Angels outlast HD Spikers in tight three-set affair, take Game 1 of PVL finals
Despite the straight-set victory, it was a tight-knit affair especially in the extended third set for the defending champions, who are one win away from retaining their crown......»»
WHAT IF… Bea De Leon missed the rest of Season 77?
Ateneo de Manila University achieved perfection in UAAP Season 77 after the Lady Eagles swept their way to a second straight women’s volleyball title. Stacked with powerful hitters in Alyssa Valdez, Michelle Morente, Ella de Jesus and Jho Maraguinot, Ateneo’s offense was unstoppable. The Katipunan-based squad also had prized setter Jia Morado and libero Denden Lazaro with veteran middle Amy Ahomiro. But another vital cog that made Ateneo a super team that year was the presence of rookie middle Bea De Leon. The former Poveda standout earned a starting spot in the Tai Bundit-mentored team, which the year before completed a Cinderella story with a championship. De Leon proved her worth and even had a strong case for the coveted Rookie of the Year award. She was having a splendid season until she was forced to miss three games after suffering a finger injury during practice with Ateneo already in a 10-game romp. De Leon chose to just have her left index finger stitched and have therapy than go under the knife. She returned just in time for the pivotal end of the elimination round match against archrival De La Salle University. Getting the green light to play on the eve of the game, De Leon was surprised as she was included in the starting line-up and she did not disappoint. De Leon, who risked aggravating her heavily bandaged finger, scored 11 points including three kill blocks in the Lady Eagles’ 25-20, 21-25, 25-23, 27-25, victory that sent Ateneo straight to the Finals with a thrice-to-beat advantage. From there, Ateneo made history. But what if De Leon underwent surgery? One thing is for sure, De Leon would be out of commission for an extended period if not for the remainder of the season. Without her, Ateneo would surely be in a precarious situation in that decisive end of the elims match against the Lady Spikers. Taking down DLSU won’t be easy for the Lady Eagles to begin with. In their first meeting, Ateneo had to come back from a set down to outlast DLSU in a five sets match. Without De Leon, Coach Tai would be forced to put in either veteran but seldom-used Aeriel Patnongon or another rookie Maddie Madayag to help Ahomiro. Both rode the bench in the first Ateneo-DLSU encounter. DLSU, which was coming off a six-game win run, would be in a favorable position to exploit its height advantage and would’ve had an open sky for the Lady Spikers’ hitters. And if DLSU won that game against an Ateneo squad missing its starting middle, that would put the semifinals in the usual Final Four format. The Lady Eagles will still have a twice-to-beat advantage and would still overpower Far Eastern University. As for DLSU, coming off a win over Ateneo, the Lady Spikers would be in high spirits against National University. The twice-to-beat Lady Spikers might not need to go to a do-or-die decider against the Lady Bulldogs. Probably, DLSU would have been spared of losing its best scorer Ara Galang from a harrowing knee injury. Of course, the Finals would’ve been a different story. Ateneo will be missing De Leon’s Finals average of eight points per game and a vital piece both on offense and defense. But then again, the Lady Eagles still had its ace Valdez and their reliable wings to take care of the scoring as well as the steady Ahomiro. We can never know what the outcome of that Finals series would have been if De Leon missed the rest of the season. But we can surely say that De Leon’s return from that finger injury proved to be a decisive moment in the Lady Eagles' historic perfect season. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
NU, UST try to boost twice-to-beat chances
Defending champion National University and University of Santo Tomas would rather downplay the angle of a hyped-up rivalry and just focus on what’s at stake when they cross paths once again in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. Sharing the second spot with identical 9-3 win-loss records, both Final Four-bound squads have an opportunity to better their chances of claiming the last twice-to-beat advantage with a victory in their scheduled 11 a.m. battle. The Tigresses are on a four-game roll after five outings in the second round and are looking to take advantage of their momentum to complete an elimination head-to-head sweep of the Lady Bulldogs. UST was the last team to complete the Final Four cast after eliminating Far Eastern University from contention to join league-leading twice-to-beat De La Salle University and Adamson University in the next round. The Tigresses snapped NU’s 20-game winning streak that spanned three years in their first meeting in a thrilling come-from-behind fashion, 25-23, 27-25, 17-25, 22-25, 15-11, last 4 March. Head coach Kungfu Reyes knows that the Lady Bulldogs are out to exact revenge against them but he doesn’t want his players to get too emotional and lose focus. “We want to play volleyball and not play for the occasion. We can’t let the hype (of the game) get into our heads, otherwise, we’ll be overwhelmed,” Reyes said. “We must remain on target, on the dot, because NU surely will be.” Top Most Valuable Player contender Eya Laure, who dropped 28 points against FEU, Imee Hernandez, Regina Jurado and Milena Alessandrini will again be at the center of the Tigresses march to replicate their first round win over the Lady Bulldogs. But NU is far from the shaky team it once was. The Lady Bulldogs have also piled up four consecutive victories after their back-to-back losses at the hands of the Lady Spikers to end the first round and