New feature included in Pilipinas Live

Pilipinas Live users will have a new feature to play with once they update their app on either the App Store or Google Play.

Considered as the ultimate application for Filipino sports fans, it has launched Pilipinas Live Shorts to showcase your favorite sports personalities further through bite-sized, engaging content, eliciting even more engagement from users.

Through this new feature, fans exclusively would be able to check out the lives of their favorite athletes beyond the buzzer, whether it is with their hobbies and lifestyle, travel and fashion choices, health and fitness regimen, among others.

Among those who are expected to share content are Vanie Gandler, Pauline Lopez, and Fifi Sharma.

In unveiling the feature, Cignal Chief Revenue Officer Gerard L. Milan shares, "We’re making Pilipinas Live more than just a place to watch live games – we’re turning it into a space where fans and athletes can connect in fun and exciting ways."

He adds, "With Pilipinas Live Shorts, Filipino athletes can share their lives off the court, and fans can now interact with them more than ever."

Launched in 2023, Cignal created Pilipinas Live as part of its renewed vision to create impactful connections and be the voice of the Filipino spirit globally, providing unparalled live and on-demand coverage of major sporting events for the Filipino audience, whether it is of the domestic kind, or internationally.

The app is now available worldwide, ensuring the Filipino disapora would be able to check out the action taking place back home. It has also evolved from broadcasting just live content, but also now includes original series and features that supplement the current content for sports enthusiasts. 

For more details, one can also check out pilipinaslive.com.

PNVF formalizes partnership with MVP Group for FIVB Men's World Championship

c/o PNVF

THE MVP Group, headed by chairman and staunch sports advocate Manuel V. Pangilinan, formalized its ironclad support for the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) for the historic staging of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship Philippines 2025 from September 12 to 28.

Pangilinan and PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara sealed the deal yesterday (Monday) at the Lighthouse in Meralco Building in Ortigas, signaling another fruitful partnership two years after teaming up in the rousing success of the FIBA Basketball World Cup hosting in 2023.

“It’s the pleasure of the MVP group to support the PNVF. It’s only about two years ago when we hosted the Basketball World Cup and now, we’re hosting volleyball as part of our vision in promoting the Philippine as a sporting and tourism destination,” said Pangilinan, who brings along PLDT, Smart, Meralco, Metro Pacific Investments, Cignal and mWell as among the few companies under his belt for an all-out backing to PNVF.

“We wish the federation well in its hosting duties and we want to reaffirm our support for the world-class event,” Pangilinan said. “All the best, Tats.”

PLDT, the county’s largest telecommunications network, will serve as the official broadband internet partner, while media giant Cignal TV is the official broadcast partner of the men’s volleyball world conclave that will be hosted by the country for the first time ever.

“The MVP group has been supporting our national teams and this partnership signifies our shared vision to uplift the sport, inspire athletes and galvanize fans across the nation together as one. Maraming salamat boss MVP. Mabuhay po ang MVP Group of Companies,” added Suzara, also the concurrent executive vice president of the FIVB and the president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation.

“Together, we will deliver an event that involves the spirit of volleyball and reinforces our commitment to excellence and sportsmanship,” Suzara added.

In 2023, Suzara served as the chief implementer and master planner of the FIBA World Cup organizing committee en route to a successful staging led by Pangilinan, the chairman emeritus of the then host federation Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

It’s now the turn of the PNVF with Suzara at helm with a major backing from Pangilinan, who eyes a larger vision of making the Philippines a mecca of world-class sports with the 32-nation men’s volleyball slugfest as the largest delegation in history.

Leading the pack is world No. 57 Alas Pilipinas, which will make a rousing return to the world stage for the first time since the 1971 edition in Mexico.

“Tats was also with us in the FIBA World Cup. It gets repeated for 2025, this time for volleyball. We’re looking forward sa women’s event naman next time as the Philippines should be known as a sporting nation,” added Pangilinan.

“For 2-3 weeks, we’ll be at the center of the volleyball and sporting world. It’s a very important event for the country and this is something that deserves support from our group and the Philippine government. We’d like to see more of these international events for the country to be known as a sporting hub in the region.”

The tie-up between the PNVF and MVP Group of Companies comes on the heels of the federation’s announcement of K-Pop boy group BOYNEXTDOOR as the headliner in the explosive ceremony on Sept. 12.

Two months ago, the PNVF also announced Honda as one of its major partners along with the MVP Group of Companies after naming Alas stars Bryan Bagunas and Eya Laure as official ambassadors.
Indie pop-folk band Ben&Ben is the official music partner with their song “Triumph” serving as the official song of the men’s volleyball world joust as the PNVF braces for the 100-day countdown in June.

Preparations are in full swing, assured Suzara, with the PNVF also lining up a bevy of promotional events including the Trophy Tour, International Road Show, Mascot Contest and Launch, Media Broadcast Conference, Team Managers Meeting and Test Events around the country and the world.

Larrazabal stamps class in UAAP fencing debut

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 87 Fencing Medal Tally
(G-S-B)

Men's

UP 1-0-1
DLSU 1-0-0
UE 0-1-1
UST 0-1-1
Ateneo 0-0-1

Women's

UST 2-0-0
UP 0-1-2
UE 0-1-1
DLSU 0-0-1
Ateneo 0-0-0

Boys'

UE 3-1-1
UST 0-1-3
Ateneo 0-1-2
DLSZ 0-0-0
UPIS 0-0-0

Girls'

UST 1-1-0
UE 1-0-3
DLSZ 0-1-1
Ateneo 0-0-0

In her collegiate debut, Alexal Larrazabal stamped her class in the women's individual epee for the University of Santo Tomas in the second day of the UAAP Season 87 Fencing Championships Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The freshman claimed the gold after defeating Andrea Matias of the University of the East, 15-10, in the final, capping off the morning session. Already part of the national team pool, she made her case in the knockout rounds by dispatching two La Salle fencers back-to-back, first taking out Krups Ednilag, 15-6, and Cyrra Vergara, 15-8.

