Creamline, PLDT eye big win in AVC quarters

BY MARK REY MONTEJO

Apr 23, 2025 03:05 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Coming off a three-set loss to Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu in their final Pool A match, the Cool Smashers are ready to bounce back against Group D leader Thailand's Nakhon Rachasima Qmin C at 7 p.m.

Coming off a three-set loss to Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu in their final Pool A match, the Cool Smashers are ready to bounce back against Group D leader Thailand's Nakhon Rachasima Qmin C at 7 p.m.

Raising the curtain for the quarters action is a 4 p.m. showdown between the High Speed Hitters and Kazakh-based Zhetysu.

The victors of each match will earn semis berths.

Motivated to bounce back after its recent PVL finals defeat, Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses knew his wards will be able to prove themselves once again as they try to give the hometown fans some reasons to celebrate.

Russian reinforcements Anastasiya Kudryashova and Anastassiya Kolomoyets are expected to stand at Creamline’s frontline alongside mainstay Erica Staunton. 

Bannering the Filipina hitters are Jema Galanza, Bernadette Pons, Jeannette Panaga and Alyssa Valdez, who will be reunited with her former Ateneo teammate – under the tutelage of Roger Gorayeb – and now Nakhon’s manager and assistant coach Jang Bualee.

Nakhon, meanwhile, has Anyse Smith, Evangelia Chantava, and Thai volleyball superstar Onuma Sittirak.

PLDT, which came from a five-set defeat to Nakhon, is expected to go all out with imports Savannah Davison and Wilma Salas, and Filipina star Kianna Dy leading the charge.

The Kazakh side banks on its seasoned players in Karyna Denysova, Valeriya Yakutina and Tatyana Nikitina.

Meanwhile in other quarters brackets, PVL All-Filipino Conference champions Petro Gazz Angels battle the top seed Beijing Baic Motor Friday, April 25, at the same venue.

Taipei’s Kaohsiung Taipower, on the other hand, tussles with Vietnam’s VTV Binh Dien Long An.

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.

BY MARK REY MONTEJO

Apr 3, 2025 11:45 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Sporting a 7-3 card and just behind league-leading and reigning champion National University, De La Salle is giving its best effortto keep its momentum and clinch one of the two bonuses. 

With four remaining games left in the elimination round, the race for the precious Final Four spots gets tighter in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament.

La Salle goes all out for a coveted twice-to-beat advantage in UAAP women's volleyball playoffs. (UAAP Media)

And it could only become a mad dash to the playoffs for those who are seeking a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals.

Sporting a 7-3 card and just behind league-leading and reigning champion National University, De La Salle is giving its best effort to keep its momentum and clinch one of the two bonuses.

“Actually ito talaga ‘yong goal namin na hawakan ‘yong second hanggang sa dulo para at least makuha namin ‘yong twice-to-beat advantage,” said La Salle head coach Ramil de Jesus after the Taft-based squad’s 25-21, 25-17, 25-20 win over arch-rival Ateneo at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, April 2.

“Sana magtuloy-tuloy na, and ‘yon din talaga ‘yong isa mga goal namin,” he added.

La Salle, however, must overcome its next foes as it tries to build a cushion in the standings with Far East University and University of Santo Tomas inching closer with similar 6-4 records.

DLSU’s remaining games, however, are expected to be the challenging ones as it battles University of the East, University of the Philippines, Adamson and FEU. 

Last season, La Salle finished third to come up short for the semis bonus after yielding to UST, which was its final elimination opponent and eventually took the Final Four incentive.

Angel Canino, who quickly recovered from a neck injury scare in their previous contest against UST, anchored the Lady Spikers with her 16-point performance.

The Season 85 Rookie of the Year-MVP was just glad to see the improvement offensively.

“Actually matagal na rin naming inaantay na lumabas ‘yong mga atake, kasi, lahat kami, alam naman namin na lahat kaming kayang umatake,” said Canino.

“So, on that part, masaya kami na lumalabas na, but at the same time, marami pang kailangang i-improve,” she added. “But thinking about the positive side na naka-three set lang kami.” 

Bright future for La Salle’s rookie setter

Aside from offensive support from Shevana Laput, Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Provido, and Lilay Del Castillo, La Salle’s rookie setter Mikole Reyes has been a key piece in de Jesus' rotation.

The freshman, who replaced Mars Alba, is one of the best setters so far in the tournament.

“Siyempre ‘di pa po nagtatapos do’n, and hangga’t may mga games parin po, at patuloy ‘yong mga training namin, alam ko pong may ilalabas pa ['yong laro ko],” said Reyes. 

“Binibigyan talaga namin ng oras ‘yong mga setters namin sa training, and gusto naming magkaroon sila ng kumpiyansa, ‘di kasi nakukuha ng isang game ‘yon,” De Jesus. “Unti-unti nagiging maganda ‘yong result.”