at the start of the second. NU has not dropped a set since then. Reigning MVP and last year’s Rookie of the Year Bella Belen acknowledges that the Lady Bulldogs are eager for payback but they need to keep their emotions in check. “We are really eager to get back at UST because they defeated us in the last round. But we need to be composed,” Belen, who had 21 points in a sweep of winless University of the East last Saturday, said. “We have to be relaxed. If we get overeager we risk committing errors.” Helping out Belen are Alyssa Solomon, Ces Robles, Vange Alinsug, setter Lams Lamina and libero Jen Nierva. Meanwhile, the sliding University of the Philippines and UE clash at 3 p.m. The Fighting Maroons are on a nine-game losing skid for a 1-11 card while the Lady Warriors try to barge into the win column after failing in their first 12 attempts. In men’s play, unbeaten NU (12-0) seeks to move closer to an outright Finals seat in a showdown against UST (10-2) at 9 a.m. while UE (4-8) looks to remain in contention for a semis seat when it clashes against UP (1-11) at 5 p.m. The post NU, UST try to boost twice-to-beat chances appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Laput makes heads turn
Rookie Shevana Laput did not disappoint on her first start for De La Salle University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament. Fresh from a long Holy Week break, the semifinals-bound Lady Spikers turned to the Filipino-Australian recruit for points at the opposite position during their clinical 25-15, 25-16, 25-16 win over University of the Philippines on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. The 6-foot-1 Laput, who saw limited minutes in La Salle’s first 10 games, produced nine points to help her squad get back on the winning track after seeing its nine-game winning streak snapped before the long lull. Long-time Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo was not surprised at all with Laput’s output. La Salle did not waste time in developing Laput during the break as an added weapon on the wing to give head coach Ramil de Jesus another opposite spiker option besides veteran Baby Jyne Soreno with Leila Cruz sidelined for the rest of the season due to a right knee injury she sustained at the start of the second round. “Actually, we expected that performance from her since we focused on preparing her for the role during the Holy Week. So, we really expected her to deliver,” Orcullo said. Laput expressed gratitude for the trust given to her despite being one of the new members of the Lady Spikers, who are eyeing to reclaim the crown it last held back in 2018. “It feels great. It just shows that I developed and improved as a player and the coaches trust my abilities to have me play in the first six. It's great and it's an honor,” Laput said. The towering spiker played an inspired game with her family including brother James, who plays for Magnolia Hotshots in the Philippine Basketball Association, watching live. “It's a great feeling that my family is supporting me. My mom and my little sister, actually, surprised me this week. They came on Thursday. It's their first time watching a live game,” the head-turner said. “I'm definitely nervous having them there supporting me, it feels like I need to perform (well). It's a great feeling to know that your family is there supporting you.” With its 13th straight Final Four appearance secured, La Salle now shifts its sights on clinching a twice-to-beat advantage in the semis. The Lady Spikers battle Adamson University on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena to assure themselves of at least a playoff for a Final Four bonus. After that La Salle will face Ateneo de Manila University on 23 April before wrapping up the elimination round against winless University of the East on 29 April. Orcullo bared La Salle’s coaching staff has been preparing Laput to play a much bigger role in the coming games. “We need to build her confidence with the second round drawing to a close,” he said. “So that heading into the semifinals and hopefully in the finals, she will have that confidence in her and that anytime her number is called she’ll be able to deliver.” The post Laput makes heads turn appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Acaylar repays Perpetual trust
University of Perpetual Help System Dalta coach Sammy Acaylar is repaying the trust given to him by leading the Altas to its third straight title in the men’s volleyball tournament of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Acaylar said the trust given to him by the school has never changed, inspiring him to work hard to lead the Altas to the NCAA title year in and year out. Since getting hired in 1984, Acaylar led Perpetual to a 13 NCAA crowns to tie with Letran College for the most number of championships in the country’s oldest collegiate league. “My goal every year is for Perpetual to win. This is for the Perpetual community and for the Tamayo family,” said Acaylar, expressing gratitude to the family of Perpetual owner Dr. Antonio Tamayo. “I’m not thinking about getting the best coach or any individual awards. The only thing that is on my mind is winning.” With Acaylar, who was part of the coaching staff of the team that won the country’s last gold medal in the women’s volleyball event of the Southeast Asian Games in 1993, at the helm, the Altas were unstoppable. They swept the eliminations to gain an outright spot in the best-of-three finals against San Beda University, who survived the grueling step-ladder phase. The Altas won Game 1, 25-20, 25-16, 25-22 but the Red Spikers froze the series at 1-1 after registering a 17-25, 25-27, 25-22, 25-13, 15-11 win, snapping the Altas’ 32-game winning streak dating back to 19 February 2018. But in Game 3 last Sunday, Perpetual pulled off a 25-21, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22 win to finally complete the coveted three-peat behind Season 98 league and Finals Most Valuable Player Louie Ramirez, Jeff Marapoc, Michael Medalla and KC Andrade, JC Eneraciso and libero Philip Pepito. Acaylar said it’s discipline and dedication that fuels Perpetual to win aside from the school pride that is synonymous to winning. “We have three D’s: discipline, determination and dedication. I even added hard work and commitment to our values and that’s why we’re intact,” Acaylar, who also emerged as Coach of the Year, said. “We would easily get recruits because whenever people mention Perpetual, it’s associated with men’s volleyball.” The post Acaylar repays Perpetual trust appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Benilde seals perfect season
