MANILA — Cignal clinched its second consecutive win by overpowering Galeries Tower with a decisive victory of 25-14, 25-16, 25-17 in the preliminary round of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday (02 Mar 22024).
Frances Molina led the charge with 12 spikes and two aces, while Vanessa Gandler contributed seven points for the HD Spikers, who maintained a solid lead throughout the match, particularly dominating with a 20-16 advantage in the third set.
Coach Shaq delos Santos expressed satisfaction with the win, stating, “The feeling of victory is exhilarating once again. Winning is always fulfilling, but we understand the importance of continuing this momentum.”
Before this match, Cignal secured a notable victory against Akari on Feb. 24, with a score of 21-25, 25-18, 25-12, 25-18.
Looking ahead, Cignal is scheduled to face Nxled on March 7 and Choco Mucho on March 14.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Molina remarked, “We gave our best today (Saturday). I’m proud of my teammates because regardless of who steps onto the court, everyone contributes significantly. Winning in straight sets is a testament to our teamwork and dedication.”
Contributing to the victory, Roselyn Doria and Jovelyn Gonzaga each scored six points, while libero Dawn Nicole Catindig showcased exceptional skills with 14 excellent digs and six receptions.
Expressing her satisfaction, Catindig stated, “I’m pleased with our performance. Each game, I give my utmost with the support of my teammates.”
On the opposing side, Ysabel Jamie Jimenez scored nine points, with Grazielle Bombita adding four spikes and three aces for the Hightowers. However, they faced their second consecutive loss after being defeated by the PLDT High-Speed Hitters, 22-25, 6-25, 9-25, last week.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA –Creamline clinched its seventh crown in a stunning victory over Choco Mucho, captivating a record crowd with a 22-25, 25-20, 29-27, 24-26, 15-12 triumph.
Coach Sherwin Meneses’ strategic use of bench players showcased Creamline’s depth and strength, securing another All-Filipino crown through a title sweep.
Despite the Flying Titans’ initial lead, Cool Smashers’ resilience, led by key players like Michele Gumabao, Pangs Panaga, and Alyssa Valdez, proved pivotal, dashing the opponents’ hopes and extending Creamline’s dominance in their 11 face-offs.
The monumental victory unfolded in front of a historic crowd of 24,459 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, surpassing previous volleyball attendance records.
“It’s the love for each other. Ayaw naming masayang ang pagod namin,” said a teary-eyed Jema Galanza, who clinched game’s top honors with a 21-point performance. “Our mindset was to play it one point at a time, hindi nakukuha sa mabilisan ang lahat.”
Truly, the Cool Smashers worked for every play and for every point to get back into the match with Valdez bucking a couple of foiled attacks with three straight hits and Risa Sato scoring on a quick attack and Galanza adding two more hits to force an 8-all count in the fifth.
But it was all worth the challenge as Creamline completed its amazing 15-game sweep of the season-ending conference, their second All-Filipino crown in the season as the Cool Smashers added another chapter to the franchise’s storied success in women’s volley.
It was Creamline’s seventh PVL championship – and a second straight All-Filipino feat after turning back Petro Gazz in sudden death last March. More importantly, its romp mirrored the team’s Open Conference successful title-retention drive in 2019 where the Cool Smashers won all their 20 games.
Creamline also scored a perfect campaign in the last year’s Open Conference.
Tots Carlos topscored for Creamline with 26 points while Pons and Panaga came up with 14 and 11 points, respectively.
Valdez wound up with eight markers and Gumabao pumped in five clutch points and Lorie Roberto added four points in the two-hour, 40-minute victory that also dashed Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin’s hopes for a double after steering National U to a stirring victory over fancied Cignal in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference finals last Friday.
Rondina sizzled with a personal-high 33 points, including 29 on attacks, and went on to capture the MVP honors, while Maddie Madayag and Kat Tolentino finished with 16 and 15 points, respectively. Bea de Leon, Caitlyn Viray and Arocha scored six points apiece.
(AI/MNM)
MANILA — Exhibiting championship poise and seasoned prowess, Creamline showcased dominance against Choco Mucho in a thrilling four-set encounter (25-23, 19-25, 26-24, 25-22), moving one step closer to a potential Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference sweep.
