Air Force seeks first win in PFL against Tuloy

c/o Matchday Media

With nary a win so far in the Philippines Football League, Air Force seeks to claim it on Sunday night at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, hopeful that their matchup against Tuloy FC would bear that fruit.

Kick-off has been moved to 9:00 pm as a result of the earlier matches scheduled that day moved later due to the prevailing heat conditions in the country.

Although suffering two tough defeats to Mendiola FC 1991 and One Taguig FC, the Airmen did manage to make things difficult against a fellow league returnee in United City FC.

Jan Delariarte's header from twelve yards out allowed PAF to score their first goal of the campaign, a bright spot in their 4-1 defeat.

Serving as Air Force's foil in this Sunday's quest for an inaugural victory is a Tuloy side that has a built an impressive following with their style of play. Anchoring their offense are the duo of John Jalique and Harry Nunez, with the latter having been called up for national team duty.

Tickets for the match cost just PhP 150, whilst bleacher area seating is free of charge. Matches are streamed online, as well as on Premier Football.

Busan KCC Egis and Suwon KT Sonicboom earn EASL 2024-25 Season berths

 

L-R: Henry Kerins (CEO, EASL); Heo Hoon (player, Suwon KT Sonicboom); Moon Seong Gon (player, Suwon KT Sonicboom); Song Young Jin (Head Coach, Suwon KT Sonicboom), Chun Chang Jin (Head Coach, Busan KCC Egis), Heo Ung (player, Busan KCC Egis); Song Kyo Chang (player, Busan KCC Egis); Mark Fischer (CCO, EASL)

With the conclusion of the Korean Basketball League semifinals, we now know the first two teams comprising the East Asia Super League for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

Busan KCC Egis was the first team in after dispatching Wonju DB Promy in four games, 3-1. The other team is Suwon KT Sonicboom, who outlasted Changwon LG Sakers, 3-2.

The winner of their best-of-seven matchup, scheduled to take place on April 27 until May 9, will be placed into Group B for the upcoming EASL season. The other side is allocated into Group A.

Both EASL Chief Executive Officer Henry Kerins and Chief Commercial Officer Mark Fischer graced the KBL Finals Media Day in Seoul on Thursday to congratulate both teams for earning their qualification.

Kerins says, "The strength of the Korean Basketball League was shown when two Korean teams made it to the EASL Final Four 2024 in March. We have no doubt that Busan KCC Egis and Suwon KT Sonicboom will once again show that KBL teams are elite clubs in the Asia region, will compete for the championship in the EASL 2024-25 Season."

With two teams down, six spots remain to complete the 2024-25 field: with a couple each from the other three leagues: the B.LEAGUE in Japan, the P.LEAGUE= in Chinese-Taipei, and the Philippine Basketball Association in the Philippines.

The identities of these teams will be revealed in the next few months.

NU sneaks way into Game 1 baseball win

c/o UAAP

Game on Sunday at the UP Baseball Field

4 p.m. - DLSU vs NU (Finals Game 2) (NU leads series 1-0)

Nigel Paule guided National University to a come-from-behind 8-4 victory against back-to-back defending title-holders De La Salle University in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 Baseball Finals on Thursday at the UP Baseball Field.

The Bulldogs, who last lifted the trophy in Season 74 (2011-12), will aim to clinch the title against the Green Batters on Sunday at 4 p.m. in Game 2 of the Finals at the same Diliman venue.

With a precarious 5-4 lead they secured in the eighth inning, the left fielder delivered his second hit of the game, a left-liner that brought in Herald Tenorio and John Kiel Olazo to extend the lead.

An additional run was scored after a subsequent attempt on the final out by Gio Gorpido misfired from substitute pitcher Lord Aragorn De Vera, giving the Bulldogs a significant four-run cushion at 8-4, which they held on to for the win.

"Inisip ko lang na kailangan ko ibigay 'yung best ko today kasi kailangan naming manalo ng Game 1," said Paule, the homegrown outfielder from National University Nazareth School, reflecting on his mindset for the day.

The back-to-back champions from Taft seized an early 4-0 lead in the first two innings of the game, with De Vera, JR Samuel, and Pio Villamiel providing the offensive spark for the squad.

De Vera, the second-year infielder from Faith Catholic School, crossed the plate twice off single-base hits from Samuel in the first and Villamiel in the second, with the bottom of the order for the Green Batters, Ezy Bautista, and JM Segui, adding two more in the second.

That was all De La Salle could manage, as NU broke through in the third to fifth innings before completing the comeback in the seventh inning.

"Yung kalaban namin is championship caliber talaga, so lagi naming sinasabi sa training at sa mga conferences namin na kailangan naming sabayan 'yung kalaban. Kailangan lang huwag kaming bibigay pero ibibigay namin dapat lahat sa loob ng field," said first-year Bulldogs head coach Romar Landicho, who replaced Egay delos Reyes during the off-season, on the squad's mindset as the game progressed.

Two runs from Kenneth Maulit and Olazo in the said frame set up the comeback for the Bustillos-based side and forced Green Batters starter and reigning Finals MVP to retire to the dugout after the inning.

The pitching change in the following inning backfired on the holders, as Peter Nonaillada allowed three straight hits from Calanday and the Maulit brothers, Kevin and Kenneth, to load the bases for the Bulldogs.

Four balls from De Vera, who took over the mound from Nonaillada, sent Tenorio to first and advanced Cyril Antipolo, who ran for Calanday, home, setting up Paule's decisive hit and the eventual win.

Amiel De Guzman, on the other hand, was superb in the last seven innings of the game after a shaky start, allowing just three hits in that period and shutting down the De La Salle bats.

With a significant opportunity to end the series and the 12-year wait for NU, Landicho knew that they must prepare to give their all on Sunday.

"Yung mentality namin dapat gutom kami sa championship. Na-adapt naman na 'yun ng players at 'yun naman 'yung pinapakita ng players," the freshly tenured mentor Landicho ended.

The Lines:

TEAM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9   R H E

NU      0 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 0 - 8 14 3

DLSU 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -  4 9 3

Villarreal Philippines set to host Open Clinic

Villarreal Philippines

With the increased interest in playing football sprouting in this Philippines, a LaLiga club has expressed interest in taking root.

Villarreal CF, through the Villarreal Academy international expansion project, established its first-ever official partner academy in the Philippines, going by the name Villarreal Philippines Academy.

At the end of the month, the VPA will hold its inaugural event, the Villarreal Philippines Open Clinic 2024, opening its doors to all local players. It will take place at the Alabang Country Club on April 27 and 28, as well as May 1.

To help with the event, Villarreal CF coach Alejandro “Nano” Márquez will be coming over from Spain to assist the academy in player selection for the VPA teams. Armed with a UEFA license, Márquez will help determine who will comprise teams that would have the chance to participate in international events and tournaments.

Villarreal Philippines Academy director, Mr. Eumir Siao, encourages young players in the Philippines to come along for this unique event: “This April, we invite everyone to take part in the first-ever open clinic with Villarreal CF in the Philippines. This is a breakthrough in bringing proven international methodologies in professional football to our Filipino football landscape. We are working together to improve the level of football in the Philippines through the clinics and workshops that we aim to provide. We believe that through the development of the grassroots level with proper methodology and international exposure, we are creating a pathway for the kids to reach their potential of having football as a profession.”

To register for the Open Clinic or for more information on Villarreal Philippines Academy visit: www.villarrealphilippines.com.

UP set for title defense at 2024 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup

La Salle's Kevin Quiambao, UP's Francis Lopez, San Beda's James Payosing (Photos courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau/NCAA Philippines/GMA Sports)

The 17th edition of the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup is set to commence in less than a month.

All eight schools from the UAAP and all ten schools from the NCAA will participate in the 2024 edition, which will start on May 11, as each side is set to undertake their own respective preparations for their upcoming league campaigns.