Arellano’s Tiratira, Sinuto earn NCAA Players of the Week honors

BY MARK REY MONTEJO

Mar 24, 2025 05:57 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Tiratira’s and Sinuto’s superb performances proved to be enough to earn the Collegiate Press Corps NCAA Players of the Week, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, nod for the dates March 20 to 22. 

Arellano University needed two big hitters to solve the riddle against Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the NCAA Season 100 volleyball tournament. 

With a few games left before the first round ends, rookie Sam Tiratira and sophomore Jan Will Sinuto delivered key contributions to help Arellano bounce back and regain momentum in the women's and men's side of the league, respectively. 

Arellano rookie Sam Tiratira (NCAA Philippines/GMA Sports)

Tiratira’s and Sinuto’s superb performances proved to be enough to earn the Collegiate Press Corps NCAA Players of the Week, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, nod for the dates March 20 to 22.

“Ngayong game po no pressure and gagalaw lang po kami nang sa’min lang,” said Tiratira, who steered the Lady Chiefs to a 25-20, 22-25, 25-23, 25-20 stunner over erstwhile undefeated Colegio de San Juan de Letrán. 

The 5-foot-11 middle blocker unleashed 16 points built on 12 attacks and four blocks, complementing the 19-point output of Laika Tudlasan for the Obet Javier-guided team, which now holds a 3-3 slate at sixth spot. 

It was a huge victory for the Lady Chiefs, who came from back-to-back losses, knowingly the Lady Knights were fresh from their fifth straight win prior to their game. 

According to Tiratira, a fan of collegiate-stars-turned-pros Alyssa Valdez and Bea De Leon, familiarity was also a key in Arellano’s upset triumph over Letran at JRU Gym.  

“Nakalaban ko na po before ‘yong Letran, then parang ngayon as a rookie po may pressure po, so ngayon tinanggal ko lang po talaga,” continued Tiratira, a third-year financial management student. 

Not bad for Tiratira, who just started to play volleyball in high school in Morong, Rizal, and waited for two years before she could suit up for the Lady Chiefs.“Worth it po talaga, kahit lagi po ako nagrereklamo, worth it lahat po.” 

For the weekly plum backed by World Balance and Discovery Suites, Tiratira bested Letran's Judiel Nitura, Perpetual's Jem Menor and her teammate Laika Tudlasan. 

Meanwhile, Sinuto, playing off the bench, unleashed timely hits that ultimately boosted the Arellano Chiefs to a 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 25-21 victory over the Letran Knights. 

Jan Will, together with his younger brother Jiwen, displayed their brotherly connection to power Arellano to its third win against three defeats (3-3) at fifth spot. Jan Will had 13 points to go with 14 excellent receptions, while his brother top-scored with 15 points. 

“No’ng una, kaya kami nakuhanan ng set kasi wala pong masyadong ingay, hindi sila nagce-celebrate, sinabihan po ako ni coach (Bryan Vitug) para palitan si AC (Guinto),” said Jan Will.  

“And gawin ko lang i-celebrate ta’s i-lead sila para mabuhay, ‘yon po ‘yong pinaka naging role ko, ‘yong mag-cheer up sa kanila,” he added. 

Jan Will was the top choice after receiving more votes over De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde's Christian Aguilar, San Beda's Axel Van Book, Letran's Lorenz Vicente, and Mapua's Arjay Ramos and Barbie San Andres. 

No slowing down for streaking NU

BY MARK REY MONTEJO

Mar 10, 2025 02:53 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• National University showed no signs of slowing down as it remained undefeated in five games in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. 

National University showed no signs of slowing down as it remained undefeated in five games in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.

NU's Alyssa Solomon (UAAP Media)

But despite having a pristine 5-0 card, the Lady Bulldogs remain wary of the challenges that lie ahead.

“Siyempre pagtatrabahuhan namin every game, kailangan ibigay namin ‘yong best namin [and] ‘di dapat kami mag-relax kahit nasa top kami, kasi lahat ng teams hinahabol kami at gusto nilang matalo kami,” said Alyssa Solomon after NU’s sweep victory over University of the Philippines Sunday, March 9, at Mall of Asia Arena.

“Personally ‘yong pagiging consistent ‘yon talaga ang number one na meron kami, at kailangan ‘di mawala kasi malakas ‘yong mga kalaban,” Solomon added.

The Lady Bulldogs bare their fangs and mauled the Fighting Maroons via a 25-13, 25-23, 25-22 demolition, pushing the State U to its fourth straight defeat after a promising 2-0 start.

“Ayaw naman lahat mag-step ladder... ‘yong biggest challenge samin is pa’no kami maging consistent kasi medyo matagal pa ‘yong season [and] marami pa pong games, marami pang pwedeng mangyari,” stressed Bella Belen.

“Siguro kami nalang, [kung] pa’no mahihigitan ‘yong galaw namin every after game,” Belen added. 