The Cool Smashers, with six championships in 10 finals appearances, displayed an insurmountable level of experience, mirroring their flawless 2019 PVL Open campaign.
Coach Sherwin Meneses expressed satisfaction with the team effort, acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by Choco Mucho. As they gear up for Game 2, Meneses emphasized the need to stay focused and continue their hard work.
Alyssa Valdez played a pivotal role in a nail-biting third set comeback, while Michele Gumabao and Bernadette Pons orchestrated a stirring rally in the fourth.
The Cool Smashers relied on their championship mentality to secure crucial moments and frustrate Choco Mucho, making its first PVL finals appearance in eight conferences.
The team, elated by the victory, credited the fans and their supportive bosses. Despite the joy, the players recognize the need to continue working hard to achieve their goals.
Kyle Negrito’s stellar performance in her duel with Deanna Wong showcased the Cool Smashers’ strategic adaptability. The team’s resilience was evident as they faced a formidable opponent in a sibling matchup filled with spectacular plays and heightened drama.
Creamline, led by Valdez, Gumabao, and Negrito, celebrated not just a victory but a testament to their championship experience—a blend of skills, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of volleyball excellence.
The Cool Smashers now aim for the clincher in the upcoming match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday at 6 p.m.
(ai/mmm)
Games Thursday:
(Mall of Asia Arena)
4 p.m. – Chery Tiggo vs Cignal (3rd Place)
6 p.m. – Creamline vs Choco Mucho (Finals)
MANILA — Since joining the Premier Volleyball League in 2019, Choco Mucho has yet to secure a victory against sister team Creamline in their nine encounters.
However, for Sisi Rondina, a crucial component of the Flying Titans’ championship aspirations, conquering the Cool Smashers is within reach as long as unity prevails.
Rondina emphasized, “I repeatedly say, that success is achieved through hard work, genuine determination, perseverance, and a collective desire. If we truly want it, we can strengthen our resolve with patience and dedication.”
Entering the Second All-Filipino Conference Finals as heavy underdogs, Choco Mucho faces Creamline in a best-of-three series starting today, expecting a substantial crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The championship opener kicks off at 6 p.m., following the third-place series between Cignal and Chery Tiggo at 4 p.m.
As Finals debutants, the Flying Titans guarantee their first podium finish, contrasting with the seasoned Cool Smashers, who have reached the championship round 10 times, clinching victory in six instances.
Their lone meeting in the season-ending tournament saw Creamline prevailing over Choco Mucho, 25-18, 25-16, 24-26, 25-21.
Despite the setback, the Flying Titans bounced back with a 10-game winning streak before facing a semifinal challenge against the HD Spikers.
Choco Mucho ultimately secured victory, including a Tuesday night triumph over Cignal, setting the stage for their first-ever title duel with Creamline.
While the Cool Smashers maintained dominance with an unbeaten run in the preliminaries and a set-free semis sweep of the Crossovers, Rondina dismisses statistics, asserting, “Creamline never backs down, but we’ll showcase what we’ve learned, how we’ve improved, and what we’re capable of.”
Acknowledging the pivotal role of Deanna Wong, who has forged strong connections with Rondina and Kat Tolentino, the Flying Titans gear up for a challenging championship round against the formidable Cool Smashers.
Alyssa Valdez regained her form after an injury that sidelined her late last year. Bernadette Pons, Rondina’s erstwhile teammate in the national beach volleyball team, has proved to be a reliable hitter coming off the bench.
What’s amazing for the Cool Smashers is they reached this far even without Jia de Guzman and Ced Domingo, who are currently plying their wares overseas.
“We’ve been through a lot without ate Jia and Celine,” said Tots Carlos, one of the Creamline’s main offensive weapons. “But we’re pleased we’re here (in the Finals). Yung collective effort ng team maganda yung kinalabasan and also we’re just happy na si Kyle (Negrito) nag-step up din sa game and she knows what to do.”
“Masaya kami kasi pasok na kami sa Finals but yun nga. di pa dun nagtatapos one game at a time, one-point at a time,” she added.
