Rondina-Pons tandem back on sand to banner PH campaign

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

Apr 30, 2025 03:05 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons officially make their comeback to the national beach volleyball team as the country hosts the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour (BPT) Futures Nuvali starting on Thursday, May 1, in the City of Santa Rosa, Laguna.

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Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons officially make their comeback to the national beach volleyball team as the country hosts the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour (BPT) Futures Nuvali starting on Thursday, May 1, in the City of Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Sisi Rondina, right, and Bernadeth Pons lead PH run in  Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour (BPT) Futures Nuvali. (BVR)

Gold medalists in the BPT Future Subic Bay in 2022 who went on to become rivals on the domestic indoor professional league, SiPons reunites with sights set on the Southeast Asian Games gold after twice earning bronze in the regional meet.

They begin battle at the world-class Nuvali Sand Courts on Thursday along with four other Alas Pilipinas women’s pairs and four men’s tandems in the event featuring teams from 19 countries, including the US, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Italy.  

Focus will also be on young stars Khylem Progella and Sofia Pagara of the Universoty of Santo Tomas, who have proven their worth outside the collegiate arena with solid performances in recent international events, as they vie for honors in the tough tournament that also has teams from Czechia, Greece, Lithuania, Finland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Vanuatu, Israel and Japan.

Sunnie Kalani Villapando, who played for Stanford and University of Southern California in the National Collegiate Athletic Association and now among the players looking to compete for the Philippines in the SEA Games, again teams up with Jen Gaviola of the Coast Guard after a promising stint last month in the Songkhla Futures in Thailand where they split their matches.

“We’re going to be competing, training, getting our mind right for the SEA Games,” Villapando said. “This is mental preparation.”

University Athletic Association of the Philippines champions Honey Grace Cordero and Kat Epa of National University are also seeing action, while Alexa Polidario teams up with Dij Rodriguez in the tournament organized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation led by its president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, also chief of the Asian Volleyball Confederation and executive vice president of the world volleyball governing body FIVB. 

Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures silver medalists again lead the Alas Pilipinas roster in the men’s division.

Jude Garcia and Jaron Requinton, members of the four-man Philippine team that bagged bronze in the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, also team up again for flag and country.

Lerry John Francisco again plays with Edwin Tolentino, while the Ronniel Rosales-Alex Iraya tandem has been retained.

Men’s world No. 88. Eylon Elazar and Kevin Cuzmiciovof Israel eye another title after ruling the BPT Futures Songkhla in Thailand last month.

Top guns out to bring the heat as National Open fires off

BY REYNALD I. MAGALLON

Apr 30, 2025 04:05 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The scorching summer heat is just about to get hotter as the Philippine Athletics Championships fire off Thursday, May 1, with no less than Paris Olympians, national team veterans and up-and-coming athletes out to strut their wares in a thrilling four-day competition at the New Clark City Stadium here.

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CAPAS, Tarlac –The scorching summer heat is just about to get even hotter as the Philippine Athletics Championships fire off Thursday, May 1, with no less than Paris Olympians, national team veterans and up-and-coming athletes out to strut their wares in a thrilling four-day competition at the New Clark City Stadium here.

Lauren Hoffman

Over 800 athletes are set to see action including around 60 bets from other countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, India and Papua New Guinea but all eyes should be on the country's very own track stars in Olympians John Cabang Tolentino, Lauren Hoffman and Kristina Knott.

The country’s top guns are certainly bringing their A-games in the competition since the National Open dangles valuable points for their qualification points for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan in September.    

Hoffman is expected to provide the highlight in the opening day where a total of 24 golds will be at stake, including the women’s 400m hurdles where she is gunning for a third straight gold after ruling the last two editions in Ilagan City in Isabela in 2023 and in Pasig City in 2024.

The 26-year-old hurdler and national record holder is also looking to use the competitions as a springboard to future competitions, like the world meet and the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, this December.

Although a favorite in her race, Hoffman is seen to face stiff competition especially since she is coming off an Achilles injury and her opponents, which included former Asian women's 400-meter hurdles champion Robyn Brown, are surely eager to make an impression with the National Open also serving as part of the selection process for the national team for the SEA Games.

“It’s been an uphill battle with the Achilles issues this year but things are slowly trending upward,” said Hoffman. 

The opening day events begin with the women open 10000m walk and men U18 5000m walk in the morning session before Hoffman and Brown’s 400m hurdles qualifying round at 2 p.m. and then the finals at 6:40 p.m.