College of Saint Benilde crushed Lyceum University of the Philippines, 25-19, 25-11, 25-20, to retain the Season 98 National Collegiate Athletic Association women’s volleyball crown via sweep yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. The Game 2 victory in the best-of-three series was the Lady Blazers’ 29th stretching back to January 2020 and was made possible by the precious contributions of Gayle Pascual, who hit 15 points, and Finals Most Valuable Player Jade Gentapa, who had 13. Also making her presence felt was Cloanne Mondonedo, who had 23 excellent sets. The win, which culminated its perfect season, allowed Saint Benilde to hold a double celebration as it was also head coach Jerry Yee’s 49th birthday. “Honestly, this championship was harder. We had a few five-set games along the way and we had to adjust,” said Yee, who gave the school its third league title. “I’m happy that in the end, we were able to get the championship,” he added. Johna Dolorito was the only Lady Pirate to score in double digits with 11 points. Meanwhile, San Beda University clawed out of a 0-2 hole for a 17-25, 25-27, 25-22, 25-23, 15-11 win over University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in Game 2 of the men’s volleyball tournament. Kenrod Umali and rookie Ralph Cabalsa both scored 19 points each as the Red Spikers snapped the Altas’ 32-game winning streak that started back in Game 2 of the Season 93 Finals against Arellano University on 19 February 2018. Both San Beda and Perpetual will play for all the marbles on Sunday in the same San Juan venue. Red Spikers head coach Ariel de la Cruz said the team’s positive mindset despite the odds proved vital. “It has to start with me. I have to motivate them and elevate them so that whatever mistake that happens, we work together and fix it,” De la Cruz said. “It starts when you enter the court with a smile and enjoy the game.” San Beda started the fifth set with a 6-2 lead and never looked back as Cabalsa fired an off-the-block kill for the win. Season 98 MVP Louie Ramirez led the way for the losers with 32. An awarding ceremony took place before the matches kicked off with individual awards being given to the tournament’s other top performers. John Benedict San Andres of Mapua University was hailed as the 1st Best Outside Spiker while Emilio Aguinaldo College’s Joshua Ramilo took home the 2nd Best Outside Spiker award. Letran College’s Vinze Himzon won both Rookie of the Year and 1st Best Middle Blocker awards while Jethro Cabillan of Arellano University took the 2nd Best Middle Blocker award. Adrian Villados of the Chiefs was hailed as the Season 98 Best Setter with Perpetual’s Joshua Zareno taking the Best Opposite Spiker plum and Lawrence Briones of EAC getting the Best Libero honors. In the women’s tournament, Mary Rhose Dapol was hailed as both the MVP and the 1st Best Outside Spiker of Season 98 with teammates Shaila Omipon and Marian Anday picked the Rookie of the Year and Best Libero, respectively. Gentapa likewise took home the 2nd Best Outside Spiker while teammate Pascual got the tournament’s Best Opposite Spiker title. Lyceum team captain Venice Puzon picked up her second Best Setter diadem with fellow Lady Pirate Jaja Tulang voted as the 2nd Best Middle Blocker. Arellano’s Trina Abay took home the 1st Best Middle Blocker award. The post Benilde seals perfect season appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Creamline goes the distance with Petro Gazz, forces do-or-die PVL finals Game 3
The Creamline Cool Smashers show the heart of a champion, blowing out the Petro Gazz Angels in the fifth set of an all-Filipino finals do-or-die Game 2 to force a winner-take-all war.....»»
Petro Gazz ends Creamline curse, draws first blood in PVL finals
When it mattered the most, Petro Gazz got over the hump and won their first game against Creamline since Game Three of the 2019 PVL Reinforced Conference Finals where the Angels claimed the crown......»»
Angels swoop down on HD Spikers in PVL finals rematch
A balanced team effort with the offense orchestrated by Djanel Cheng, the Angels improved to 2-1 with back-to-back wins after their loss in the opener......»»
Petro Gazz sweeps Cignal, completes 3-year PVL Reinforced Conference title defense
The Petro Gazz Angels complete a three-year journey back to PVL Reinforced Conference supremacy after sweeping their finals series with the Cignal HD Spikers.....»»
Lillard, Blazers outlast Warriors; Kings beat LeBron-less Lakers
Having struggled all game long, especially from deep, Lillard buried a long-range triple late in the game to put the Blazers up by two and then drew an offensive foul on the other end to seal the deal for Portland in the back-and-forth affair......»»
Gin Kings outlast Tropang Giga in OT, take Game 1
After Arvin Tolentino rose to the occasion with a clutch layup that sent the game into an extra period, Stanley Pringle and Japeth Aguilar sparked the Ginebra offense to win the tightly contested affair......»»