(ai/mnm)
MANILA — Choco Mucho ensured there would be no repeat of the previous meltdown, sweeping Cignal 25-23, 25-22, 25-22, and forcing their semifinal series into a sudden-death match in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference held at the Philsports Arena yesterday.
In contrast to the opening game where they let a two-set lead slip away, the Flying Titans worked meticulously, relishing every point to even the best-of-three series at 1-1. The decisive Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday at the same Pasig venue.
Following a hectic 24 hours, during which he led Sta. Elena-NU to two victories in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, coach Dante Alinsunurin expressed satisfaction that the Choco Mucho team, which had won 10 consecutive games before the series-opening defeat, had shown up.
“We came here with the mindset of making up for our loss in Game 1,” said Alinsunurin. “The players truly delivered. They worked from the first point until the end of the game. There were some struggles on the court, but we were able to adjust, and I’m thankful that we secured Game 2,” he added.
Sisi Rondina shone with 23 points, including two blocks and eight receptions, while Kat Tolentino delivered her best performance of the season with 15 points, contributing two of the Flying Titans’ six blocks.
Determined to lead Choco Mucho to their first-ever Finals appearance since joining the league in 2019, Rondina emphasized the importance of unity to not only win the battle but also the war.
“I keep saying repeatedly that my mindset is always like we’re in a war, and I always say that we will win,” said Rondina.
Jovelyn Gonzaga, one of the HD Spikers’ heroes in Game 1, recorded 13 kills, 10 digs, and seven receptions. However, Gonzaga closed out the one-hour and 41-minute match with a service error, extinguishing hopes of another Cignal comeback.
Ces Molina added 11 points, while Riri Meneses contributed three blocks to finish with 11 points for the HD Spikers. Despite Rose Doria producing a match-best four blocks, the Flying Titans’ attacking prowess proved too much to handle.
(ai/mnm)
Games Saturday
(Philsports Arena)
4 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs Cignal
6 p.m. – Creamline vs Chery Tiggo
MANILA — In a commanding performance, Creamline exhibited a volleyball masterclass against Chery Tiggo, securing a convincing victory with set scores of 25-18, 27-25, 25-22.
This triumph positions the Cool Smashers on the brink of securing a coveted spot in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference Finals, a testament to their unbeaten record of 12 matches.
The Cool Smashers showcased remarkable resiliency, particularly in the extended second set, quashing any hopes of a comeback by the Crossovers and decisively clinching the semifinal opener.
Their pursuit of a 10th championship appearance overall intensifies as they gear up for Game 2 scheduled at 6 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday).
Addressing the upcoming challenge, Cool Smashers coach Sherwin Meneses emphasized the team’s focus on continuous improvement.
“Siyempre, hindi pa tapos ang laban. Kailangan pa namin ng one game para makapasok sa Finals. Training muna kami tomorrow (today) then tignan muna yung mga lapses namin para maganda pa ang ilalaro namin,” said Meneses.
In a notable turn of events for the season-ending tournament, Creamline’s trio of Jema Galanza, Tots Carlos, and Alyssa Valdez delivered standout performances.
Galanza led the charge with 17 points, showcasing 16-of-30 attacks, along with nine receptions and seven digs.
Carlos contributed 15 points and displayed remarkable defensive prowess with 12 digs, while Valdez, in her best game of the conference, secured 12 crucial points, especially in the second set.
Reflecting on the intense matchup, Valdez acknowledged the challenging competition from Chery Tiggo.
“We all know Chery Tiggo will give us a good fight talaga. So every point we will have to work hard talaga so iyon ang naka-mindset sa amin,” said Valdez.
She also expressed gratitude for securing the pivotal second set, deeming it “very crucial.”
Galanza, humble in victory, attributed her stellar performance to the collective efforts of her teammates. “Siguro nagawa yung ganoong laro ko dahil sa mga teammates ko. Kasi tinutulungan po talaga nila talaga ako,” said Galanza.
Kyle Negrito’s precision in distributing plays for the Cool Smashers was evident with 23 excellent sets. On the opposing side, Eya Laure led the Crossovers with 17 points, supported by Mylene Paat and Cza Carandang, each contributing nine points.
Chery Tiggo, ranked fourth in the preliminary round, faces an uphill battle, having now suffered three consecutive losses.