Considered as among the favorites are defending champions the University of the Philippines, with JD Cagulangan and Francis Lopez set to anchor a successful title defense under Goldwin Monteverde.

Serving as the likely main foils are the respective league champions in La Salle and San Beda.

The Green Archers conquered the Fighting Maroons in the UAAP finals, with Topex Robinson still armed with a ferocious frontcourt of league MVP Kevin Quiambao, Mike Phillips, and Jonnel Policarpio.

As for the Red Lions, Yuri Escueta will still have Finals MVP James Payosing, while also integrating a bunch of transfers that will be eligible for the historic centennial season of the NCAA, led by Bryan Sajonia, formerly of Far Eastern University.

All eight UAAP teams will comprise one group, while all ten NCAA teams will comprise the other group. Teams within each group will go through a single round robin, with the top four teams advancing into the crossover playoffs.

Overseeing the tournament are its regulars: Commissioners Joe Lipa and Bert dela Rosa, tournament director Bennett Palad, media head and consultant Virgil Villavicencio, and marketing and finance head Diana Layug.

In addition, the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup will also hold the Hanes 1-on-1 King of the Hardcourt tournament.

La Salle stuns champs in UAAP Men's Volleyball

c/o UAAP

Men

*FEU 10 1

*NU 9 3

DLSU 8 3

UST 7 5

Ateneo 6 6

AdU 4 7

UE 1 10

UP 1 11

*Final Four

Games Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

10 a.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Men)

12 noon – UE vs FEU (Men)

2 p.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Women)

4 p.m. – UE vs FEU (Women)

De La Salle University showcased immense poise in a four-set thriller to pull off a shocker, upsetting three-time defending champion National University, 25-19, 25-18, 31-33, 27-25, in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball Tournament Final Four race on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Green Spikers remain in third place with an 8-3 mark as a result of their third straight win, good enough for at least a playoff for a Final Four berth. Their record is a half a game off the Bulldogs, who dropped to 9-3 with the defeat.

It came to grit and heart down the stretch as Nico Almendras tried to lift NU at 25-all in the fourth but Noel Kampton went through the block before Nathaniel Del Pilar’s smart move to send back a floating ball for the De La Salle win in two hours and 17 minutes.

The Bulldogs tried to negate that final play with a foot fault challenge at the centerline but after review, it was deemed that Vince Maglinao nor Del Pilar crossed the line.

“Gusto na namin talaga. Sabi ko nga sa kanila para hindi tayo magdoubt, ilabas niyo lahat yung gusto niyong ilaro,” said Green Spikers head coach Jose Roque.

It was as tight as ever in the fourth as NU managed to deny De La Salle the win at 28-27, calling for a block touch challenge on Almendras’ crosscourt hit that went long, which was reviewed to have a touch to stay alive.

Off-the-bench Jan Abanilla drilled a down-the-line kill before JM Ronquillo’s attack went out, allowing the Bulldogs to extend the match, 33-31.

“Yung third set is really not for us. Maraming errors and hindi siya para sa amin pero nilaban namin. Nung fourth set, same naghabol ulit kami and thank God na nakuha namin,” said Maglinao, who had 22 points and eight receptions.

Ronquillo also came up big with 19 points as well as Kampton, who posted 18 points, 22 receptions, and seven digs.

Del Pilar also breached double figures with 12 points.

La Salle hopes to match NU’s record with a victory on Wednesday against Adamson at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Almendras’ mammoth game of 22 points, 39-of-51 excellent receptions, and 12 digs went for naught.

The Bulldogs also drew 16 points from Michaelo Buddin in just three sets of play.

They will look to rebound on Saturday against Adamson as well, also at the Big Dome.

UST pounds Ateneo in women's football

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 86 Women’s Football Tournament Standings

FEU 15 points (+15)

DLSU 12 points (+14)

UP 7 points (-1)

Ateneo 4 points (-20)

UST 3 points (-8)

Men's Matches today at the UP Diliman Football Stadium

4 p.m. - UP vs UE

6:30 p.m. - UST vs FEU

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas got its breakthrough win in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Football Tournament by blanking Ateneo de Manila University 3-0 Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Goalkeeper Lizlie Garcia led the way to secure a clean sheet, while Rica Gerona, Biancy Sy, and Gly Añonuevo provided the goals to snap their five-game losing streak this year, while also avenging its 2-0 loss to Ateneo in the first round last March 23.

Garcia performed a routine stop against Ateneo’s Angely Alferez’s penalty kick to set the tone for the Lady Booters in the first half, with the game still scoreless after teammate Jearfelyn Grace Ramos failed to open the scoring for UST by missing her penalty.

Come the second half, Gerona started UST’s goal rush in the 51st minute while Sy converted a penalty in the 68th minute and Añonuevo wrapped up the three points in the 79th minute.

The win ensured that all teams this season have earned at least one victory. The Lady Booters, though, remained bottom of the standings with three points and a minus-8 goal difference after this match.

“Nakaka-miss manalo,” said coach Aging Rubio. “Regardless sa performance namin in the previous games, at least ngayon may result na nakikita. Masaya kami na nanalo and we will continue to work hard para sa upcoming games namin para somehow kaya pa rin namin ipanalo.”

On the other hand, the Blue Eagles are still in fourth place with four points and a minus-20 goal difference. This result meant that Ateneo was officially out of the running for a ticket to the final.

Both teams will return to action this Saturday at the same venue.

Ateneo will face archrival De La Salle University at 4 p.m. while UST will go up against defending champion Far Eastern University at 6:30 p.m.

Adamson keeps postseason hopes alive

c/o UAAP

Adamson University revived its flickering Final Four hopes by surviving the University of the Philippines in a thrilling match, with scores of 25-17, 23-25, 20-25, 25-23, 15-13 in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila on Saturday.

All it took was a cool and calm timeout by head coach JP Yude late in the fourth set, and a lot of grit and fight in the decider for the Lady Falcons to reach for the skies again after a nightmare six-game slump, improving their record to 3-8 at solo sixth.

However, a Far Eastern University win in its last four games will complete the Final Four cast.

“Sabi ko sa mga bata kailangan trabahuhin talaga always, na huwag tumigil every time kasi wala namang imposible kung gugustuhin talaga nila, yung willingness talaga na manalo,” said Yude.

The Fighting Maroons threatened to send Adamson into a seventh-straight loss with a 22-20 lead in the fourth then came the timeout that lit a fire in the Lady Falcons.

Barbie Jamili, May Ann Nuique, and Ayesha Juegos worked double time to overturn that deficit into a 25-23 fourth-set escape.

Then in the fifth, it was the closest of battles as Jewel Encarnacion, Joan Monares, and Niña Ytang answered every Adamson point to force a 13-all tie.

In the ensuing play though, Abi Goc committed a costly service error that the Lady Falcons capitalized on as Jen Villegas blocked Irah Jaboneta in the following play for the Adamson win in two hours and 33 minutes.

Jamili led the Lady Falcons with an all-around showing of 16 points, 14 excellent receptions, and 11 digs, while Nuique backed her up with 15 points.

Villegas and Red Bascon chipped in 12 and 10 points as well as they enjoyed 35 free points from UP.

“Sobrang saya lang kasi sunod sunod po yung talo, masakit para sa amin. Itong panalong ito emotional lang kami lalo na yung mga senior,“ said an emotional Karen Verdeflor, who had a defensive masterclass of 25 digs and 15 receptions.

Adamson’s next game will be on Wednesday against defending champion De La Salle University at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Ytang led all scorers with 17 points as the Fighting Maroons sagged to their fifth straight loss, sinking to 1-11.

Monares and off-the-bench Jewel Encarnacion each delivered 16 points while Steph Bustrillo poured 10 points across three sets.