Si Coach Boc ang game-changer ko -- Dawn Macandili
If there is one person that multi-awarded libero Dawn Macandili would give credit to for all that she has achieved in her career aside from college coach Ramil de Jesus it would be assistant coach Benson Bocboc. The quiet and soft-spoken De La Salle University deputy has been De Jesus’ numbers guy on the Lady Spikers bench, his reliable scout and a trusted strategist. [Related story: DLSU's weapon against Ateneo: Clipboard and tablet] But for Macandili he is more than just DLSU’s man who crunches numbers or the one who prepares scouting reports. “Si Coach Boc ang game-changer ko,” Macandili said in her appearance on Volleyball DNA hosted by Anton Roxas and Denden Lazaro. Macandili said that when Bocboc went on board as the Lady Spikers prepared for Season 78 – the start of DLSU’s third three-peat – he immediately went down to work to help strengthen DLSU’s floor defense particularly focusing on liberos Macandili and CJ Saga. “Nu’ng dumating si Coach Boc, sobrang na-focus niya ang mga libero kasi ang style niya is Japanese training,” Macandili shared. “In-introduce niya kami sa mga drills na pang-Japanese. Sobrang na-amaze ako, ‘Wow Japanese style na defense.’” Macandili added that it was the first time since she joined the Lady Spikers that a practice session solely dedicated for liberos was added into their training schedule. “Ang daming drills na pinapagawa sa amin. Natutuwa ako kasi I’m always looking forward to learning something new,” she said. Bocboc according to Macandili was very technical, correcting them down to the smallest details. “Lagi niya kaming ini-introduce sa techniques. Gusto ko siyang ma-master. So every training may pinapagawa siya sa amin. Iba rin kasi talaga siyang mag-correct, to the slightest detail,” said the Tanauan, Batangas pride. “Dun ko na-realize na volleyball is very technical. Di lang basta na marunong kang mag-receive, marunong kang mag-dig pass. Hindi, kung marunong kang mag-receive kailangan ganito ang form mo, kailangan ganito kababa, mga ganoon.” He came into the team at the most critical time as DLSU was then shifting to a new approach to its system following two straight heartbreaking championship losses to the powerhouse Alyssa Valdez-led archrival Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles. “[Up to the] smallest details ang itinuturo niya sa amin and makikita mo talaga ang effect niya sa training and sa game,” said Macandili. Under Bocboc’s guidance, Macandili had her breakout season in 2016 as she played a key role in the Lady Spikers’ ascent back to the UAAP throne. Macandili in Season 78 was named Best Receiver, which she would win again the following year, and Best Digger while helping DLSU begin another three-year reign. Macandili would continue to rack in individual accolades, winning the Most Valuable Player award in the Philippine Superliga in 2016, being named the 2nd Best Libero in the 2017 AVC Asian Women’s Senior Championship as a member of the national team before wrapping up her UAAP career by bagging the Finals MVP in Season 80 - the first defense specialist to receive the honor. All thanks to the DLSU assistant coach. “Nag-iba talaga ang mindset ko nun sa volleyball na parang ang lawak niya na ang dami ko pang di alam. Doon ako na-engganyo na I want to learn more, more, more. I want to learn more talaga,” she said. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
WHAT IF Marck Espejo played for DLSU?
We all know what Marck Espejo brought to Ateneo when he donned the Blue Eagles jersey in the UAAP. He led the blue and white to three straight titles in five consecutive Finals appearances in indoor volleyball and captured Ateneo’s first and so far lone championship in beach volleyball. As a player, Espejo achieved a feat difficult to surpass if not replicate. A Rookie of the Year award, five straight Most Valuable Player honors aside from other individual accolades. The Marikina pride even registered the league’s most points in a game with 55 during his last tour of duty with the Blue Eagles in Season 80. Espejo’s impact left a lasting imprint not only to the Blue Eagles but also to the entire league. Arguably, his persona could even also be attributed to the renewed popularity of men’s volleyball in the country which for years failed to bask in the same limelight enjoyed by women’s play. Indeed, Ateneo found a precious gem in Espejo. But what if Espejo decided to take his talents to a different school? Let’s say, De La Salle University. After all the green and white was actually one of Espejo’s options heading into college. [Related story: DID YOU KNOW? Marck Espejo almost played for DLSU] If Espejo played for the Green Spikers, he would definitely be a game changer. The Ateneo-National University championship rivalry wouldn’t have happened. Instead, it would’ve been the Bulldogs and Green Spikers duking it out for the crown during Espejo’s UAAP stint. “Kung sa amin siya naglaro panigurado malaki ‘yung impact sa team namin kasi alam naman natin si Marck malakas talaga siya kahit buong team kaya niyang dalhin,” former DLSU setter and now assistant coach Geuel Asia told ABS-CBN Sports. Asia, who played for the Green Spikers from Season 75 to Season 79, added that he’s very familiar with Espejo's game as they were teammates when the National Capital Region ruled the 2012 Palarong Pambansa in Lingayen, Pangasinan. “So malakas ang impact niya sa DLSU kung sakali. Power and mind maglaro si Marck so malaki ang matutulong niya sa DLSU,” said the former national team playmaker and Espejo's Cignal HD Spikers teammate. "Fit din siya sa system. Kahit na anong sistema aayon sa kanya, magiging comfortable siya." In fact, with him on board DLSU in Season 76, the Green Spikers might have even gotten a trip to the Final Four. The Green Spikers, who finished third n Season 75, were eliminated by Adamson University in the playoff for no. 4 spot the following season. Imagine Espejo adding more firepower to DLSU, which already had Season 75 MVP Red Christensen, Raymark Woo, Aaron Calderon, Ralph Calasin and Philip Cerveza. “Sobrang lakas talaga kung nangyari ‘yung ganun. Kasi yun din time na yun malakas si Woo eh,” said Asia. With Espejo, who was second in scoring in his rookie year and was in the top 10 in spiking, blocking, service and digs, DLSU might not even need to go to the playoff for a semis spot. Heck, the Green Spikers might even land at no. 2 - just like how Espejo led Ateneo into the Finals in Season 76 to face NU – considering that Christensen, Woo and Cerveza that year were consistently producing big numbers and contributing well on defense. Of course, that team would still find it difficult to surpass the powerhouse Peter Torres-led Bulldogs in the championship. But at least that would’ve given DLSU the much-needed championship experience. Let’s say Woo didn’t suffer a knee injury during the pre-season while playing in a ligang labas that forced him to sit out year, then DLSU would have remained a