25-16, 25-23, 21-25, 25-19 win over Australia. They stay in the hunt for a spot in the final of the 22nd Princess Cup SEA U18 Women’s Volleyball Championship at the Nakhon Pathom Gymnasium in Thailand. The Filipinas continued to […]
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Jaja Santiago lauds Alyssa Solomon’s emergence as NU’s on-court leader

May 13, 2024

Justin Valencia

Alyssa Solomon and Jaja Santiago had a moment after National University advanced to the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Finals last Wednesday. Following the Lady Bulldogs’ straight-sets win over the FEU Lady Tamaraws in their do-or-die Final Four battle, the NU legend was seen talking to Solomon, mentoring her on her spiking. Solomon, the 6-foot-1 […]
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Poetic Triumph: Bea De Leon focuses on gratitude over beating former team

May 13, 2024

Justin Valencia

Bea De Leon clinched her first conference championship for Creamline by delivering the final point for the Cool Smashers in the fifth set of Game 2 against Choco Mucho, 20-25, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22, 15-11. The 5-foot-11 middle blocker was prepared for her moment as the Flying Titans over-received Alyssa Valdez’s service, and De Leon smartly […]
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‘Mini Miss UST’ aim to silence doubters one last time

May 5, 2024

Justin Valencia

Much has been said about the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses even before the season started. After key departures from the team following Season 85, which included four of their starters, questions and doubts were plentiful for this Season 86 squad. Prior to the season, people questioned the strength of the team after the […]
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Kungfu vows UST Tigresses will exorcise ghost of 2019

May 5, 2024

Justin Valencia

With the University of Santo Tomas’ five-set escape of De La Salle University in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, history repeated itself on Sunday evening. The second-seeded Golden Tigresses’ 25-20, 16-25, 25-20, 19-25, 15-7 victory that dethroned the third-ranked Lady Spikers mirrored a triumph just like this exactly five […]
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Cignal’s retooling sparks hope for competing teams in Spikers’ Turf

March 11, 2024

Justin Valencia

The Cignal HD Spikers have been a long-time powerhouse team in the Spikers’ Turf, boasting six titles, making them the winningest team in the league. However, in the upcoming 2024 Open Conference, the HD Spikers have undergone retooling after losing several players to opposing teams. The Ateneo de Manila University core of Marck Espejo, Ysay […]
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UAAP 86 WVB: De Guzman, Buena propel Ateneo to thrilling come-from-behind win over UP

February 28, 2024

Justin Valencia

Ateneo de Manila University had the last laugh, scoring a stunning reverse sweep over University of the Philippines, 22-25, 20-25, 25-22, 25-17, 15-9, for its breakthrough win in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, Wednesday. Sobe Buena, Zey Pacia, Geezel Tsunashima, AC Miner, and KC Cortez all had a […]
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Alyssa Solomon credits better communication for overcoming early challenges

February 28, 2024

Justin Valencia

It was not an easy start for National University in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament. The Lady Bulldogs, who are seen as one of the strongest contenders this season due to their intact team, dropped their opener against University of Santo Tomas in straight sets. Then in their second game, they needed five […]
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UAAP 86 WVB: Solomon, Belen spark NU’s commanding win vs Adamson for share of second

February 28, 2024

Justin Valencia

National University delivered a strong finisher in all three sets to sweep Adamson University, 25-17, 25-20, 25-20, and post its second straight win in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, Wednesday. Main gunners Alyssa Solomon and Bella Belen took turns hammering the Lady Falcons, ending up with 17 and […]
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Savannah Davison, Brooke Van Sickle look forward to first showdown

February 28, 2024

Justin Valencia

In the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference, Savannah Davison joined PLDT and emerged as one of the best scorers of the tournament. The Fil-Canadian open spiker led the league in scoring after the preliminary round, collecting 202 points on 173 attacks, 22 blocks, and seven service aces. In the 2024 All-Filipino Conference, Petro […]
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Alinsunurin braces for tough challenge in NU’s title defense

February 12, 2024

Justin Valencia

Three-time defending champion National University will enter the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament aware of the stronger and better field of competition. Achieving a repeat of the Bulldogs’ 16-game sweep of Season 85 will be much harder. NU will also aim to continue its 34-game winning streak in the league, dating back to its […]
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Roma Mae Doromal focused on growth, enjoyment under Sergio Veloso