UP will be back next Saturday against FEU at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

FEU, UST revisit rivalry

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 86 Collegiate Volleyball Standings

Women

*UST 10 1

*DLSU 9 1

*NU 9 2

FEU 6 4

Ateneo 3 8

UE 2 8

AdU 2 8

UP 1 10

Men

*FEU 9 1

*NU 9 2

DLSU 7 3

UST 7 4

Ateneo 5 6

AdU 4 6

UE 1 9

UP 0 11

*Final Four

Games today at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium

10 a.m. – AdU vs UP (Men)

12 noon – FEU vs UST (Men)

2 p.m. – AdU vs UP (Women)

4 p.m. – FEU vs UST (Women)

Far Eastern University is eager to secure a spot in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 86 Women's Volleyball Tournament as it aims for a major upset against league-leading University of Santo Tomas today (Saturday) at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

With a 6-4 record, the Lady Tamaraws can end three seasons of no semifinals action with a win against the Golden Tigresses, whom they pushed to a five-set marathon in the first round before ultimately succumbing.

UST (10-1), De La Salle University (9-1), and National University (9-2) have already secured their tickets to the postseason.

Their 22-25, 21-25, 25-23, 25-20, 15-7 stinging loss to the Golden Tigresses would be their main motivation coming into their 4 p.m. clash, according to Lady Tams head coach Manolo Refugia.

"Siguro mas gutom kaming bawian talaga si UST kasi 'yung naramdaman ng mga players noong natalo talaga kami, syempre, masyadong heartbreaking 'yun kasi up by two kami," said Refugia.

UST is hopeful that Angge Poyos is ready to play today, after sitting out their victory against the University of the Philippines this past Wednesday due to dehydration.

Stepping in the freshman's place are the duo of Jonna Perdido and Regina Jurado, who produced 24 points each against the Fighting Maroons.

"Yung old rivalry ng FEU at UST hindi pa rin nawawala yan kaya definitely magiging neck-to-neck at nail-biting 'yung bakbakan nito especially may gusto rin silang patunayan kasi nandoon sila sa top four," said long-time UST coach Kungfu Reyes.

In the other women's volleyball matchup, Adamson University and UP aim to halt their respective skids in the 2 p.m. collision.

The Lady Falcons (2-8) have dropped their past six games to be at the brink of postseason elimination, while the Fighting Maroons (1-10) have suffered defeats in their previous four games.

Adamson got the better of UP in their first-round face-off, 25-22, 25-22, 28-26.

In the men's division, the Tamaraws seek to strengthen their position at the top of the table at 12 p.m. against the Golden Spikers, who are looking to secure at least a playoff for a Final Four spot.

Kicking things off at 10 a.m. will be the Soaring Falcons trying to breathe life into their dwindling playoff chances against the winless Fighting Maroons.

Air Force seeks PFL redemption against One Taguig

c/o Pat Reyes

Air Force seeks to bounce back when it takes on One Taguig FC when the Philippines Football League resumes action this weekend.

The Airmen take on OTFC to kick off Saturday action at 3pm, fresh from a 7-0 battering by Mendiola, whilst Taguig is coming off a 4-1 victory over newcomers Manila Montet FC on Sunday night.

Even with the lopsided defeat, the squad remains in good spirits. They managed to have chances to break through against Mendiola, although they were unable to convert.

Stephen Obero and Karl Bronda both threatened the Mendiola goal in the first half. A few minutes before half time, Jed Delariarte nearly scored off a free kick only to see the ball hit the crossbar.

In the second half, Jan Estampador sent a shot inches over the bar, and Jan Delariarte, Jed’s brother, also had shots on goal as did substitute Jomar Lestingio, who forced a save from the Mendiola goalkeeper.

The outcome could have been worse, but keeper Zaldy Abraham managed a few class saves, including a leaping parry to deny Mendiola striker Seyedsajad Mohebizadeh.

Erwin Oro, who shares coaching responsibilities with Joebel Bermejo, shares, "Mataas pa rin ang morale ng mga bata. We are working hard sa training to make adjustments sa next game against Taguig."

Air Force will be tangling against a One Taguig side that is newcomer "in name" only. A lineup that features a few familiar names in Kevin Ingreso, Stephan Schroeck, Arnel Amita, Jordan Jarvis, Yrick Gallantes, and Quincy Kammeraad, among others, they defeated their fellow newcomers on Sunday night, although it took them a while to break through.

The match is set for streaming both on the league website, as well as through its Youtube channel. Tickets available via TicketMax or at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, with the Grandstand costing PhP 150.

You can check out more updates from the team through its Facebook page.

PUMA reveals SCOOT ZEROS x CHEETOS® Collection via Foot Locker Philippines

Scoot Zeros x Cheetos

Recently, PUMA held an exclusive launch of the SCOOT ZEROS x CHEETOS® SS2024 collection at the Greenhills Mall branch of Foot Locker in San Juan, revealing the collaboration between PUMA and Scoot Henderson of the Portland Trailblazers.

In partnership with Foot Locker Philippines, PUMA put forth a special in-store experience for attendees at the event, with the presence of fun booths to try things. This partnership highlights both parties commitment to each other in being able to deliver top-tier products and experiences to Filipino sportswear enthusiasts.

Hosted by Migs Bustos and with DJ Rammy Bitong handling the 1's and 2's, people got a chance to take a photo beside the Giant Cheetos Bag, as well as exchanged pics for prizes at the Snap & Win station.

Those who think they got the skills can shoot hoops at the Shoot Like Scoot booth, as well as check out the Basketball Arcade. And for those who purchased PUMA items during the day can play Jenga Agenda, but those who purchased items from the SCOOT ZEROS x CHEETOS® collection can step inside the Get Those Cheetos Wind Machine booth, in which they can get a chance to grab free items.

The Scoot Zeros features a synthetic, mesh, and textile upper, PROFOAM EVA midsole for instant cushioning, Formstrip lockdown support, and full-coverage rubber outsole with an anti-slip traction pattern. As for the design, it is inspired by their partnership with CHEETOS®, and of course, the addition of Scoot's personal logo.

Fans can still purchase the PUMA SCOOT ZEROS x CHEETOS at either select PUMA stores nationwide, or online for just PhP 5,900.

“Game On!” podcast airs beginning April 12

Ang dating palabas sa telebisyon, ngayon nasa podcast na.

GMA Integrated News, in collaboration with GMA Regional TV and Synergy, is putting forth its inaugural sports podcast, "Game On!." 

Hosted by the trio of Martin Javier, Anton Roxas, and Martin Antonio, Game On! will be chock full of stories, interviews, and special features on a variety of athletes, coaches, and sports luminaries.

The first episode is set to be released on April 12, with new episodes to be released every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and other social media platforms.

With this announcement, Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso says, "We are very much thrilled to be launching the newest player in the podcast community and GMA Network’s first-ever sports podcast, “Game On!” As we keep with the technological trend, we are exploring to present sports in a more exciting and entertaining way."

He adds. "We invite all sports enthusiasts to join the country’s most trusted sports personalities Martin, Anton, and Hammer in promoting Philippine sports and the Filipino athletes. They will surely make sports a lot more fun and interesting as they discuss the latest sports trends and leagues, and interview athletes, coaches, and more."

It's a new element on Javier's plate, which already includes a segment within GMA's flagship news broadcast, 24 Oras, via "Game Changer." Martin shares about Game On!, "Sports talk like you’ve never had it before. “Game On!” podcast will bring fun and meaty conversations with your favorite personalities in sports."

For Roxas, this is an opportunity where he can chime and discuss the latest trends in sports, having spent countless years as a sports commentator. He says, "With this new platform, we hope to entertain, inform and bring people closer to their favorite sports personalities in a way that’s uniquely ours."

With his experience on the court, the man dubbed as "Coach Hammer" will be able to share his sports knowledge and background. The former Red Lion shares, "Game On” podcast will be a deeper and more fun discussion of things in and around sports."

The "Game On!" podcast is one of the newest initiatives coming out of the GMA Integrated News Digital Strategy and Innovation Lab (DigiLab).