solid contender in Season 77. There might even have been the possibility that the Green Spikers ended a decade-long title-drought that year as they would have been parading an experienced and solid lineup composed of Espejo, Woo, setters Brendon Santos and Asia, libero Jopet Movido, Calderon, Christensen, Mike Frey, Arjay Onia, Cris Dumago and Calasin. The possibility of DLSU winning another title or two in the next three seasons with Espejo at the helm might not be far from reality. But then of course Season 80 would be a different story. That year the Green Spikers would’ve parted ways with most of its veterans leaving Espejo, Onia, Dumago and Frey leading a young team piloted by third year setter Wayne Marco. Even if DLSU did manage to crawl its way back into the Finals in Espejo’s last year, it would be extremely difficult to hurdle the Bulldogs parading a tall and very talented crew led by ace hitter Bryan Bagunas, Kim Malabunga, Madzlan Gampong, James Natividad, Francis Saura, setter Kim Dayandante and libero Ricky Marcos. But then again, a DLSU squad bannered by Espejo in the UAAP would have definitely been a sight to behold. Too bad we could only imagine the what ifs. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
GREATEST PERFORMANCES: Arellano U’s sweep of thrice-to-beat SSC-R
Arellano University has been the dominating force in the NCAA women’s volleyball for the past three seasons. If not for the cancellation of Season 95 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Lady Chiefs would’ve made a strong case for a four-peat. But while the Lady Chiefs displayed great character to extend their reign, it was Arellano U’s impressive showing in Season 92 Finals series that built the solid foundation of its grand slam. Three years ago, the Lady Chiefs redeemed themselves from surrendering the crown the previous season by dethroning College of St. Benilde in the stepladder semifinals. Arellano U thus earned a return ticket to the Finals. However, the Lady Chiefs had to face an uphill climb in the championship series as they took on an unbeaten Grethcel Soltones-led San Sebastian College armed with a thrice-to-beat advantage. The Lady Stags handed Arellano U its only loss in the elimination round, before coming into the Finals with nine straight wins. Led by the graduating Soltones backed by a veteran crew, SSC-R looked poised to avenge its humiliating defeat the season before when they squandered the same series advantage. But the Lady Chiefs proved that they were the hungrier team. Using the death of head coach Obet Javier’s wife, Amy Marie, after a long bout with lung cancer as added motivation, Arellano U pulled off a shocker in the series opener. The Lady Chiefs swept the Recto-based squad, 25-18, 25-20, 25-16, with Rialen Sante, Jovie Prado, Andrea Marzan and Mary Anne Esguerra leading the way. Drawing first blood, Arellano U quickly shifted momentum to its favor. They played spoiler to Soltones’ third straight Most Valuable Player award in Game 2 when the Lady Chiefs survived a thrilling five-set match, 18-25, 25-16, 25-11, 26-28, 15-13, to inch closer to its second title since joining the league in 2009. Arellano kept its composure in a very tight fifth set breaking a 13-all deadlock with Regine Arocha’s off speed. SSC-R was the first top blink when Dangie Encarnacion committed an attack error that brought back the nightmare of the Lady Stags’ Season 91 Finals defeat. Then in Game 3, the Lady Chiefs celebrated Valentine’s Day by breaking the hearts of the Lady Stags, 25-15, 22-25, 25-23, 25-16. “Napakalaki sa amin ito kasi 'yung mga bata, pinaghirapan talaga namin ang taon na ito," Javier said then. "Noong first round, natalo kami sa Baste kaya nag-set kami ng goal na hindi na dapat mangyari ito. Nangyari naman." That feat set the tone for Arellano U’s next two conquests. From there, the Lady Chiefs established its current domination of the country’s oldest collegiate league. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
Cruz-Behag, Baron recall De Jesus words of wisdom
De La Salle University head coach Ramil de Jesus is the type of coach who won’t mince his words when addressing his team. If he wants to get his message across he’ll tell it straightforward. No sugarcoating. While some may take it against the mentor, his Lady Spikers understand that it is just how De Jesus wants his players to learn. It is his way of motivating them to be better. Cha Cruz-Behag and Majoy Baron shared on The Collective, how De Jesus’ ‘choice’ words fueled their desire to step up and bring honor to DLSU back in their playing days in the UAAP. Cruz-Behag recalled how she was challenged by De Jesus. “Back in Season 68 that was my rookie year. When we finally won that Game 3, nag-champion na kami, we were celebrating. Ang saya-saya. Nakaka-proud,” said Cruz-Behag, who still plays for De Jesus with F2 Logistics in the Philippine Superliga. But the mentor put Cruz-Behag in her place. “After some time we went back to training. Coach came in and he talked to us rookies and sinabi niya sa amin na kaming mga bata wala kaming karapatan to celebrate and wala kaming karapatan na umastang champion,” Cruz-Behag said. “Kasi langaw lang kami sa likod ng kalabaw.” It stuck in her head. “Para sa akin ang lalim ng dating kasi nga naman ‘di naman talaga kami ‘yung nagtrabaho to earn that championship. It was really our seniors who worked hard for it,” she said. “I took it as a challenge. Gusto ko dumating naman ang panahon na we’re gonna win out own championship. I want to feel that we earned it and we truly deserved it. So di na niya kami tatawaging langaw and magiging promoted na kami to kalabaw,” Cruz-Behag added. Unfortunately, Cruz-Behag had to wait another three years before earning her stripes as DLSU was suspended in Season 69 (2006-07) while she skipped Season 70 (2007-08). Cruz-Behag won her first title in her return in Season 71, won a silver the following year before leading DLSU to back-to-back titles in Seasons 73 and 74 where she was named Finals MVP both times. Meanwhile, Baron was the Lady Spikers’ team captain when De Jesus called their performance as ‘pambarangay’ following a humiliating loss to Adamson in Season 80. “As a captain ina-accept ko na ang pangit talaga ng laro namin that time. Sobrang unacceptable talaga ng loss na yun against Adamson,” said Baron. De Jesus’ statement became a trending topic and drew mixed reactions from volleyball fans. “Medyo na-bash din si coach nun,” recalled Baron. “But for us players we get Coach Ramil eh.” The Lady Spikers understood what De Jesus wanted them to understand. They responded by winning 11 straight wins including a sweep in the Finals to complete the Taft-based squad’s third three-peat and 11th overall crown. As for Baron, she won the Season MVP honors capping off her collegiate career on a high note. De Jesus is quick to call-out the mistakes of his wards, that’s his style. His words may sometimes be harsh. But his statements always serve their purpose......»»