Knott, a Tokyo Olympian and SEAG double-gold winner, likewise, is seeing action in the opening day when she races in the women’s 200m qualifying round in the afternoon and then the finals at night 

Other medal events are men’s 400m hurdles, men’s 200m, men and women’s open discus throw, men’s long jump, and men’s and women’s open 5000m along with several finals for the U18 categories.

High Speed Hitters recover, sink Aussie rivals

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

Apr 20, 2025 09:14 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Displaying power, precision and poise, PLDT steamrolled the young Queensland side from Australia, 25-19, 25-12, 25-12, on Sunday night to seize the early lead in Pool D and closer to the quarterfinals of the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League at the Philsports Arena.

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It took PLDT just a brief moment to adjust to the international spotlight, and once the High Speed Hitters shook off the early jitters, there was no stopping them from asserting their dominance against the Queensland Pirates from Australia.

Displaying power, precision and poise, PLDT steamrolled the young Queensland side from Australia, 25-19, 25-12, 25-12, on Sunday night to seize the early lead in Pool D and closer to the quarterfinals of the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League at the Philsports Arena.

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With the resounding straight-set victory, PLDT silenced any lingering doubts about its readiness for the international stage and, in the process, delivered a bold statement of intent. From a shaky start to a commanding finish, the High Speed Hitters’ dominant debut proved they’re not just here to compete – they're here to contend.

Savi Davison delivered a standout 14-point performance to lead the High Speed Hitters. But for the explosive winger, it wasn’t just about the numbers. 

“I think I need to be more than just an attacker in this game – I have to play the role of a leader because this is an international tournament,” said Davison, underscoring the need to elevate her presence beyond scoring.

Facing a young and relatively inexperienced Queensland side, Davison emphasized the importance of returning to fundamentals. 

“We had to go back to the basics,” added Davison, who also produced eight excellent digs.

And it worked.

After a shaky start – falling behind 1-6 with their lone point coming from a Pirates miscue – the High Speed Hitters quickly found their rhythm. Drawing from their extensive preparation following an early PVL All-Filipino Conference exit, PLDT shifted gears and never looked back, imposing their will with a dominant all-around game.

Their 38-19 edge in spikes was a clear testament to their firepower, as they overwhelmed the Pirates with a relentless attacking game and solid ball distribution.

Now with one win in Pool D – which includes Thailand’s powerhouse Nakhon Ratchasima QminC – the High Speed Hitters are eyeing bigger goals, banking not just on individual brilliance but a unified, battle-ready approach in the tournament backed by federation partners Mikasa, Mizuno, and Grand Sport.

Riding the momentum from their dominant showing in the first two sets, the High Speed Hitters cruised through the third frame to complete a swift 65-minute sweep – setting the stage for their crucial showdown with the Thais on Tuesday.

The High Speed Hitters' lead ballooned to as many as 13 points in the third set, aided by back-to-back attack errors from Holly Mallet and Amy McCarthy, sealing the match.

“Nag-relax muna. Yung excitement siguro ng pag-join dito yung nanguna, kaya medyo stiff kami nung start ng first set. Alam naman nila kung ano yung igagalaw at ilalaro namin – sadyang ganon lang talaga kasi yung kalaban, nage-effort din lumaban (We relaxed a bit at first. Maybe it was the excitement of joining this tournament that got the better of us, that’s why we were a bit stiff at the start of the first set. They already know what we’re supposed to do and how we’re supposed to play – it’s just that the opponent was also really putting in the effort to fight back),” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.

Reyes finished with 11 points built on nine attacks, one block, and one ace, while Wilma Salas rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points, along with 15 excellent digs and four excellent receptions.

Kath Arado, meanwhile, took charge of the floor defense with 11 excellent digs and six excellent receptions.

No player from the side of the Pirates finished in double digits. Alisha Stevens tallied eight points, seven excellent digs, and five excellent digs, while Lilyana Stanojevic added eight markers as well in their opening-day loss in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and backed by local partners PLDT, MWell, Eagle Cement, Rebisco, Akari, Gameville, PNVF, PSC, Cignal, and The Look Group.

Meanwhile, the Pirates get the chance to test the Thais at 1 p.m. today (Monday).

Reyes and Davison provided the steadying presence the team needed, while Salas injected much-needed firepower. A flurry of attacks ignited PLDT’s comeback, and the High Speed Hitters seized control, turning the tide and surging ahead 16-12. From that point on, they never looked back.