UP snaps Adamson winning streak in softball finals opener

c/o UAAP

Game on Saturday at the UP Baseball Field

4 p.m. - UP vs Adamson (Finals Game 2, UP leads series 1-0)

Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 Softball Finals provided some drama at the UP Baseball Field, as the University of the Philippines outlasted Adamson in eight innings, 3-2.

With the extra innings rule in place putting a runner on second base, Danica Aquino fires an RBI double  off April Minanga to send Generose Torremocha home to break a 1-1 tie.

After a fielder's choice that moved her to third, Joyce Rasco would contribute an RBI single allowing Aquino to score the third run of the match.

Armed with a two-run lead, the Fighting Maroons rode on the arm of its ace, KC Valino to finish things off at the bottom of the eighth inning.

Adamson managed to pull a run back after a two-out RBI double from MJ Maguad, but Valino forces a Roma Jane Cruz pop fly to Francisco to end the game and snap their winning streak at fifteen matches dating back to last season.

The San Miguel National High School product completed the game with just four hits and issuing six strikeouts. She shared, post-game, "Nag-flash sa 'kin mukha ng papa ko nung may naka-hit nung dulo. Parang ang sabi niya, 'Ayusin mo bato mo.' So, inisip ko kailangan kong i-sakto bato ko kundi magagalit siya."

Valino adds about what they need to clinch the title, "Last na eh, kailangang ibuhos namin to lahat sa Sabado."

UP gave up the opening run of the game on a couple of miscues, with Aquino mishandling the ball that allowed Remelie Herrero to be safe at second, and followed that with an errant throw from Valino allowing Herrero to touch home from second base.

The Maroons could have had a chance to equalize in the sixth inning, but Angel Pascual was called out on third after the Lady Falcons secured the out on a relay throw.

However, they finally got an equalizer in the final inning in regulation, as Martine Francisco's RBI single scored Algrace Adajar from second.

Adamson could have clinched the game at the bottom of the seventh, with a sacrifice bunt and a sacrifice fly able to move a runner onto third base, but Valino forces a flyout from pinchhitter Feelyn Pajotal to send things into extras.

UP head coach Ron Pagkaliwagan says about they ground this out, "Ang sinabi ko lang sa players ko is, 'Don't dwell on the call. Judgment call 'yun.' Ni-remind ko lang sila na last innings, hangga't sa last out, walang bibitaw kasi ito 'yung pinaghirapan namin buong year."

Game 2 of the Finals is slated on Saturday afternoon at 4pm, with the match streamed through Pilipinas Live.

The Maroons will have a chance to win their first softball title since Season 70, and fifth overall.

The Lines:

TEAM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8  R H E

UP       0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2   3 8 2

AdU    0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1   2 5 1

UST solidifies postseason case in men's volleyball

c/o UAAP

The University of Santo Tomas bolstered their quest to secure a top-four spot in the UAAP Season 86 Men's Volleyball Tournament Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, dispatching the University of the Philippines, 25-13 25-22 25-21.

Josh Ybañez led the charge yet again in the straight sets victory, contributing 21 spikes, a couple of aces, while also tacking on five digs and ten receptions.

Gboy de Vega added thirteen points and eleven receptions, most of them coming in the second set.

Assistant coach Ben Mape shares, post-match, "Yung nangyayari sa team namin medyo nakukuha na namin yung rhythm kasi yun yung naging problema namin nung first round. This time, napag-aralan na namin yun during the break so na-focus namin yung communication with each other."

Lasting just 81 minutes, their third consecutive victory puts UST at 7-4, temporarily 1.5 games ahead of Ateneo, with the Blue Eagles currently in match against National University.

Looming ahead this coming Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium is a matchup against league-leading Far Eastern University.

Mape says about this matchup, "Hindi namin ini-aim na bumawi. Ang ini-aim namin ay iperform ng mga bata yung best performance na meron sila kasi kailangan mapapunta kami sa position na makakapunta kami sa semis." The Golden Spikers lost their first round meeting against the Tamaraws in five sets.

As for the Fighting Maroons, they absorbed their 15th consecutive loss dating back to last season, dropping to 0-11 in this tournament.

Angelo Lagando paced the Diliman-based side with twelve points, while Jaivee Malabanan had ten points, nine receptions, and four digs.

Already eliminated from contention, UP will attempt to secure their first win on Saturday against Adamson University, who currently stands at 4-6.

UAAP Softball Finals set

c/o UAAP

Game today at the UP Baseball Field

4 p.m. - Adamson vs UP (Finals Game 1)

Adamson University begins its quest for another title defense this Wednesday afternoon, as Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 Softball finals takes place at the UP Baseball Field.

The Lady Falcons completed a sweep of the double round-robin eliminations, extending their winning streak to fifteen matches, dating back from last year.

Seasoned mentor Ana Santiago says, "... Basta kami, lalaban kami ng honest na laro at pinakita namin 'yung kanina. We'll prepare for the Finals and lalaban lang kami."

The defending champions have Finals MVP Glory Alonzo and rising pitcher April Minanga as options on the mound, while providing the bats are Angelu Gabriel and Khrisha Cantor.

Serving as the foil is sub-hosts the University of the Philippines, who needed a walkoff 3-2 victory in the playoff against the University of Santo Tomas. The Fighting Maroons are back in the finals again after falling short last season, hoping things will be different this time.

Mentor Ron Pagkaliwagan shares, "This is the break we have been waiting for. This is what we have worked for the whole year; this is the fruit of our hard labor. We'll get ready and let's see sa Finals."

UP will rely on last season's MVP Nickole dela Cruz and Danica Aquino to jumpstart their offense with KC Valino to backstop their pitching.

The finals will be streamed LIVE on Pilipinas LIVE.

FEU extends men's volleyball winning streak to five

c/o UAAP

Five straight wins for Far Eastern University, as they took care of Adamson in just 75 minutes on Tuesday morning at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, 25-17 25-17 25-22, for the UAAP Season 86 Men's Volleyball Tournament.

The Tamaraws took care of the first two sets with ease before outlasting the Soaring Falcons in the final set to secure their ninth win in ten matches, reducing their magic number to just one match to locking in a postseason berth.

Head coach Eddieson Orcullo shares, "Yung service receive, service reception saka yung blocking. ‘Yun ang talagang finofocus naman nang maigi. Sa part ng Adamson, nakita niyo naman hanggang sa huling set talagang nilalaban nila na makuha nila yung match today."

He adds, "Yung game talagang pinaghahandaan namin every single match na mangyayari sa amin. Yung nangyari sa Adamson na game, talagang inaral naman nang maigi yun eh kasi yung coaching staff nila talagang sasabihin natin na ang hirap talunin ni Coach George (Pascua) eh."

Either an Ateneo defeat Wednesday against National University or a win against the University of Santo Tomas on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium will be enough to secure their ticket.

Adamson had a chance to extend the match into a fourth set, reducing the deficit to 23-22 after a successful block touch challenge, but FEU answered back with a successful challenge of their own in the next point, calling a centerline fault on Joel Menor's attack, pushing them into match point.

Vincent Nadera would finish things with a combination play to secure the victory.

Martin Bugaoan led the Tamaraws in scoring with nine attacks and two blocks. Jayjay Javelona and Andrei Delicana each contributed nine points, with Zhyrdryx Saavedra adding eight points.

Setting the tempo was Ariel Cacao with his seventeen excellent sets.

For Adamson, Marc Paulino topscored with seven points and thirteen receptions. Menor and Jude Aguilar chipped in six markers each.

The Falcons dropped to 4-6 this season, with a chance to improve against the University of the Philippines on Saturday morning.