SUPER SHOWDOWN: rookie Dindin Santiago vs. rookie Jaja Santiago
Towering sisters Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Jaja Santiago left lasting impacts in the UAAP. Versatile, talented and intimidating are just some of the traits the siblings share. Both are vital cogs in their local commercial league club and are valuable assets to the national team. International clubs even took notice of the Santiago sisters’ dominant presence and high-level volleyball skills that they landed deals to play in the prestigious Japan V. Premier League. And of course if you’re a University of Sto. Tomas faithful you’ll often wonder what the Tigresses would have achieved if the sisters stayed in Espana instead of moving to National University. Looking back, we saw how the Santiago sisters evolved into what they are today. With their towering presence, both immediately made valuable contribution during their debut seasons? But then again, which Santiago made a bigger impact in their rookie year? Dindin’s first year with UST or Jaja’s maiden tour of duty for NU? OFFENSE and DEFENSE Dindin right now stands at 6-foot-2 while Jaja is listed at 6-foot-5, even if we deduct a few inches from their current height during their respective debuts they’ll still be pretty tall compared to the rest of the field. In Season 72, Dindin complemented an already stacked Tigresses. Though overshadowed by legends Aiza Maizo and Angeli Tabaquero, Dindin made a decent contribution on offense averaging almost six points per game. Dindin was on UST’s top five in the blocking department. Compared to her older sister, Jaja’s rookie year in Season 76 was more impressive. Jaja averaged 10.7 points per outing behind her Dindin (16.7), who was then on her last year after transferring to NU. Jaja had a 41.99% success rate in attacks – landing at second spot overall after Dindin’s (46.10%). The younger Santiago normed 0.50 kill blocks per set to anchor the Lady Bulldogs’ net defense. TEAM IMPACT Dindin was a welcome addition to the Tigresses. However, playing in a squad filled with veterans left Dindin little room to display her full potential. Maizo and Tabaquero shared much of the scoring load while Maika Ortiz, Maru Banaticla and Judy Ann Caballejo provided the extra punch. But Dindin did play her role well as one of head coach Shaq delos Santos’ prized recruits. Dindin, indeed, made her presence felt in her own little way as UST climbed its way into the Finals. Jaja’s entry in Season 76 put NU as one of the top contenders to challenge the then reigning three-peat champion De La Salle University. Together with her sister, they formed NU’s dreaded twin towers and with the likes of Mina Aganon, Aiko Urdas and Myla Pablo, many predicted the Lady Bulldogs would make it all the way to the Finals. In fact, NU almost did before the Alyssa Valdez-led Ateneo de Manila University spoiled everything. As a consolation for all her hard work, Jaja was the runaway winner of the Rookie of the Year award COMPETITION Dindin played in a very competitive field. She took on a number of powerhitters and precision spikers like De La Salle University’s Big Three in Paneng Mercado, Jacq Alarca and Cha Cruz. Dindin also faced Adamson University’s Angela Benting and Pau Soriano, Ateneo had Dzi Gervacio and Fille Cainglet, Far Eastern University’s Cherry Vivas, NU’s Mervic Mangui, Mela Lopez of University of the Philippines and Kite Rosale of University of the East. Jaja, on the other hand, had to contend with an equally powerful field. Valdez was on a different level that season, so was DLSU with the trio of Ara Galang, Aby Marano and Mika Reyes. Bang Pineda was wreaking havoc for Adamson, FEU had Bernadeth Pons, Mela Tunay and Pam Lastimosa were the stars of UST, UP had their own towers in Kathy Bersola and Angeli Araneta while Shaya Adorador was UE’s standout. LASTING IMPRESSION Dindin, of course, was the fortunate one among the siblings. She experienced the glory of winning championship after helping the Tigresses dethrone the Lady Spikers in her first year. That championship remains as UST’s last title to this day. But what really stuck was Dindin’s decision to jump ship a season after winning the crown. Dindin made the headlines when she left UST to join the Lady Bulldogs in a move that drew mixed reactions and a whole lot of speculations in what convinced her to drop the black and gold for NU’s colors. Dindin’s transfer was followed by Jaja committing to NU after a successful run with UST’s high school team. Jaja won the RoY award and helped NU move a win closer to a Finals appearance. The Lady Bulldogs were armed with a twice-to-beat advantage but NU’s twin towers and talents were not enough to overcome the steamrolling Lady Eagles. Jaja’s career started off at least on a good note considering how far NU advanced after years of frustrations. Jaja would eventually lead the Lady Bulldogs to two more Final Four appearance with their last in Season 80 – the same year when she bagged the Most Valuable Player award. Now who’s the better rookie Santiago? Hard to tell. On one side, you have Dindin who won a championship while on the other you have Jaja with her individual accomplishments and accolades. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
PetroGazz seeks to surpass Creamline in an all-local battle
