Roma Doromal happy to forge promising path in Ateneo’s rebuild in final UAAP year

BY NIKOLE JAVIER

Apr 26, 2024 03:10 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Captain Roma Doromal is happy to have helped forge a promising path for Ateneo’s holdovers and future lineup in her final UAAP year.

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Captain Roma Doromal is happy to have helped forge a promising path for Ateneo’s holdovers and future lineup in her final UAAP year. 

 

Ateneo's Roma Doromal (UAAP Media)

 

The graduating libero had her swansong for the Blue Eagles in a winning send-off after their dominant showing over the Adamson Lady Falcons, 25-13, 25-17, 25-21, last April 24. 

Doromal and the Katipunan squad finished the eliminations with a 5-9 slate for fifth place in the standings which was a notch higher from last season. 

Unfortunately, it’s back-to-back Final Four misses for Ateneo which is seeing itself slowly thriving under the guidance of head coach Sergio Veloso. 

With Doromal’s departure, all she could hope was that she left a team headed towards meaningful growth. "Sobrang proud ako kasi nakita ko ‘yung progress ng teammates ko. As a team, from preseason to the first round until the second, nakita ko ‘yung progress and improvement,” said Doromal. 

“I’m very proud. Thankful ako [I chose to stay] and I got to help them.” 

However far from ideal the result was, Doromal is proud to see the Blue Eagles working for something more exciting beyond the season, firmly believing they are about to see their hard work and dedication pay off after a painful string of defeats.

“Nung nag-decide naman ako mag-stay, hinanap ko talaga ‘yung purpose ko. Staying with them, nakita ko ‘yung purpose ko na tulungan sila. As a libero, ‘yun ‘yung support na maibibigay ko. Hindi ako makaka-score ng points. But nandoon ako to help all the way. ‘Yun ang pinaka success for me, natulungan ko sila mag-grow sa bagong system and adapt ‘yung bagong system na ‘yun. Naipakita nila kung gaano sila kagaling,” she said. 

Veloso, for his part, was also optimistic for the last time this season. 

In his maiden UAAP stint, the Philippine national men’s volleyball team tactician deemed it a successful run, knowing what’s in store could only be better from here on. 

“This season, it’s a very big victory. I can feel that all players understood [where we’re at], how we can improve and play better [in the future]," he said. 

Angel Canino powers La Salle over UP for fifth consecutive win

BY NIKOLE JAVIER

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Reigning Rookie of the Year-Most Valuable Player Angelo Canino continued to showcase her fine form after steering De La Salle past the hapless University of the Philippines, 25-15, 25-17, 25-18, in the first round of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, March 10, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

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Reigning Rookie of the Year-Most Valuable Player Angelo Canino continued to showcase her fine form after steering De La Salle past the hapless University of the Philippines, 25-15, 25-17, 25-18, in the first round of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, March 10, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

 

Reigning UAAP Rookie of the Year-Most Valuable Player Angel Canino of De La Salle. (UAAP Media) 

With the win, the Lady Spikers and finals rival National University Lady Bulldogs share similar records of 5-1 for the second spot in the standings. 

NU is also fresh from a dominant straight-set victory over University of the East Lady Warriors a week before the reigning finalists take on each other to wrap up the early eliminations. 

Canino led all scorers with an all-around display of 16 points off 13 attacks, two blocks and a service ace, while Shevana Laput and Thea Gagate finished with nine and eight markers, respectively. 

Joan Monares paced the Fighting Maroons with a measly nine-point outing to cover for the whole squad’s limited offensive production. 

The State U under the guidance of new head coach Oliver Almadro is still seeking for its breakthrough as it stretches its losing streak to 16 games dating from last season’s one-win campaign. 

The Fighting Maroons remained as the only winless team this season, having only won two sets so far in five outings. 

Golden Tigresses stun Lady Bulldogs in straight sets to open UAAP campaign

BY NIKOLE JAVIER

Feb 18, 2024 06:25 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• University of Santo Tomas began its post-Eya Laure era with a stunning straight-set victory against powerhouse National University, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22, to pick up their opening-season win in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, Feb. 18, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

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University of Santo Tomas began its post-Eya Laure era with a stunning straight-set victory against powerhouse National University, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22, to pick up their opening-season win in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, Feb. 18, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

In a battle of early contenders and last season’s semifinal pairing, the Golden Tigresses' collective effort became the key in pulling off the massive upset over their previous Final Four tormentor.