UST outlasts UP in UAAP baseball playoff

c/o UAAP

Games on April 14 at the UP Diliman Baseball Field

3:00 p.m. - DLSU vs UST

6:00 p.m. - NU vs Ateneo

The last postseason ticket has been issued, and it belongs to the University of Santo Tomas, who clinched it on Saturday with a 15-11 victory over the University of the Philippines in a playoff at the UP Baseball Field inside the Diliman campus in Quezon City.

"Salamat sa Panginoon dahil binigyan kami ng suwerte. Pero 'yung mga bata nag-deliver, talagang pinaghirapan nila ang opensa namin," says long-time mentor Jeffrey Santiago.

A strong start allowed the Golden Sox to establish the lead, scoring eight runs in the first couple of innings and forcing the Maroon batters to dip into their bullpen early after allowing seven hits.

UP's ace Kobe Torres managed to quell the surge, but UST would have an answer by the fourth inning, capitalizing on errors to score five more runs to make it a 13-0 lead.

However, the Maroons channeled their inner fight and battled back. Ian Mercado blasted an inside-the-park grand slam to instill some hope in the bottom of the fourth.

They would channel seven more runs in the next three innings, slicing the deficit to three heading into the ninth, 14-11.

However, Jesus Cabigao stepped up for the Golden Sox in relief, allowing five hits and stranding seven runners to hold things down.

Santiago shares about his reliever, "Si Jesus, 'yung reliever namin, bumalik na sa kanyang kondisyon. Buhay na siya! Siya ang bumuhay sa amin. Tapus na ang Holy Week kaya nabuhay muli si Jesus!"

The final sequence saw Torres hit a grounder to second, with Justine Rosales able to force out Val Mangahas. The reigning league Most Valuable Player then made a beautiful throw to Alwyn Pinero at first to complete a game-clinching double play

UP, who lost in the finals last season, finishes in fifth place.

UST is set to face off against the defending champions La Salle in the Final Four, in which the format is set to make a comeback this season.

When asked about the upcoming matchup, Santiago says, "Nung nakaraang laro, panalo na kami nun kaya lang nag-error. Sana manalo kami."

The Lines:

TEAM. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9  R  H  E

UST     5 3 0 5 0 1 0 0 1  15 17 5

UP     0 0 0 4 5 1 1 0 0. 11 11  3

Air Force set for return to competitive club football

c/o PAF

When the Philippines Football League opens its campaign on Saturday, one of the games scheduled will feature the comeback of a historic club onto the competitive scene.

At 530pm, Philippine Air Force FC kicks off against Mendiola FC 1991 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

A purely homegrown unit devoid of foreigners, the Airmen will rely on a combination of experienced veterans and up-and-coming youngsters, coached by Joebel Bermejo.

Serving as the team captain is Barotac Nuevo native Antonio Albor, alongside fellow veterans Romeo Martinez, Glenn Bulaquina, Rodolfo Bebanco, Jake Hugo, Jomar Lestingio, and Geve Roy Cadiz.

Adding fresh blood to the side are a few alumni of the University of Santo Tomas in Zaldy Abraham, Darwin Busmion, and Karl Bronda.

Most of the team are enlisted personnel, but they have added a few civilians with the vision that they would eventually join the Air Force. Among them are the Delariarte brothers: Jed who plays up front, and Jan, who plies his trade in the midfield. Jev Estampador provides an imposing presence, while youth is served with the likes of Kernelle John Velasco, Kent Guevarra, Eric Mauring, and Patrick Salenga.

Bermejo believes that Air Force has something to prove in this upcoming competition.

The former Philippine international shares, "Bilang isa sa mga all-Filipino teams sa liga, malaking bagay para sa amin na maipamalas ang kakayahan namin at mapatunayan ang kalidad ng mga player na nagmula sa grassroots."

He adds, "Ito kasi ang isa sa mga paraan para masukat ang galing ng Pinoy sa larangan ng football, at ipakita namin na kaya natin makipagsabayan sa mundo."

To prepare for their return, the squad claimed the Jerry Treñas Dinagyang Cup back in January, and also finished runners-up in a tournament featuring the Armed Forces sides and other government agencies back in October.

After playing Mendiola, Air Force is slated to face these teams for the rest of the month at Rizal Memorial: One Taguig FC (13), United City (21), and Tuloy FC (28).

Plans are in place for the team to travel to Iloilo next month for a true road matchup against Kaya FC-Iloilo.

Helping boost the team is major sponsor Elan Vita Diagnostic Solutions of Engr. Keith Buyco, while also being fully supported by Philippine Air Force Commanding General Lieutenant General Stephen P. Parreño.

Acting as team manager is Brigadier General Dennis Estrella and assisted by Colonel Erwin G. Solomon, with Lieutenant Colonel Neil P. Dela Cruz serving as the officer-in-charge.

Samsung collaborates for Galaxy Watch Earth Day Run 2024

Earth Day run

Samsung Philippines in partnership with RunRio, is inviting you to take a collective step towards a greener, more sustainable planet by joining the Galaxy Watch Earth Day Run 2024.

Happening on April 21 at the SM Mall of Asia Complex, Galaxy Watch Earth Day Run 2024 advocates for the preservation of our planet, recognizing the urgent need to address pressing environmental challenges. The run aims to shed light on critical environmental issues and to encourage and promote sustainable practices, eco-friendly choices, and responsible consumption, recognizing that small actions collectively contribute to significant positive impacts.

Runners can track their progress during the race in style with Samsung’s latest fitness tracker and avail of the limited edition Galaxy Fit3 Bundle, which offers 30% off on the race registration fees and the Galaxy Fit3. The bundle packs are priced at P3,899 for the 21K with a Galaxy Fit3, P3,479 for the 10K with a Galaxy Fit3, and P3,339 for the 5K and a Galaxy Fit3!    

This year’s run offers three categories: 5K, 10K, and 21K, allowing Filipinos to translate their love for Mother Earth into action. Registration fee is P2,000 for the 21K and is open for participants aged 18 years old and above, with runners receiving a race singlet, race bib, a loot bag from Samsung, a hydration bottle, and a finisher’s shirt and medal.

Meanwhile, the registration fee for the 10K is at P1,400 and is open for participants aged 16 years and above, while the fee for the 5K category is at P1,200 and is open for participants 13 years and above. Runners in these categories will receive a race singlet, race bib, a loot bag from Samsung, a hydration bottle, and a finisher’s medal.

Interested participants can register online via www.earthdayrun.org.

This partnership is very much in line with Samsung’s continued commitment to sustainability. The company strives to build sustainability into its product and technology experience and empower people in their own sustainability journey.

“Changes start from small steps but when we all come together, we can make a real difference. That is why Samsung and the Galaxy Fit3 are delighted to be a partner in this year’s Galaxy Watch Earth Day Run. We not only want to encourage Filipinos to take that step to live a healthier lifestyle but to also join activities that support environmental sustainability,” shared Blue Avelino, Samsung Philippines Head of Mobile Experience.

The Galaxy Fit3 is Samsung’s latest wearable device, boasting an aluminum body with a wider display, making it easier for users to keep track of their health and wellness data — from daily workouts to peaceful sleep — straight from their wrists, around the clock. It’s also lightweight and sleek with a comfortable fit and offers over 13 hours of battery usage in one single charge, making it ideal for everyday use. 

With the Galaxy Fit3, users can track over 100 types of workouts anytime, anywhere, and review their exercise records easily, encouraging them to stay motivated to achieve their goals. It also features a 5ATM rating and IP68-rated water and dust resistance, meaning users can enjoy outdoor activities in a variety of environments.

Going beyond exercises, the Galaxy Fit3 gives users an even deeper understanding of their overall health, by delivering health metrics that include heart rate and stress levels and even comes with sleep monitoring tools and Sleep Coaching to help users achieve better rest.

With the Galaxy Fit3, you can take steps both in your fitness and sustainability journey this Earth Day. So put on your running shoes and become part of the movement for a more sustainable future by joining the Galaxy Watch Earth Day Run 2024.