Veterans Belen and Solomon, as expected, powered NU with 17 and 16 points, respectively, with offensive support coming from Vange Alinsug, Erin Pangilinan, and Alexa Mata.

With their triumph, the Lady Bulldogs kept themselves ahead of the pack, staying unscathed with two games left before the break.

Though they have asserted their dominance so far, head coach Sherwin Meneses would instead look for areas to be improved.

“Everyday naghahanap kami ng pwedeng mai-improve every training, marami pa [kailangang matutuhan],” said Meneses.

“Talagang every training naman do’n kami nagfo-focus, hindi sa streak, kung hanggang saan mag-iimprove at mananalo, at magti-tiyaga sa training, do’n kami nagfo-focus,” he added.

NU is set for another exciting clash against super rookie Shaina Nitura and the Adamson Lady Falcons this Wednesday, March 12, at the same venue.

UAAP women’s volleyball: FEU cruises past UE

BY MARK REY MONTEJO

Mar 5, 2025 04:02 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Far Eastern University cruised past University of the East, 25-23, 25-19, 25-20, for its second straight win in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Wednesday, March 5. 

Far Eastern University cruised past University of the East, 25-23, 25-19, 25-20, for its second straight win in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Wednesday, March 5.

 Mitzi Panangin stars for FEU. (UAAP Media)

The Lady Tamaraws turned a tight first set into a one-sided affair in the next two frames, with Gerz Petallo pouring in 12 points off 11 kills and one ace with eight excellent digs and six excellent receptions, and Chen Tagaod and Mitzi Panangin registering 11 points each.

Tin Ubaldo, for her part, posted 13 excellent sets with one kill, one block and two aces including the one that served as a game-point.

“Siyempre mas maganda ‘yong ganitong ‘trend, naga-eye kami na makapasok sa Final Four ulit,” said FEU head coach Tina Salak.

“At the end of the day, kailangan naming mag-aim sa goal namin… na ‘di mawala ‘yon,” she added.

Khy Cepada and Nessa Bangayan produced another double-digit scoring effort of 14 points apiece in a losing effort.

The Tamaraws rose to third spot with a 3-2 card while the Warriors suffered their fifth loss in as many outings.

Up next for FEU are the Adamson Lady Falcons this Saturday, March 8, at the same venue.

Alex Eala zooms to career-high ranking in WTA

BY MARK REY MONTEJO

Jan 13, 2025 05:25 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Alex Eala continues her rise after reaching a career-high ranking of 136 in the latest list of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) released on Monday, Jan. 13. 

(Alex Eala's Facebook post)

The 19-year-old Eala improved two rungs despite an early exit in the Australian Open qualifiers after accumulating 533 points for her strong showing in the WTA Canberra tournament early this year. 

She is the highest ranking Southeast Asian so far, besting her regional rival Mananchaya Sawangkaew of Thailand (532), who is lurking behind at 137th. 

Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka (9,656), Poland’s Iga Swiatek (8,120), USA’s Coco Gauff (6,888), Italy’s Jasmine Paolini (5,399) and China’s Qinwen Zheng (5,325) comprised the Top Five.

In the second week of December 2024, Eala managed to breach inside the world’s Top 150 netters as she grabbed the No. 149 spot before further moving up in the ladder.

The charming tennis star has been consistent in representing the country in top competitions, vying already in four Grand Slams where she almost made it in the main draw of US Open, Wimbledon and Roland Garros.

Eala is a five-time ITF singles and three-time doubles champion and is still gunning for her first victory in WTA.

Denice Zamboanga scores KO win vs Ukrainian, becomes first Filipina MMA champ

BY MARK REY MONTEJO

Jan 11, 2025 03:53 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• After so many years of trying and waiting, Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga is now a world champion. 

After so many years of trying and waiting, Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga is now a world champion.

Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga finally won her ONE Championship title. (ONE Championship)

Zamboanga came out with a monstrous performance and scored a technical knockout victory over Ukraine’s Alyona Rassohyna to take the ONE interim women’s atomweight world championship Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The 28-year-old fighter put her Ukrainian rival down the canvas in the second frame, dropping multiple heavy hits that eventually convinced referee Herb Dean at the 4:47 mark to stop the co-main event match of ONE Fight Night 27.  

“I’ve been here for years. I’ve made it through hard work, tears, and everything. I’m really speechless,” said Zamboanga.

“The delays and injuries, I’ve been through a lot of injuries. Just last week I couldn’t even move my left arm but I didn’t want to cancel this fight because I know God will give me this fight,” she added.

With her MMA world title-clinching win, Zamboanga became the first Filipina to achieve such a feat while also bagging the $50,000 bonus (P2.9 million) for her knockout victory.

Zamboanga improved her pro record to 7-2 win-loss while Rassohyna (1-2) sustained her second defeat.

As expected, the two female warriors poured it all out with both sides firing heavy hits. But it was Zamboanga who was faster and on target, taking advantage of her superior speed against the taller Ukrainian to cut her down to size.