 

UST stuns NU in straight sets. (UAAP Media)

UST playmaker Cassie Carballo’s balanced distribution led four players to a double-digit outing with 20 excellent sets on top of six points off two blocks and four crucial services aces made in the third frame.

Rookie Angge Poyos posted a team-high 16 points built on 13 attacks and three blocks, while Regina Jurado and Jonna Perdido contributed 12 markers apiece off a combined 24 kills.

Margaret Banagua provided a 10-point performance with seven points and three blocks.

Locked at 14-all in three closing chapter, the Golden Tigresses unleashed a 6-0 run highlighted by Carballo in the service area.  

Although NU came within one, 22-21, through a powerful hit from the back row by Vange Alinsug, Alyssa Solomon committed an attack error off a faulty set by Camilla Lamina before Perdido and Jurado finished off the Lady Bulldogs.

Interestingly, it was UST that ended NU’s 20-game winning stretch last season in the early eliminations before they squared off in the Final Four.

Despite losing Laure and Imee Hernandez to the pro, the Golden Tigresses are in safe hands as Jurado and Perdido continued to step up.

Meanwhile, Solomon and Alinsug carried the fight on the losing end with 16 and 11 points, respectively, as NU opened its season with a sorry loss.

Filipinos as default basketball and volleyball fans: 2023 in record crowd

BY NIKOLE JAVIER

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Philippine sport saw fans come in droves whether it was in Metro Manila or outside of it to shatter record attendance in the country’s historic and busy sports year.

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Basketball and volleyball never lacked support from Filipinos in 2023.

Basketball and volleyball tournaments set record attendance in 2023. 

Year 2024 should only continue to get more of it. 

Philippine sports saw fans come in droves whether it was in Metro Manila or outside of it to shatter record attendance in the country’s historic and busy year. 

It started off strong as PBA fans greeted the new year braving traffic and the long drive to witness the Game 7 finals showdown between the Ginebra Kings and the foreign guest team Bay Area Dragons in the Commissioner’s Cup on Jan. 15. 

The game drew a PBA all-time attendance of 54,589 fans inside the Philippine Arena with Ginebra emerging triumphant over Bay Area to clinch its 15th franchise title, keeping the trophy on local shores. 

The Tim Cone-coached Kings shattered the six-year-old record 54,086 it previously shared with the Meralco Bolts in the largest indoor arena during their Game 7 duel in the 2017 Governors’ Cup. 

When the FIBA World Cup rolled all the way to August, Filipino basketball loyalists also did not disappoint and showed up for the Gilas Pilipinas and filled the same venue. 

Tournament co-host Philippines set the record for most attended FIBA game with 38,115-strong crowd as the Nationals kicked off the quadrennial meet in historic fashion against the visiting Dominican Republic. 

Although the Karl-Anthony Towns-led Dominicans overcame the basketball-crazed Pinoys, 87-81, it proved the undying love of the country for the game and its national team which was spearheaded by another NBA star in Jordan Clarkson. 

A huge chunk of the FIBA local organizing committee’s preparations was directed towards setting the said record among other things, the attendance eventually reached 700,665 during the course of the tournament which was simultaneously held at the Mall of Asia Arena and the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

Ultimately, the Philippines broke a 29-year record held by Team USA and Russia in the 1994 title contention. 

Before the year ended, basketball scored another one, this time from the collegiate scene. 

De La Salle ended its seven-year title drought against University of the Philippines in their historic UAAP Season 86 championship battle before the massive 25,192 new tournament crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Dec. 6. 

In a closely-contested Game 3 affair, the Green Archers turned back the Fighting Maroons with a hard-fought 73-69 win that saw MVP Kevin Quiambao explode with 24 points to make their 10th title dream come true.  

Both squads definitely saved the best for last as their series-tying games both ended in decisive wins before the decider. 