To know more about the Galaxy Fit3, visit: https://www.samsung.com/ph/watches/galaxy-fit/galaxy-fit3.

UST, UP set for ballpark doubleheader

c/o Tiebreaker Times

UAAP Season 86 Standings

Baseball

x-DLSU 7-3

x-NU 7-3

x-Ateneo 5-5

y-UP 4-6

y-UST 4-6

AdU 3-7

(x - Final Four, y- Playoff)

Softball

z-AdU 8-0

y-UP 5-3

y-UST 5-3

DLSU 1-7

Ateneo 1-7

(z - Finals, y - Playoff)

Games Saturday at the UP Diliman Baseball Field

8 a.m. - UP vs UST (Baseball Playoff for #4)

4 p.m. - UP vs UST (Softball Playoff for Finals Berth)

A unique doubleheader is scheduled on Saturday at the UP Baseball Field inside the Diliman campus, as sub-hosts the University of the Philippines tangle with the University of Santo Tomas for the right to enter the postseason.

Kicking things off in the morning is the baseball playoff at 8am, with the winner designated to be the fourth seed in the Final Four and gets to face La Salle next week.

The defending champions helped set the table with a dramatic walk-off triumph on Thursday afternoon over the Golden Sox, 10-9, a matchup that needed an additional inning to finish.

That was then followed by a dramatic 15-12 come-from-behind outcome by the Fighting Maroons against Ateneo to force a playoff.

Kobe Torres shut the door on the Blue Eagles that evening, closing things out after his teammates scored four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning.

UP head coach Anthony Dizer says about this matchup, "If you want to win this game, you have to earn it. Hindi ibibigay sa atin 'to."

The Golden Sox cooled off after winning three of their first four matches, losing four straight and five of the last six.

Head coach Jeffrey Santiago still believes in his wards in spite of their struggles, as they try to secure their first postseason berth since UAAP Season 79.

"Mental toughness ang kailangan ng mga bata. Kalimutan na nila yung mga talo namin. Maayos na mindset at matulog ng maaga ang kailangan namin," he says.

To end this slide, reigning MVP Justine Rosales needs to lead the way for the Espana-based batters.

In the afternoon, a stake in the softball finals beckons between these schools at 4pm, hoping to be the foil to Adamson's quest for an eleventh straight title.

The Fighting Maroons did their part with a 15-0 shellacking of Ateneo on Wednesday, while UST was forced into this situation after bowing to the Lady Falcons to close out the elimination round, 4-1.

That scoreline also happened to be the result of the second round meeting between the two teams, allowing UP to have a flicker of hope for a return trip to the finals.

Fresh from a mercy rule-invoked victory, UP head coach Ron Pagkaliwagan hopes that this can translate into the playoff.

He says, "Yun lang naman 'yung hihintay ko na lumabas 'yung totoong laro ng UP talaga. Kanina nakita ko yung totoong laro nila na maayos ang defense, maganda ang palo, at ang pitching. Sana magtuluy-tuloy hanggang championship."

UP is expected to field KC Valino on the mound. The sophomore hopes to get adequate run support  from a unit that is led by last season's MVP Nickole dela Cruz, Martine Francisco, and Danica Aquino.

Even with the defeat, UST head coach Sandy Barredo remains unfazed, as the Tiger Softbelles seek their first finals appearance post-pandemic.

He notes, "Dadalawa lang naman ‘to e, kung makaka-hit kami, mananalo kami. Kung hindi, dadaanin namin sa depensa. Basta kami, maglalaro kami bukas."

Although both teams split their head-to-head appearances in the eliminations, both UP teams will be designated as home teams due to a better tiebreaker.

FEU outlasts Ateneo in UAAP Men's Volleyball

c/o UAAP

Men

FEU 8 1

NU 8 2

DLSU 6 3

UST 6 4

Ateneo 5 5

AdU 4 5

UE 1 8

UP 0 10

Games Tuesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

10 a.m. – AdU vs FEU (Men)

12 noon – DLSU vs UE (Men)

2 p.m. – AdU vs FEU (Women)

4 p.m. – DLSU vs UE (Women)

Far Eastern University outlasted Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University in five sets, 25-20, 20-25, 18-25, 25-18, 15-12, to stay on top of the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday.

Outside hitters JJ Javelona and Andrei Delicana and middle blocker Martin Bugaoan provided the much-needed hits for the Tamaraws in the fifth set.

Javelona’s early heater allowed FEU to race to a 6-3 lead while Delicana kept the run going for a 13-8 advantage.

Although the Blue Eagles were able to inch within two, 11-13, due to three straight errors by their foes, Bugaoan made the finishing touches for the Tamaraws win in two hours and seven minutes.

“Yung game kanina too much errors kami. Ang daming kailangang repasuhin. Kung nagtitriple na kaming focus sa ensayo, baka dapat mas lalo pang doblehin,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo as they committed 24 miscues.

The Tamaraws stretched their winning streak to four games, improving to a league-leading 8-1 record.

Delicana led FEU with 19 points on 14 attacks and five blocks while Javelona and Dryx Saavedra got 16 points apiece.

Bugaoan also wound up with 13 points.

FEU will shoot for its fifth straight victory on Tuesday against Adamson University at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Jian Salarzon paced Ateneo with 21 points and 27 excellent receptions while Ken Batas poured in 17 points.

The Blue Eagles dropped to 5-5, trailing behind fourth-running University of Santo Tomas (6-4) by a game in the race for the last Final Four berth.

Ateneo will seek to bounce back on Wednesday against National University at the same Pasay venue.

UST readies for potential UAAP tennis double

c/o UAAP

Ties Wednesday at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center

7:30 a.m. - UST vs Ateneo (Men's Finals Tie 1)

7:30 a.m. - NU vs UST (Women's Finals Tie 1)

The UAAP is set to start the finals of its collegiate tennis tournament on Wednesday morning, with the Felicismo Ampon Tennis Center inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex set to host the men's and women's finals simultaneously.

Fresh from winning key ties just over a week ago, the University of Santo Tomas is hopeful it can pull off a collegiate double with its Male and Female Tennisters.

The former locked in their spot in the finals after dispatching National University, 3-2 in the Final Four, behind the efforts of reigning Most Valuable Player Nilo Ledama.

Serving as the obstacle to a record fifteenth title is Ateneo, who defeated the University of the East in the other semifinal fixture, 3-1.

Potential Rookie of the Year candidate JD Velez ensured a repeat of last year's finals matchup after outlasting Marc Nicole Suson in the second singles match, 6-3 7-5 6-4.

UST won both elimination round ties this season with 4-1 scorelines, something they are hopeful to build on for a successful title retention campaign.

Male Tennisters mentor Johnny Arcilla shares, "Last time nakalaban natin [ang Ateneo] head-to-head 2-0 tayo lamang tayo [UST] eh so hindi pa sila nananalo sa’min eh. Di pa sila [Ateneo] nananalo samin simula noong first round. So, sana magtuluy-tuloy."

Meanwhile, the Female Tennisters will have a tough task on their hands, with National University serving as the final boss after the Lady Bulldogs swept through the eliminations, including 3-2 victories in both of their meetings this season.

Mae Bornia is seeking to extend their reign to a third consecutive season against the squad led by Alexei Santos. The reigning Most Valuable Player shares about their matchup, "We are excited na maglaro po in the Finals ulit. But mindset talaga namin ngayon is mag-focus and one game at a time."

Santos and company needed a playoff to secure their spot in the finals, outlasting UP, 4-1.