Creamline remains the standard when it comes to strength of its local lineup in the Premier Volleyball League. The Cool Smashers have the deepest bench as the two-time Open Conference champions parade a star-studded roster led by elite hitters Alyssa Valdez, Jema Galanza, Michele Gumabao, Risa Sato and top setter Jia Morado. That’s the reason why PetroGazz, which built an exciting rivalry against Creamline last year, is keen on shoring up its team composition for PVL Season 4. “’Yung level ng Creamline kapag all-Filipino mas mataas talaga sa amin,” admitted Angels coach Arnold Laniog in an interview with ABS-CBN Sports. PetroGazz pulled off an upset over Creamline in last year’s Reinforced Conference Finals with the help of prized imports Cuban Wilma Salas and American Janisa Johnson. The two teams met again in the Open Conference championship, but the firepower of the Cool Smashers’ local arsenal proved too much for the Angels, who were swept in the Finals series. Creamline completed a rare 20-game tournament sweep last year. “We need to work hard para maka-recruit ng players at possible talents na magpi-fit din mismo sa system namin,” Laniog said. The Angels made their move early this year when they signed three-time NCAA Most Valuable Player Grethcel Soltones, Jerrili Malabanan and setter Ivy Perez. Their arrival proved to be timely after skipper Paneng Mercado-de Koenigswater took a leave of absence because of her pregnancy and starting setter Djanel Cheng departed. The trio according to Laniog fits perfectly with their system has shown good chemistry with holdovers Jeanette Panaga, Cherry Nunag, Jonah Sabete, Jovyu Prado, Cai Baloaloa, Jessey De Leon, Chie Saet and liberos Cienne Cruz and Rica Enclona. Unfortunately, their preparation was halted because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Still, Laniog is confident that once the government gives the green light for volleyball activities to resume PetroGazz will be ready to take on the powerhouse Cool Smashers in an all-Filipino setting. “Sabi ko nga in the future di malayo na kaya naming malagpasan ang challenge ng locals ng Creamline,” he said. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
GREATEST PERFORMANCES: Angels’ miraculous comeback
PetroGazz was considered a dark horse when it joined the Premier Volleyball league two years ago. The Angels surprised everyone when it toppled a powerhouse the following season. Despite just being in its second year in the league, PetroGazz displayed an impressive performance when it shocked then reigning champion Creamline in the best-of-three Finals series of the 2019 Reinforced Conference that went the full distance. It’s true that the Angels paled in comparison to the Cool Smashers when it came to big names in their local lineup. Creamline was obviously the favorite during the championship series with its experience and a star-studded crew led by Alyssa Valdez, setter Jia Morado, Michele Gumabao, Risa Sato and Mel Gohing backed by Thai import Kuttika Kaewpin and towering Venezuelan Ale Blanco. The first game as expected went to Creamline in four sets although marred by a late controversial call. The next two games were nothing short of miracles. American Janisa Johnson and Cuban Wilma Salas willed the Angels back in the series three days after getting their backs pushed against the wall. That game didn’t start the way PetroGazz wanted it to but the Angels were quick to recover to walk away with a four-set revenge win and force a rubber match – scheduled the following day on the highlands of Antipolo. “I mean after the first set it was like okay a reality check and it kicked in,” said Johnson after that all-important Game 2 in where she and Salas dropped 23 points each. “It’s now or never so we kicked in just in time.” With momentum on its side, the Angels controlled Game 3 early on. PetroGazz did tumble in the extended second frame and had to hang tough in the closing stretch of the third following a 22-22 tie. Salas and Johnson did their usual role on offense but it was the locals led by Jeanette Panaga, Cherry Nunag, Jonah Sabete, setter Djanel Cheng and libero Cienne Cruz that stepped up big time to help dismantle Creamline with a 25-15, 28-30, 25-23, 25-19 victory to clinch PetroGazz’s breakthrough crown. "Answered prayers. These two imports namin played a big role but again siyempre as a team talaga di naman namin makukuha ito basta-basta kung walang help ng locals," said PetroGazz coach Arnold Laniog. "But the moment na nag-commit talaga sila doon sa goal namin, sabi ko 'Atin na di na talaga papakawalan.'" Many would argue that the Angels won their breakthrough title relying on the caliber of their imports. PetroGazz would deflect its doubters by saying that it was a collective effort from the team. It’s true that the Angels that time tapped the services of a pair of top foreign imports. But isn’t the Reinforced Conference a tournament about imports? A test for the management of clubs to pluck the best reinforcements to complement their locals? No one can deny that PetroGazz indeed made a miracle happen… against a team that had good imports and the deepest local lineup in the league. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
Rudy Distrito’s miracle shot in Ginebra’s epic 1991 finals victory
It was a shot heard all over, and it came at the best, most emphatic time anyone could think of. While game winners can be as dramatic and euphoric as they can be, one particular shot in the dying seconds of Game 7 of the 1991 PBA First Conference was even more astounding. It was epic. And it came from one appropriate fella: the Destroyer, who really obliterated the Herculean advantage of the opponent with just one swish off a mind-boggling move into the paint. More than just a winning shot, it practically was an epic ending of his team’s frenzied and scintillating come-from-behind series clincher no one could ever thought was even possible. Troublemaker Before that game, the hotheaded Rudy Distrito was seen as a troublemaker. Who can’t forget his antics and skirmishes on court, brandishing a despicable on-court persona with his notorious trash talk and rugged, and sometimes harmful, play? But even if he had this not so pleasant reputation, Distrito plays ball like a man with a mission, searing Goliath-like defense in the paint with death defying drives in which he finds a way to drill in that twinner. On that hot and humid night on May 19, 1991, the “villain” Distrito had one superb role reversal. As Ginebra was on a two-game winning streak after falling 1-3, playing coach Robert Jaworski’s wards had this chance to make history: being the first team to come from that overwhelming series deficit to win a title. But their adversary that night, Shell Rimula-X, surely won’t allow to let it slip off their hands. It was a nip and tuck