February 12, 2024

Justin Valencia

Ateneo de Manila University is ushering in a new era for the upcoming UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament. Firstly, the Blue Eagles will welcome a new head coach, Sergio Veloso, who replaces Oliver Almadro. Secondly, the team will shift its focus towards youth, growth, and development, with last year’s leaders Faith Nisperos and Vanie […]
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Shevana Laput takes on a pivotal role in sophomore year for DLSU

February 12, 2024

Justin Valencia

Shevana Laput started as a seldom-used bench player for De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament last year before playing her way to fame and glory. In the upcoming Season 86 tournament – which starts this Saturday, Feb. 17 – Lady Spikers lead deputy Noel Orcullo revealed that Laput will […]
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Lorene Toring’s final season with Adamson cut short by devastating ACL injury

February 7, 2024

Justin Valencia

In a heart-wrenching announcement, Adamson University middle blocker Lorene Toring shared news of her devastating ACL injury, which dashes her hopes of competing in her final UAAP season with the Lady Falcons. Toring’s on-court prowess and leadership have been instrumental to the team’s success over the past four seasons. She expressed a mix of emotions […]
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Gilas upbeat Brownlee will suit up for Window 1

February 1, 2024

Justin Valencia

When the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announced Tim Cone’s Gilas Pilipinas pool, there was one questionable player among the 12 members of the national team. Justin Brownlee was designated as the naturalized player who would carry the flag for Gilas for the next five years, starting with the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers. However, Brownlee […]
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Nico Almendras’ NU return remains uncertain: ‘Surprise na lang’

December 18, 2023

Justin Valencia

Nico Almendras was a latecomer in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference but when National U-Sta. Elena needed him the most, he picked up the phone and answered the call. Aside from his leadership skills on and off the court, the 24-year-old spiker also made his presence felt by contributing in the offensive side especially […]
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Alex Eala surprised by ovation received from PVL fans

December 18, 2023

Justin Valencia

Alex Eala is still a superstar in “The Heart of Volleyball.” The 18-year-old Filipina tennis prodigy was part of the Philippine volleyball record crowd of 25,459 inside the SMART Araneta Coliseum for Game 2 of the 2023 Premier Volleyball League 2nd All-Filipino Conference Finals pitting Creamline and Choco Mucho on Saturday night. And although tennis […]
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System, not team depth, is the backbone of Creamline, says Sherwin Meneses

December 17, 2023

Justin Valencia

All-Filipino Conference champion once more. 15-0 sweep. No Jia De Guzman and Ced Domingo. This 2023 Premier Volleyball League 2nd AFC crown was just a testament to how the system is the real backbone of the greatness displayed by Creamline throughout the years. Questions and doubts were all over when De Guzman and Domingo left […]
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Alinsunurin tells Rondina, Choco Mucho to keep heads high: ‘Hindi pa tapos ang laban’

December 14, 2023

Justin Valencia

Choco Mucho came close, but it was not enough, as the defending champion Creamline showcased its composure in Game 1 of the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Finals on Thursday night. However, Sisi Rondina and the rest of the Flying Titans were not newbies to this scenario. It was still fresh in their minds […]
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PVL: Gandler, Gonzaga show way vs Chery as Cignal moves closer to 3rd place

December 14, 2023

Justin Valencia

Cignal recovered from a second set hiccup with a dominant showing in the third before holding sway in the fourth to outlast Chery Tiggo, 25-19, 21-25, 25-15, 25-20, and move a win away from winning the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference third place, Thursday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The HD […]
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Sisi Rondina unfazed by Choco Mucho’s record vs Creamline

December 12, 2023

Justin Valencia

It is Creamline versus Choco Mucho in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Finals. History, however, is not on the side of Choco Mucho in the lopsided Rebisco Clasico rivalry. In nine total matchups between the Cool Smashers and the Flying Titans, Creamline is a perfect 9-0. In this conference, it was the Cool […]
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Deanna Wong turns emotional as Choco Mucho finally makes big dance

December 12, 2023

Justin Valencia

After two hours and 20 minutes of top-notch volleyball, Deanna Wong could not hold back her emotions. Her first instinct was to look for Jem Ferrer, who was celebrating her 32nd birthday. Once she found her, Wong gave her mentor a tight hug. Euphoria was in the air after Choco Mucho earned a historic first-ever […]
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NU-Sta Elena sets up Spikers Turf final clash with Cignal