UST, NU seeking postseason berth in women's volley

c/o UAAP

Standings W L

Women

UST 8 1

DLSU 7 1

NU 7 2

FEU 4 4

Ateneo 3 6

UE 2 6

AdU 2 6

UP 1 8

Men

FEU 7 1

NU 7 2

DLSU 5 3

Ateneo 5 4

UST 5 4

AdU 4 4

UE 1 7

UP 0 9

Games today at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

10 a.m. – NU vs UE (Men)

12 noon – UST vs AdU (Men)

2 p.m. – NU vs UE (Women)

4 p.m. – UST vs AdU (Women)

Both the University of Santo Tomas and National University seek to solidify their spot into the postseason against separate opposition when the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament resumes on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Fresh from an intense four-set classic which the Lady Bulldogs won, 23-25 25-17 25-21 25-20, they and the Golden Tigresses are hopeful to put a gap between them and the rest of the league as they try to lock in spots in the Final Four, as well as the twice-to-beat advantage that comes with finishing in the top two.

The defeat proved to be a teaching moment for UST, as they suffered their first defeat of the season.

Head coach Kungfu Reyes shares, "Marami kaming natutunan this time. Ang maganda naman, as early as this, as early as second game ng second round na naramdaman na namin or nakita na namin talaga na yung somehow yung breaking point na tinatawag namin."

With the possibility that the rest of the league has figured out their tendencies, Reyes hopes that they would show some grit in their upcoming matches. He says, "That's why yun yung mga department na talagang i-enhance pa namin na dapat matutunan. So again, sa mental toughness, yung how to recover especially yung mga body language, yun yung mga tinitignan namin ngayon."

At the same time, he adds, "So I'll just remind-- ni-remind ko rin sila sa dugout... we lose a point, we lose a set but do not lose our character and this time we lost a game definitely dapat hindi mawala yung character na meron kami."

A win against Adamson in the final game of the quadruple-header not only will lock in a fourth straight postseason berth for the Golden Tigresses, but also extends their lead over currently second-place La Salle to a full game.

The Lady Falcons have sputtered to a 2-6 record heading into the Holy Week break, but a win would put themselves level with idle Ateneo at fifth place, just a game and a half behind Far Eastern University.

In other women's volleyball matchup scheduled, NU hopes to use their win against UST as momentum towards a strong finish to the eliminations.

Bella Belen shared to the media after their win, "Drive to win the game kasi every game, need dapat may improvement. So, yun yung nakikita sa teammates ko and sa team namin na kada game, talagang nag-i-improve kami."

Serving as their obstacle is the University of the East, who is seeking their first three-win campaign since 2019.

The Lady Warriors are tied with Adamson at 2-6, and still have postseason aspirations, but it's all about taking it one game at a time.

Casiey Dongallo shares, "... We’re hoping to win more than one more game para maging masaya naman."

Men's action will kick off the day's action in Pasay, with NU hoping to get additional wiggle room against a UE side bound to another sub .500 campaign at 10am.

Meanwhile at noon, last season's losing finalists UST will face off against an improved Adamson side that has postseason aspirations.

Gilas Women seeks strong finish at FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup

The Philippines seeks to secure a strong finish at the 2024 edition of the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup on Sunday inside the Singapore Sports Hub.

Gilas Women has won all five of their assignments so far. They survived qualifying with victories over Tahiti (21-3), Maldives (19-11), and Kazakhstan (21-12) to earn a spot in pool play, where they took care of business against Mongolia and Malaysia.

Jhazmin Joson got hot from deep against the former, finishing up with eleven points anchored on four two-point buckets, in a 19-8 win.

Gilas Women scored the first five points of the match and never looked back, erecting a 10-3 lead with five minutes left, raising it to 17-7 after a Kaye Pingol two-pointer with 126 seconds left. A free throw from Joson capped the score for the Filipinas with thirteen seconds left.

As for the latter, they followed a similar playbook. They racked up a 5-1 lead on their way to a 17-10 triumph. This time, it was a balanced scoring effort. Joson still led the quartet with six points, but both Mikka Cacho and Pingol netted four each, with Clarin scoring the remaining three points. The National University standout also added six rebounds in the effort.

Although they misfired from deep against their ASEAN neighbors with their 1/7 performance behind the arc, Gilas Women made up for it with their effort inside, going 15/26. They also made it difficult for their opposition, forcing thirteen turnovers.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas program chief for 3x3 Eric Altamirano says about Gilas Women's success so far and what lies ahead, "We’re thrilled with our victories against the tough and experienced teams from Mongolia and Malaysia. Now, our focus shifts to Chinese Taipei, who put up a strong fight against China in the main draw. It’s time to maintain our focus and give it our all in the upcoming match in the quarterfinals."

Gilas Women assistant coach Mark Solano shares about the team getting extra motivation in their opening pool play matchup against Mongolia, "When we were preparing for our game vs the Mongolians, the (PH) ladies were all pumped up especially when they learned that there are two Olympians on that team. It added fuel to their fire. Kaya nung pag-check ball pa lang and we blazed into a 5-0 start, the ladies never looked back. Doon nagulat din ang Mongolia with our speed, toughness and yung pagiging pesky natin sa defense. Sobrang big factor din that we are making our 2-pt shots."

Solano adds, "During the Malaysia game, we knew them already kasi we had a lot of tune-ups with them when they went to Manila."

Things will now be different as they enter into the knockout rounds, with Chinese-Taipei as their quarterfinal opponent at 110pm. The team managed to extend China into overtime during pool play, falling short, 9-11, after leading by 8-6 late.

They did manage to earn their spot into the next round with an 18-8 victory over hosts Singapore.

Solano shares about that matchup, "As we prepare for Chinese Taipei, we told the ladies to just stick to what we are doing, the process of what we are doing. We’re going to have some adjustments kaya non-stop scouting kami ng mga coaches."

A chance to play two more games beckons for the winner of the quarterfinals matchup, with the winner of the matchup between Japan and New Zealand waiting in the wings later in the day.

Matches can be streamed through the FIBA 3x3 YouTube account, as well as through Pilipinas Live.

FEU extends winning run to six in UAAP Football

c/o UAAP

Far Eastern University rode on the heroics of Sherwin Basindanan to secure the win against Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 86 Men's Football Tournament on Sunday night at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

The veteran winger converted a header five minutes into second half injury time to emerge as winners, bucking a personnel disadvantage in the second half to claim all three points.

In reflecting about the victory, head coach Albert Besa shares, "It came at a crucial time; he’s been very hungry for this goal and it showed. The last one was actually a team goal, it was great that he was able to convert, and it was a glancing header — one of the hardest things to do."

He adds, "The boys had a great performance and we were able to come out with a win. There was a little mishap and we were down ten men but they really showed the attitude that they didn’t want to lose or even lose so they went all out."

The defending champions went ahead first, as Karl Absalon scored his fourth goal of the season after 36 minutes. But the happiness was short-lived as Khent Velasquez's foul just before halftime warranted a straight red card.

Ateneo would eventually find an equalizer in the 77th minute, as Kofi Agyei scored his seventh goal of the season.

But FEU found a way to steal all three points thanks to Basindanan's clutch performance, extending their winning streak to six matches and a +11 goal difference. They will be back in action on April 11, as they face Adamson at 4pm at the same venue.

Ateneo remains in third place with fourteen points, but their goal difference drops to +8 due to their second defeat of the campaign. They resume action at the same date against the University of Santo Tomas at 6pm.

UST nips La Salle in UAAP Men's Football

c/o UAAP

University of Santo Tomas kicked off its second round campaign in the UAAP Season 86 Men's Football Tournament with a 2-1 victory over La Salle on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

The Golden Booters scored in each half to secure the victory over the Green Booters, with Justine Marquez scored the opening goal in the 44th minute.

Kyler Escobar then doubled the advantage in the 69th minute, thanks to a long diagonal assist from Archie Beluga.

La Salle managed to cut the deficit to a single goal after Paolo Go converted a free kick into a goal in the 81st minute, but they were never able to find the equalizer.

The closest that they could muster was during injury time, but Christian Penalosa's free kick attempt went in vain.

Head coach Marjo Allado shared afterwards, "Yung first game namin sa UAAP is must win. If La Salle kase manalo maiiwan kami so sa start nami ng first round diba talo so gusto namin umpisahan na ung second round na manalo ung team namin."