Middle blocker Majoy Baron anchored the defense with a string of timely blocks, frustrating the Pirates at the net. Meanwhile, Kim Dy, who had been denied on two early attempts, came back with a vengeance, delivering two emphatic power hits late in the set to cap off PLDT’s roaring comeback.

The second set showcased a more composed and cohesive PLDT squad. With the nerves firmly behind them, the High Speed Hitters played with greater poise and precision. A quick hit from Baron broke open a tight contest and gave PLDT a 13-9 lead, which was then extended after a costly attack error by Queensland.

From there, it was all PLDT. The High Speed Hitters executed quick plays and unleashed power hits, mixing in soft attacks to keep the defense guessing. On the other hand, the Pirates, a squad that has won three titles back home, appeared rattled and out of sync, unable to match the intensity and rhythm of their opponents.

Fil-Am hitter makes presence felt

BY MARK REY MONTEJO

Apr 7, 2025 03:06 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• And in the Lady Spikers’ 25-22, 25-13, 25-23 romp of University of the East Lady Warriors at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday, April 5, Santos was indeed locked and loaded as she delivered well in her longest playing time in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.

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Filipino-American hitter Jillian Santos is always ready whenever De La Salle University head coach Ramil de Jesus calls her name.

Filipino-American hitter Jillian Santos makes her presence felt for La Salle. (UAAP Media)

And in the Lady Spikers’ 25-22, 25-13, 25-23 romp of University of the East Lady Warriors at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday, April 5, Santos was indeed locked and loaded as she delivered well in her longest playing time in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.    

“I’m grateful I have a lot of experience in playing volleyball, and I think I’ve been in my adjustment process, adapting the system of play,” said the 22-year-old Santos who tallied six points with four excellent digs and four excellent receptions to complement another superb performance from Angel Canino and Shevana Laput for La Salle. 

“And I think the thing that keeps me going are my teammates, first and foremost, and I have my full trust in my coaches,” she added. “We’ve been working hard everyday, in and out of the gym.”

Despite a limited time on the floor, the former University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) player just kept herself laser-focused on her mission of helping La Salle in any possible ways.

“At the end of the day, whenever I’m needed, I hope I’ll be able to contribute to the team and help further their success,” continued Santos, who has two remaining eligible years in the UAAP.

Before suiting up for the Taft-based squad, Santos suited up for National University and UST in UAAP juniors.  

In the collegiate ranks, Santos was initially part of the Ateneo Blue Eagles in Season 84, but wasn’t able to see action and was forced to transfer to UIC.

Meanwhile, La Salle jumped to second spot thanks to its three consecutive wins which hiked its slate to 8-3.

Tough luck for Pagara, Progella in Nuvali Asian beach spikefest

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

Apr 4, 2025 08:24 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Sofia Pagara aand Khylem Progella had their sizzling run doused by a dispiriting officiating blunder as China’s Yu Tong and Jiang Kaiyue beat the Alas Pilipinas duo, 14-21-15-21, on Thursday in the Rebisco Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Beach Tour Nuvali Open in the City of Santa Rosa, Laguna.

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Sofia Pagara aand Khylem Progella had their sizzling run doused by a dispiriting officiating blunder as China’s Yu Tong and Jiang Kaiyue beat the Alas Pilipinas duo, 14-21-15-21, on Thursday in the Rebisco Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Beach Tour Nuvali Open in the City of Santa Rosa, Laguna.

(Contributed photo)

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Invitational champions, coming off a straight-sets win in their opener, looked set to seize a set from the pair of Chinese six-footers when they held a 12-9 lead in the second.

But the streak was halted by an errant ball touch call against the Filipinas by a line judge on a shot that sailed long.

Progella and Pagara, who both stand 5 feet 9 inches, were stunned with the call and the crowd at the world-class Nuvali Sand Courts started shouting in disbelief.

That triggered a series of errors on the Philippine side and allowed the Chinese to regain the lead, scoring eight straight points on the way to their second victory in pool play.

“It’s about momentum in beach volleyball, and it was quite disheartening right when we were getting our groove back. Our run was cut short just because of that very wrong call,” the 19-year-old Progella said.

The 20-year-old Pagara and 19-year-old Pagara, who beat Malaysia’s Ee Ling Pua and Rachael Go of Malaysia, 21-8, 21-18, march on after going 1-1 in pool play of the tournament organized by the PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, also chief of the AVC.

The University of Santo Tomas pair vowed to put the loss behind them and reset as they prepare for the  Round of 16 on Thursday.