(ai/mnm)
Games Saturday
(University of San Agustin Gym)
4 p.m. – Nxled vs Farm Fresh
MANILA — Galeries Tower clawed its way back and snatched the victory from the jaws of defeat, frustrating Gerflor, 18-25, 24-26, 25-23, 25-18, 15-11, in a duel of last-placed teams in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena Thursday.
The Defenders have won the first two sets after going 0-27 in the first nine contests and were two match points away from completing a straight-set romp when the Highrisers scored the last three points in the third to gain a lifeline.
Fifth-set substitute Dimdim Pacres then completed the fightback with a crosscourt win, giving Galeries Tower its first-ever PVL victory.
“Thank you, Lord at ibinigay sa amin yung first win namin sa conference. They earned it naman eh. Talagang pinaghirapan nila,” said a relieved Highrisers coach Lerma Giron.
“We started very slow. Yung first two sets talagang akala namin masi-straight sets kami. Pero good thing is alam naman natin yung ladies na talagang lalaban at lalaban. Yun nga lang, nagpapabugbog hanggang sa dulo, magta-trabaho ng todo. Pinaghirapan nila ang bawat puntos,” she added.
Later, Creamline is now a win away from sweeping the elimination round after surviving Akari in four sets, 26-28, 25-14, 25-23, 25-22.
Tots Carlos had 23 points, including two blocks, as the Cool Smashers remained unbeaten after 10 games, strengthening its hold of the top spot while the Chargers ended their campaign with a 5-6 record to remain in seventh place.
Galeries Tower hopes to close out its maiden conference on a high note against Creamline on the final day of preliminaries on Tuesday.
Roma Joy Doromal, who entered in the second set, had three blocks and two service aces to finish with 15 points while Andrea Marzan also had three blocks for a 14-point outing for the Highrisers.
Fhen Emnas finished with 13 excellent sets, shining most in the last two sets while libero Juliet Catindig and Raprap Aguilar also anchored Galeries Tower’s floor defense, coming through with 20 and 11 digs, respectively. Catindig also produced 11 receptions.
“Masasabi ko lang sa teammates ko, nasubukan kasi yung katatagan. Hindi passion to eh, katatagan na lang eh. Yung gusto talaga manalo,” said Emnas.
“So yun, sabi nga ni coach, we started slow talaga and alam namin hindi yun kami pero thankful sa teammates ko, bumawi kami sa third set, and thankful din ako ng sobra at umabot kami ng fifth set, at nanalo. So yun, sobrang happy ako and sobrang thankful ako sa teammates ko,” the former Adamson setter added.
The Highrisers actually yielded 44 points on unforced errors, the majority in the first two-and-a-half sets, against the Defenders’ 31.
Nette Villareal led Gerflor with 12 points while Shang Berte added 10 points, including two service aces.
The Defenders reeled to their 10th consecutive defeat, and the 15th in a row dating back from the Invitational Conference.
Gerflor will have Cignal, which is seeking to secure the remaining semifinal berth, as its final prelims opponent on Tuesday.
(ai/mnm)
Standings W L
*Creamline 8 0
*Choco Mucho 8 1
Chery Tiggo 7 1
Cignal 6 3
PetroGazz 5 4
PLDT 5 4
Akari 5 4
F2 Logistics 4 5
Nxled 3 6
Farm Fresh 1 8
Galeries Tower 0 8
Gerflor 0 8
*semifinals
Games today
(Philsports Arena)
2 p.m. – Cignal vs Nxled
4 p.m. – Akari vs PetroGazz
6 p.m. – Chery Tiggo vs F2 Logistics
MANILA — In the race for the remaining semifinal berths, Chery Tiggo faces off against F2 Logistics in a crucial showdown at the Philsports Arena.
With Creamline and Choco Mucho securing the first two Final Four spots, the competition intensifies as both teams vie for a chance to advance.
Currently holding a strong 7-1 record, Chery Tiggo aims to secure victory in the 6 p.m. match against F2 Logistics.
Meanwhile, Cignal, positioned fourth with a 6-3 card, seeks to edge closer to a semifinal slot against already-eliminated Nxled at 2 p.m.