He adds, "Kahit mga 1st year rookies’ kayo pero sa abilities ninyo kaya nyo ung mga team eh, it’s a matter of confidence. Good game for us, maganda siya kase La Salle pa tinalo. Ung performance nila nag improve from the first round."

The victory puts UST into fourth place with ten points and a +3 goal difference, dropping their victims to fifth with nine points and a negligible GD.

Both teams will be back in action when the league resumes play after the Holy Week break at the UP Diliman Football Stadium on April 4.

UST faces UE at 4pm, followed by DLSU against Adamson at 6pm.

Ateneo repeats over UP in UAAP women's volleyball

c/o UAAP

Katipunan remains blue in women's volleyball.

Ateneo de Manila University bested their neighbors the University of the Philippines, 25-14 25-20 25-15 to bolster their hopes of a strong stretch run in the UAAP Season 86 Women's Volleyball Tournament on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Lasting just 84 minutes, it was a stark contrast to their first round meeting, where the Blue Eagles came back from losing the opening two sets to emerge as 22-25 20-25 25-22 25-17 15-9 winners.

Head coach Sergio Veloso shared to the media afterwards, "I'm so happy! These past two weeks were so challenging; we played four times, but most importantly, our performance remained at the same level. In all these matches, the players played very well."

Team skipper Roma Mae Doromal adds, "I’m very happy sa performance ng team and hopefully sa susunod na games namin mas maging aggressive pa kami and i-embrace pa namin yung system ni Coach Sergio, and hopefully makuha talaga namin yung Final Four."

After falling short against the University of Santo Tomas, where they managed to take the Tigresses to the limit, Ateneo was able to sustain their high level of play against the Maroons, managing to start the third set with a 14-6 lead after taking the first couple of sets.

Geezel Tsunashima led the way with sixteen points off 13/27 attacks and three blocks. She also added six digs.

Providing additional offense is Sobe Buena with ten points, while AC Miner and Lyann de Guzman each contributed eight markers.

Doromal chipped in with thirteen receptions and eight digs for the Blue Eagles, who move up to solo fifth place at 3-6, a game and a half behind 4-4 Far Eastern University, who happens to be their next opponent on April 4.

Steph Bustrillo led UP with eight points as they drop to 1-8. The Maroons will try to bounce back as they face La Salle also on that same date.

NU ends 12-year baseball Final Four wait

c/o UAAP

The drought is over for National University.

The Bulldogs emphatically ended a twelve-year drought with a 10-0 shutout against the University of Santo Tomas on Sunday at the UAAP Season 86 Baseball Tournament.

Starter Amiel de Guzman unleashed a three-hit shutout in a complete game effort, allowing hits to Justine Rosales in the opening inning, John Raymond Vargas in the sixth, and Mark Joseph Cabase in the eighth.

A five-run fourth inning broke the game open for the Bulldogs, highlighted by a combination of four hits, including a Nigel Paule triple to right-center, as well as Golden Sox errors.

Additional runs in the fifth and eighth innings provided the ninth and tenth runs for the Bustillos-based side, which invokes the mercy-rule.

The win moves NU into a tie with La Salle atop the league at 6-3, while UST drops back under .500 at 4-5 with their third straight defeat. It is the first time that they have returned to the postseason since Season 74, when they won the championship. It also happened to be the last season the UAAP had a Final Four postseason format.

Head coach Romar Landicho shares afterwards, "Pasalamat rin ako sa boys, sa mga coaches ko, at sa management na talagang inattain namin magkaroon ng goal, which is pumasok muna sa Final Four; at nakuha naman namin."

NU will conclude its elimination round against Adamson at 8am, while UST faces La Salle at 3pm.

The Lines:

NU   2 1 0 5 1 0 0 1 x - 10 8 0

UST 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 x - 0 3 6

La Salle secures Final Four in UAAP baseball

c/o UAAP

La Salle pipped archrivals Ateneo on Sunday morning, 6-5, to kick off the tripleheader scheduled at the UP Baseball Field for the UAAP Season 86 Baseball tournament inside the Diliman campus.

JR Samuel netted a two-RBI single at the top of the eighth inning to overcome a 4-5 deficit.

Ateneo relief pitcher Gab Francisco hit a couple of La Salle players, forcing the coaches to yank him to Joshua de Juras, who then intentionally walked Lord Aragorn de Vera to load the bases.

De Juras would force an out from Shinji Kajihara, but Samuel's heroics reflect the final tally.

DLSU head coach Joseph Orillana shares, "Sabi ko strong start tayo, ganun naman nangyari, pero sumunod na-hold na kami ng pitcher."

He adds, "Sabi ko lang rin, tiyagain natin, pitch by pitch at hintayin natin manghina 'yung pitcher. 'Yun nga nangyari, sunud-sunod 'yung hit by pitch niya at nung napalitan siya, ginawan lang namin ng paraan."

The defending champions got off to a strong start, taking advantage of Manuel Senador's struggles with the strike zone to score four runs.

But the Blue Eagles would find their footing by scoring five runs in the next couple of innings to move ahead, 5-4 after three innings, thanks to Joaquin Mendoza and Ethan Mitschiener.

Both teams then shut down each other until the eighth inning.

La Salle's win moves them up to 6-3, becoming the first team this season to book a spot in the postseason.

Ateneo drops down to 5-4, with their three-game winning streak snapped.

The Lines:

La Salle 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 - 6 4 3

Ateneo   0 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 5 11 3

Adamson punches ticket to softball Finals

c/o UAAP

Adamson solidified its quest for an eleventh straight UAAP title in softball after a 5-0 shutout victory over La Salle at the UP Baseball Field inside the Diliman campus, anchoring their performance with a couple of home runs.

Khrisha Cantor legged out a solo inside-the-park homer in the second inning, while pinch-hitter Mary Jane Libaton contributed hers in the sixth inning.

Angelu Gabriel and Alaiza Talisik each netted hits for the Lady Falcons, while also managing to eventually touch home.

Even with the victory, their sixteenth straight dating back to last season, head coach Ana Santiago still thinks there is room for improvement.

She says, "Medyo mababa 'yung opensa namin ngayon but a win is a win."

When about about their final match of the eliminations against UST, Santiago notes, "Let's see kung paano kami maglalaro against (University of Santo Tomas) kasi no-bearing na sa 'min. Pero kahit no-bearing na, we'll treat it like any other game, kasi ang preparation namin is for the Finals na. Kung paano kami maglalaro against UST will show how we'll play sa Finals."

The Green Archers finish their season with a 1-7 record, but their gallant stand made it difficult for the Lady Falcons to manufacture runs.

In the other matchup, the University of the Philippines rode on a three-run fifth inning to secure a 4-1 victory over UST.

Generose Torremocha and Danica Aquino's hits got them on base, with a couple of errors eventually getting them home. powered those runs to break the game open, with Ricca Vispo adding the other run to erect a 4-0 lead.

This was a half-inning after the Fighting Maroons got consecutive fly ball outs to hold off the Tiger Softbelles, who had Jojielyn Lim and Shyla Celis in scoring position to potentially tie the game or even snatch the lead.

Ron Pagkaliwagan shared afterwards, "Sinabi ko lang sa kanila na maniwala sila sa sarili nila na kaya nila. Kahit pa national team 'yung kalaban, kaya naman naming lumaban. Ito nga 'yung resulta."

The win moves UP to a game back of UST heading into the final round of the eliminations on April 3.

The Maroons will need to win their match against Ateneo at 3pm, then hope that Adamson defeats UST at 5pm to force a playoff for the second finals spot.

The Lines:

La Salle   0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 1 4

Adamson 0 1 2 0 0 2 x - 5 5 3

UP   1 0 0 0 3 0 0 - 4 5 4

UST 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 - 1 3 5