La Salle and UP’s first-ever finals showdown in league history edged out the 25,138 record then shared between National University Bulldogs and Far Eastern University Tamaraws in Season 77. 

More than a week shy of Christmas, Creamline and Choco Mucho took their sister act to the finale of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Second All-Filipino Conference. 

The screaming colors of pink and purple erupted for a new PVL gate attendance 24,459 in Cubao, Quezon, City as the Cool Smashers held off finals debutants Flying Titans in Game 2 of the season-ending conference to claim their seventh overall franchise title on Dec. 16. 

The mammoth crowd, though, was expected as both squads have respective legion of fans who would flock the venues even on regular games. 

Creamline ultimately went all the way through its third All-Filipino title undefeated as volleyball received its fair share of local support this year.

Savannah Davison shows way as PLDT denies Akari for first win

BY NIKOLE JAVIER

Oct 19, 2023 07:29 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• PLDT drew strength from Savannah Davison as it denied Akari’s third-set fightback, 25-16, 25-16, 25-23, for its first win in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Second All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City, Oct. 19.

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PLDT drew strength from Savannah Davison as it denied Akari’s third-set fightback, 25-16, 25-16, 25-23, for its first win in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Second All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City, Oct. 19. 

 Savannah Davison powers PLDT. (PVL Images)

The High Speed Hitters bounced back after their sorry opening game loss against the Cignal HD Spikers and hung tough until the end to turn back the Chargers for a 1-1 record. 

Davison poured 19 points on 14 attacks, three blocks and two service aces to lead the balanced production of PLDT.  

Dell Palomata and Erika Santos delivered 13 and 12 points, respectively, while Royse Tubino finished with 11 markers of her own. 

Trailing 12-16 in the third set after Palomata’s back-to-back points, Akari went on a 6-2 counter to put the match in its first deadlock. 

The game was tied four more times and even saw the Chargers take over the lead thrice before Mika Reyes ended it for the last time with a drop ball, 22-all. 

From there, the High Speed Hitters took control with a 3-1 finishing kick capped by Davison’s crosscourt shot. 

Meanwhile, Akari absorbed a 1-1 record as its third-set surge fell short, failing to carry over the momentum from its impressive opening victory over the F2 Logistics.

Faith Nisperos and Dindin Manabat led the way for the Chargers in the losing end with 11 and 10 points, respectively. 

Filipinas dominate Myanmar for Asiad quarters spot

BY NIKOLE JAVIER

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Sara Eggesvik delivered a brace in the second half to bring the Philippine women’s national football team past Myanmar, 3-0, and advanced to the knockout quarterfinals round of the 19th Asian Games on Thursday night, Sept. 28, at the Wenzhou Sports Centre Stadium in China.

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Sara Eggesvik delivered a brace in the second half to bring the Philippine women’s national football team past Myanmar, 3-0, and advanced to the knockout quarterfinals round of the 19th Asian Games on Thursday night, Sept. 28, at the Wenzhou Sports Centre Stadium in China. 

 

Sara Eggesvik delivers a brace for the Filipinas. (PWNFT)

 

With their 5-1 loss to South Korea a couple of days prior, the world No. 44 Filipinas were on the brink of elimination as only three of the second best-placed squads will move to the next round of the Asiad. 

Thankfully, the Philippines only needed a one goal win against Myanmar after Japan’s commanding 7-0 victory over Vietnam and Nepal's stalemate with Bangladesh in Group D, and the Nationals have done that and more to stay in the competition. 

It was also a payback of some sort for the Philippines, which was booted out of the Southeast Asian Games podium last May at the hands of Myanmar.

Sarina Bolden opened the scoring anew for the third time in the group stage in the 19th minute of the match off a penalty kick after she was fouled inside the box, 1-nil.

Unlike in their two previous matches, Bolden’s goal mattered this time as the world No. 51 Myanmar side failed to find the equalizer, giving the Nationals a halftime lead. 

The Filipinas held the most promising possessions this time around to create more chances for themselves to stay ahead and pile pressure on Myanmar. 

Bolden came knocking in the second half a couple of times to attempt for a brace, but Myanmar keeper Nyein Myo Mya Mya was just there to stall the Philippines’ goal insurance. 