“We don’t even want to know right now who we are facing next. For now, we rest,” Pagara said.

The Philippines men’s team also suffered tough early losses on the second day of pool play, as Lerry John Francisco and Edwin Tolentino could not get past Thailand’s Surin Jongklang and Kittituch Khomkham, 14-21, 12-21, and wound up 0-2 in pool play.

Ronniel Rosales and Alex Iraya kept it close against Yosi Firnanda and Danangsyah Pribadi, getting chance to steal the second set but ultimately falling, 16-21, 20-22, to also slip to 0-2 in the 44-team, 11 nation tournament.

Iran’s Ghalehnovi Amirali anad Salemiinjehboroun Bahman romped past China’s Mao Yuan and Lui Yuan, 21-18, 21-7, while Kai Kurokawa and Ryuichi Adachi of Japan downed Lee Cheukhei and Lee Liftung, 21-14, 21-13.

Australia’s Ben Hood and Oliver Merritt squeaked past Song Jinyang and Zhang Tai, 19-21, 21-13, 16-14, while Japan’s Dylan Kurokawa and Yoshiumi Hasegawa routed Uzbekistan’s Dilshodbek Tolibaev and Azamat Daulbaev, 21-8, 21-8.

New Zealand’s John McManaway and James Sadlier defeated Hong Kong’s Kan Szehang and Wong Chun, 21-17, 21-10, while Japan’s Nassim Malki and Kosuke Fukushima overpowered Uzbekistan’s Mustafoev Golibjon and Nodirjon Alekseev, 21-8, 21-6.

Davison shines as PLDT drubs Farm Fresh

BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA-VILLAR

Feb 4, 2025 06:13 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• PLDT banked on hard-hitting Savi Davison as it made short work of Farm Fresh with a 25-20, 25-17, 25-19 victory on Tuesday, Feb. 4, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

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PLDT banked on hard-hitting Savi Davison as it made short work of Farm Fresh with a 25-20, 25-17, 25-19 victory on Tuesday, Feb. 4, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Savi Davison scores 26 points for PLDT. (PVL Images)

The 5-foot-10 Davison was unstoppable at the attack line, pumping in 23 kills to finish with 26 points to steer the High Speed Hitters to their sixth win in nine matches.

It was the second straight triumph for PLDT as it aims to strengthen its playoff standing. They are currently at third behind unbeaten Creamline (7-0) and Petro Gazz (6-1), which is playing ZUS Coffee as of this writing. 

Mika Reyes also displayed her vintage form and unloaded nine attacks to finish with 10 points, while Erika Santos and Majoy Baron combined for 17 points.

“Lesson lang samin mawala yung complacency and mas maging consistent. Sana madala pa namin to sa mga next games namin,” said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort.

Angge Alcantara also played a key role throughout the 77-minute match, delivering 12 of the team’s 16 excellent sets, while libero Kath Arado and Fiola Ceballos took charge of the floor defense and conspired for 24 excellent digs.

PLDT pounced on Farm Fresh on all angles, outscoring them in attacks, 52-31, while making more blocks, 8-4. 

So tight were the High Speed Hitters’ defense that they limited all Foxies to single-digit production with Trisha Tubu being held to a measly nine points.

The Foxies failed to sustain their four-set victory over the Galeries Tower Highrisers last Thursday, Jan. 30, and slipped to a 4-5 win-loss record.

Alex Eala drubs Japanese to advance in Mumbai tourney

BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA-VILLAR

Feb 3, 2025 03:05 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Alex Eala clobbered Sara Saito of Japan, 6-1, 6-0, to barge into the second round of the L&T Mumbai Open tennis championships on Monday, Feb. 3, in India.

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Alex Eala clobbered Sara Saito of Japan, 6-1, 6-0, to barge into the second round of the L&T Mumbai Open tennis championships on Monday, Feb. 3, in India.

File Photo from Alex Eala Facebook

Unlike in their last meeting a few days back where the match went the distance, the 19-year-old Eala hardly broke a sweat this time as she overpowered her younger rival in a match that lasted exactly an hour.

So dominating was Eala that she never dropped her serve throughout as she bombarded Saito with shots from all angles. 

The Filipina tennis standout cruised to a quick 4-1 lead in the opening set and never looked back.

Up next for Eala will be the winner between sixth Nao Hibino of Japan and compatriot Mai Hontama, who are playing at press time.

Eala entered the week at No. 137 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles, slipping three rungs from No. 134 last week.

She hopes to regain her bearings and claim a breakthrough WTA title.