affair. A high-scoring, intensely fought, close game that can’t be decided until that fateful last five seconds. Winning play With the score tied at 102-all, Jaworski called on his versatile, fearless trooper to one endgame play for the ages. With his teammates spread-out to arrange the isolation play, Distrito, who was at the top of the key, surprised his defender, Ronnie Magsanoc, with speedy cut towards the shaded line. Beating Magsanoc in the dash towards the basket, Distrito received a sharp, precise inbounds pass from Jaworski. Distrito then surged with a devil-may-care drive against the towering outstretched arms of the double teaming Benjie Paras and Jojo Martin. The trickster that he is, Distrito broke his stride towards the basket, leaving his tall defenders bewildered, and instead leaped for a fade-away jumper. And the ball went in, igniting a tremor in the ULTRA caused by the ecstatic and frivolous folk of Barangay Ginebra rejoicing in unison at that epic moment. Distrito himself screamed in joy over his accomplishment as an equally ecstatic Jaworski hugged him in elation. But the game wasn’t over. After Distrito made that shot, nearly everyone forgot there was one second remaining in the clock. Shell coach Arlene Rodriguez called for time and devised their own final attempt at glory. But unlike Ginebra’s previous play, Shell’s ensuing last-second strategy was somewhat predictable and expected. Romeo dela Rosa heaved the ball to Magsanoc, who streaked towards the three-point area at the left flank. And as he tried to do a difficult turnaround shot from beyond the arc, Ginebra import Jervis Cole’s long arms swatted the ball away, preserving the Ginebra’s 2-point lead as time expired, 104-102, and allowing the never-say-die team to clinch its second championship at the time. Distrito then continued his celebration, stretching his arms up and jumping on the court in utter glee while teammates and supporters hugged and tapped him for an incredible job well done. With that victory, the merciless guy who was up to no good became the hero behind one of the best endings ever in cage championship play......»»
MICHELE GUMABAO: It’s not just swag, it’s a statement
Before her queenly poise and grace, Michele Gumabao was known for one particular characteristic – her swag. Back in her days with De La Salle University, she would always get under the skin of her rivals with her on-court antics. Gumabao had a deep arsenal to tick off her opponents: staredowns, shrugs, head shakes and her maddening grin. It was what the Lady Spikers' fans loved about her. For the supporters of other teams, it was what they loved to hate about Gumabao. But what she did inside the court during her four-year stay with the Ramil De Jesus-mentored squad was not just about playing psywar, for Gumabao she needed every ounce of that swag to build her confidence. She wanted to prove her doubters and non-believers wrong and give them something extra. A statement. “I wasn’t recruited. I wasn’t scouted by anybody,” said Gumabao during her Kamustahan session on Creamline’s Facebook page. “I tried out in La Salle because I wanted to go to La Salle. I wanted to study in La Salle but I never dreamt of becoming a volleyball player,” added the School of the Holy Spirit-QC product. Gumabao, whose sister Kat also played for the Lady Spikers in the mid-2000s, debuted in the UAAP in Season 72. The then defending champion Lady Spikers were stacked with veteran stars in Jacq Alarca, Paneng Mercado, Cha Cruz and Mel Gohing along with prized rookies Aby Marano and Joanne Siy. Gumabao’s rookie season wasn’t as impressive as her batchmates. She didn’t get much playing time while Siy and Marano joined the starting line-up. Gumabao knew she wasn’t as good as them that time skills-wise. “I knew back then ‘yung skills ko (di mataas ang level). 'Yung skills ko back then noong nag-uumpisa ako it isn’t how it is now,” said the Cool Smashers stalwart. “Kumbaga lahat ng natutunan ko sa La Salle, lahat ng itinuro sa akin nina coach, nang mga seniors ko at that time, mga teammates ko, that made who I am as a volleyball player.” “’Yun talaga ang nagbigay sa akin ng lakas ng loob para maglaro.” Season 73 was Gumabao’s breakout year. Consistently included in the starting rotation, Gumabao would rack up points to back Alarca, Mercado, Cruz and Marano. Aside from contributing points and wreaking havoc with her solid net defense, Gumabao provided energy and swag to DLSU. With her improved game, Gumabao helped the Lady Spikers reclaim the title they lost the season before and also bagged the Best Blocker award. She would win it again the following season while powering DLSU to a back-to-back reign. In Season 75, Gumabao won the Finals Most Valuable Player award as the Lady Spikers completed a three-peat. She decided to forego her last playing year. Looking back, she knew she went through a lot. “Naaalala ko nung first time akong maglaro, my debut game in the UAAP. Sobrang dami kong bashers and to think wala pa masyado o hindi pa sikat ng social media nun pero ang dami ko nang bashers,” recalled Gumabao. “Kesyo saan daw ako nanggaling o di raw ako magaling. I look weird playing volleyball or bakit ako starter. So many questions, so many doubters, so many haters.” “Kaya siguro I had so much to prove when I started playing volleyball noong college kaya siguro ako ganoon maglaro. Very passionate, very mayabang, maangaas. Kasi ang dami mong paghuhugutan,” she continued. Gumabao admitted that she has mellowed down since then. “Natuto akong mag-slowdown ng kaunti sa mga celebration but of course same effort, same level of play. It’s not all physical, it’s now more on mental ngayon as you get older,” she said. But most of the time people would still tell her that they want to see the college Michele Gumabao brand of play. “Ang daming nagsasabi sa akin nito na they miss the swag, they miss the angas sa loob ng court. I do admit I was different nu’ng college days ko. Medyo may pinapatunayan si ate nu’ng college eh,” said Gumabao. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»