However, Bolden came through with a brilliant header pass to Sara Eggesvik in the 60th minute, which the Filipinas midfielder slotted in past the Myanmar keeper to double the lead. 

A minute later, Eggesvik’s brace came when she found the back of the net with an impressive left-footed shot with a cross from Meryll Serrano to give the Filipinas a convincing advantage, 3-nil.

There were endless chances for the Philippines at this point to keep itself on the scoreboard as it had fully shifted the momentum on its side, helping Olivia McDaniel keep a clean sheet for the first time in the tournament. 

The acid test continues for the Filipinas at the Asiad as they face Japan in the quarterfinals on Saturday, Sept. 30. 

La Salle libero Justine Jazareno goes pro with Akari Chargers in PVL

BY NIKOLE JAVIER

Sep 21, 2023 09:59 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Justine Jazaro has decided to leave De La Salle to turn pro with Premier Volleyball League's (PVL) Akari, the team announced on social media on Thursday night, Sept. 21.

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Justine Jazareno has decided to leave De La Salle to turn pro with Premier Volleyball League's (PVL) Akari, the team announced on social media on Thursday night, Sept. 21. 

The libero is set to join her former Lady Spiker middle blocker teammate Fifi Sharma in the Chargers’ rotation in the season-ending All-Filipino Conference in mid October. 

Justine Jazareno. (UAAP Media)

Jazareno, who was part of the La Salle squad which won the UAAP Season 85 championship title, still had two more years of eligibility left. 

Like Sharma, who decided to forgo three years of eligibility, Jazareno is likely to have significant playing opportunity with the Chargers as former liberos Dani Ravena and Rachel Jorvina were moved to Akari’s expansion team newcomer NXLed. 

The 23-year-old Jazareno will take turns with the Chargers’ starting lineup libero Bang Pineda. 

With Jazareno’s move, the Lady Spikers’ defense title campaign just took another blow with the previous departure of senior players Jolina dela Cruz and Finals MVP ace setter Mars Alba. 

Alex Eala, Polish partner book Aldershot quarters

BY NIKOLE JAVIER

Aug 17, 2023 11:31 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The 18-year-old seemed to be hardly feeling the fatigue after tirelessly flexing her might in the singles and doubles events for twin victories on the same day.

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Fresh from winning her fourth pro title, Filipina tennis star Alex Eala scored twin victories in singles and doubles for a smashing start in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) W25 Aldershot GB Pro Series on Wednesday night, Aug. 16 (Manila time), at the Aldershot Tennis Centre in Great Britain. 

The 18-year-old seemed to be hardly feeling the fatigue after tirelessly flexing her might in the singles and doubles events for twin victories on the same day.

Eala advanced to the Round of 16 at the expense of hometown bet Ranah Akua Stoiber, 6-2, 6-4, then teamed up with Urzula Radwanska of Poland to beat Andre Lukosiute of Lithuania and Eliz Maloney of Great Britain, 6-4, 6-4, and secure a quarterfinals berth. 

 

 

Alex Eala and partner Urzula Radwanska of Poland. (Alex Eala's Facebook)

 

"Two good wins today! Had a lot of fun in both matches, going through to the next round in singles and semifinals in doubles tomorrow," said Eala on a Facebook post.  

The Filipina-Polish duo encountered a slight hiccup in their chemistry after dropping serve four times along with four doubles faults before eventually finding rhythm en route to the victory that took an hour and a half. 

However, the 2022 US Open girls champion and 32-year-old veteran Radwanska will need to play with more cohesion as they take on Japanese duo Erina Hayashi and Saki Imamura in the quarterfinals. 

The Filipina bet is also on a quest for back-to-back singles titles after clinching the W25 Roehampton crown on Sunday, Aug. 13 (Manila time). 

Similarly, Eala also barged into the quarterfinals of the event's doubles competition with Australian partner Destanee Aiava, where they succumbed to Aussie pair Petra Hule and Talia Gibson, 1-6, 5-7.  

Interestingly, Eala is no stranger to her upcoming opponent in the singles event of the W25 Aldershot as she arranged another meeting with Gibson also on Thursday, Aug. 17 (Manila time) for a quarterfinals seat.