The battle for survival ensues at 4 p.m. as Akari and PetroGazz, tied with idle PLDT in fifth place at 5-4, strive to stave off elimination.
The Chargers and the Angels face a critical juncture with their fate not entirely in their hands, trailing Cignal by a game.
Cignal, with 19 points, holds the first tiebreaker over PLDT (16), PetroGazz (16), and Akari (14). F2 Logistics, plagued by injuries and recent struggles, seeks redemption against a formidable Chery Tiggo, determined to derail their opponent’s winning streak.
The HD Spikers aim to rebound from a challenging 25-17, 19-25, 25-21, 22-25, 14-16 defeat to the Crossovers last Tuesday, setting the stage for an intense battle.
Meanwhile, Creamline and Choco Mucho have already secured Final Four berths, overcoming the Chameleons and High-Speed Hitters, respectively, on Thursday.
After beating Nxled, 25-23, 25-16, 25-21, Creamline needed a Choco Mucho victory over PLDT, 25-20, 23-25, 18-25, 25-17, 15-12, to formalize its entry.
As the competition heats up, teams are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for glory in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference.
(ai/mnm)
Games tomorrow:
(Philsports Arena)
2 p.m. – Cignal vs Nxled
4 p.m. – Akari vs PetroGazz
6 p.m. – Chery Tiggo vs F2 Logistics
MANILA — Creamline faced some tense moments in the first and third sets but managed to triumph over Nxled with scores of 25-23, 25-16, 25-21, extending their flawless record to eight matches in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena.
Jema Galanza contributed 14 points, including consecutive service aces that concluded the Cool Smashers’ straight-set victory over the Chameleons, virtually securing their spot in the semifinals.
“Lumalaban talaga yung Nxled, so naka-adjust agad yung player namin, lalo na yung sa first set. So siyempre, medyo senior yung team namin, kaya nilang mag-adjust talaga. Naka-recover kami doon sa first set,” shared Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses.
In an earlier match, Akari kept their slim semifinal hopes alive by sweeping Galeries Towers with scores of 25-14, 25-21, 25-19.
Galanza, who also recorded nine receptions and eight digs, expressed satisfaction that her team demonstrated remarkable composure to rectify their lapses in the match. This experience serves as a learning curve for the Cool Smashers as they approach their last three assignments.
“Kahit may pagkukulang, nakita naman din talaga kung gaano ka-solid ang team kasi talaga nagtiyaga kami sa first set. Doon kami talaga nasubok kasi madami pang games na ganoon ang mangyayari,” said Galanza.
“Thankful pa rin kami sa ganoong pangyayari kasi nakita namin kung ano ang kaya naming gawin,” she added.
Tots Carlos added 12 points, while Michele Gumabao went 12-of-23 spikes for Creamline, which next face Chery Tiggo on Tuesday.
The Chameleons, who drew 14 points and 12 receptions from Jho Maraguinot, fell to 3-6.
Fifi Sharma had 10-of-17 attacks and two blocks to finish with 12 points while Faith Nisperos also logged 12 points and collected nine digs for the Chargers.
Erika Raagas scored three of her nine points from Akari and had 10 receptions while Dindin Santiago-Manabat also had nine points, including two service aces.
The Chargers’ semifinals fate is not entirely in their hands.
Akari will next face PetroGazz tomorrow, as the Chargers and the Angels will break their tie at 5-4, with the loser getting the boot.
Creamline will be Akari’s final preliminary round opponent on Nov. 30.
“Step by step, we’ll prepare for the next one starting today. We’re studying them already since last week,” said coach Jorge Souza de Brito when asked how his Chargers will approach their remaining games.
“Of course, it will be hard but their mindset is always fight together because you know, alone will do nothing so these guys know how we will proceed during the week,” he added.
Cignal, which has a 6-5 mark, will eliminate Akari if it wins in any of its last two prelims matches against Nxled tomorrow and Gerflor on Nov. 30.
Ysa Jimenez had three blocks for a 11-point effort, while Andrea Marzan also scored 11 points, including two service aces, for the Highrisers.
Galeries Tower fell to 0-8 to level with Gerflor at the bottom of the 12-team field.
(ai/mnm)