December 11, 2023

Justin Valencia

National U-Sta. Elena set up a winner-take-all date with Cignal after a convincing straight sets win against Japanese guest team Maruichi, 25-19, 25-20, 25-18, in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, Monday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. The one-off title bout will be on Friday, 5:30 p.m., at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in […]
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Cignal punches first ticket in Spikers Turf Invitational Final

December 11, 2023

Justin Valencia

Cignal claimed the first Final ticket in the inaugural Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference after trouncing Perpetual-Kinto Tyres in straight sets, 25-15, 25-23, 25-19, Monday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. The HD Spikers now carry a spotless 3-0 record in the semifinals, all via sweeps, making all the other four teams unable to reach […]
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Topex never lost faith in Nelle despite rough shooting: ‘Evan is one of our leaders’

December 3, 2023

Justin Valencia

Evan Nelle had a bad shooting night in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Finals but that did not mean that he had a bad game. The graduating senior was a woeful 2-of-12 from the field, missing his first 10 shots, to tally just four points. However, he still managed to put […]
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MVP KQ sets aside ego as humble shift ignites La Salle’s Game 2 triumph

December 3, 2023

Justin Valencia

On the day Kevin Quiambao received his UAAP Season 86 MVP award, he proved why he is the Most Valuable Player for De La Salle University in their most important game of the year with their backs against the wall versus University of the Philippines in the Finals. In a surprising move, the 6-foot-6 all-around […]
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Elvis, Blackpink, Eraserheads, Super Mario among themes for UAAP CDC squads

November 30, 2023

Justin Valencia

Last year’s podium finishers are expected to be the favorites anew in the UAAP Season 86 Cheerdance Competition happening on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Of course, there is the NU Pep Squad, which just regained supremacy in the biggest special event of the league last season with its “Cheerobics” routine that […]
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KQ plots bounce back after disappointing Game 1 outing: ‘Ibang Kevin Quiambao ang makikita niyo’

November 29, 2023

Justin Valencia

On the day the statistical points were released that put Kevin Quiambao as the presumptive UAAP Season 86 MVP, he failed to show up for De La Salle University in one of the most important games of his collegiate career. The UP Fighting Maroons ran through the Green Archers by 30 points, 97-67, to move […]
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Reyland Torres puts clamps on good pal Kevin Quiambao in Game 1

November 29, 2023

Justin Valencia

Presumptive MVP Kevin Quiambao was put in shackles as University of the Philippines completely dominated De La Salle University in Game One of the best-of-three Finals of the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Tournament. The 6-foot-8 triple-double threat was held to just 11 points on 4-of-10 shooting from the field, six rebounds, and three assists. […]
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UP smothers La Salle in most one-sided UAAP MBB Finals game in 25 years

November 29, 2023

Justin Valencia

University of the Philippines moved on the cusp of regaining the UAAP Men’s Basketball crown it lost last season. What many expected to be a dogfight turned out to be the most lopsided finals game in 25 years. The Fighting Maroons crushed the De La Salle Green Archers, 97-67, in Game One of the Season […]
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Alinsunurin, Rondina deflect credit for Choco Mucho turnaround to vets

November 24, 2023

Justin Valencia

Ever since Dante Alinsurin took over Choco Mucho before the start of the Premier Volleyball League 2023 season, all eyes have been on him. Ever since Sisi Rondina joined the Flying Titans in the Invitationals, all eyes have been on her. And deservingly so. Alinsunurin is a decorated tactician in the men’s side at the […]
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Spikers Turf: Absin, FEU crush Alpha Omega, advance to QF

November 24, 2023

Justin Valencia

Unbeaten Chef on a Diet-FEU gave Alpha Omega the boot, 25-17, 25-18, 25-12, to book its spot in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Paco Arena, Friday. The Tamaraws improved to 4-0 and are assured of entering the knockout quarters even if they drop their game against 3-1 Savouge RTU […]
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Spikers Turf: Perpetual stays alive after sweep of Ateneo

November 24, 2023

Justin Valencia

Perpetual-Kinto Tyres got the job done over Ateneo-Fudgee Barr, 25-23, 25-21, 25-20, to stay in the hunt for the second playoffs ticket in Pool A of the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, Friday at the Paco Arena in Manila. The Altas forced a tie for second with Philippine Army with identical 3-1 records but the […]
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