She succeeds fellow Ormoc native Juliana Gomez, who won this event the last couple of seasons after it was brought back post-pandemic. The UP graduate opted to sit out this season to focus on national team aspirations.

Alexa was very much appreciative of the support she received on her path to triumph. She says, "Wow, so many people supported me; and I'm so happy that it's my first year, and I did not expect to get number one at all. I would like to thank Coach Arman (Bernal); he was there the whole competition, coaching me by my side. There are so many coaches that I would like to thank, and you're all very important to me."

Fresh from yesterday's foil gold from Janna Catantan, Larrazabal adds, "I'm so happy (for her), and I'm so glad to be teammates with ate Yssah; she's a good fencer. And I'm also happy that I was able to give another gold medal to UST."

With these two golds, UST has widened its gap on the field, which sees defending champions the University of the East stumble out of the gate in third place with Matias' runner-up finish.

Sneaking into second place are the Fighting Maroons, who snapped up a bronze in the morning after Juliana Ballesteros ensured a semifinal spot by nipping Jaymi delos Santos, 15-14 in the quarters.

La Salle also officially entered into the medal tally with Vergara tallying a bronze, defeating Bhea Raguin of UST in the quarters, 15-9, before bowing to Larrazabal in the semifinals.

In Boys' action, James Lim put UE at the cusp of clinching the division for the thirteenth straight season with his individual foil title to add to his silver yesterday on sabre.

After dispatching back-to-back Ateneo fencers in consecutive rounds to secure a finals berth (15-0 over Albert Pascua and 15-6 over Derek Perez), last year's Most Valuable Player took care of business against Rayne Maravilla to secure the title, 15-7.

He shared afterwards, "Sobrang importante po na nakuha ko 'yung gold na 'to kasi makakatulong po 'to para mag-champion po uli kami. We hope na yung girls', men's, and women's teams makuha din po nila 'yung championship."

In the process, Lim completes the individual sweep in the division for the Junior Warriors, with Gale taking care of epee and Khiane Felipe on sabre yesterday.

He adds, "Masaya po kami na nakuha namin 'yung golds sa epee, foil, and sabre. Hopefully, makuha pa rin sa Thursday and Friday 'yung teams. Kasi 'yung goal namin is a pa-13-peat kami, kaya gusto namin talagang kunin 'yung championship. Less pressure na lang rin siguro dahil nakuha na namin 'yung tatlong golds sa individual."

Also earning a medal is Angel Aberilla from UST, who lost to his teammate Maravilla, 15-14, to secure the bronze.

Completing the morning session on the second day is the girls' sabre, where Liah Gilliana of the University of Santo Tomas outpointed her teammate Kathleen Tuy, 15-14.

The Espana-based fencers set up the matchup by defeating their opponents from the University of the East in the semifinals to ensure they finish on top of the division.

Gillana stunned fellow youth standout Sophia Catantan, 15-10, while Kathleen, the younger sister of collegiate standouts Kim and Krystal, edged out Nicol Canlas, 15-14.

Liah says about their feat, "Actually, in-expect ko naman po kasi sa sabre, malakas naman kami, and ever since we've been conditioning ourselves, putting our minds and thoughts in this. Proud na proud rin kami na nakabawi na kami and maganda rin naman 'yung performance namin. Hopefully, we will see it din in the future competitions."

The two bronzes complement the gold and bronze UE netted yesterday to put them in second place.

Bernardo's walk-off lifts Ateneo over Adamson

c/o UAAP Media Team

ANGELO Bernardo stepped up to the plate at the very last moment and delivered Ateneo de Manila University to an 8-7 walk-off spoiler win over Final Four-seeking Adamson University to finish their UAAP Season 87 Baseball campaign on a high note at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium, Wednesday morning.

Bernardo, a third-year slugger out of PAREF Southridge School, was called up to bat for Alfonso Tueres with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning with just one out.

He embraced the trust given to him by head coach Bocc Bernardo, hammering a blooper to left center field that scored Joaquin Mendoza and Khristian Ferrolino for the victory that snapped a six-game skid for the Blue Eagles to end the season with a 2-8 record.

“Medyo nagtalo kami ni Coach Randy (Dizer) sa last minute na yun ano? But sabi ko kailangan ko lang ng hitter. Even if you don’t look at the stats, si Angelo was one of our more consistent hitters all throughout the season so at that very moment I made that decision na siya ‘yung papaluin,” said Bocc Bernardo, who is in his third year as the Ateneo head coach.

(“We kind of had a disagreement, Coach Randy (Dizer) and I, in that last minute, right? But I told him I just needed a hitter. Even if you don’t look at the stats, Angelo was one of our more consistent hitters throughout the season, so at that very moment, I made the decision that he would be the one to take the hit.")

After Matt San Juan flew out to left field to open the bottom of the ninth stanza, senior players Mendoza and Carlos Dela Rosa reached base on a walk and a single, respectively. Dela Rosa was then replaced with pinch runner Ferrolino.

Rico Samson then earned himself a walk to load the bases with him being replaced by pinch runner Rafael Aquino.

Then Angelo Bernardo’s moment came.

“Alam naman namin lahat what we are capable of. Just breaks of the game and of course our youth was a big factor. Winning at the end of the season was also very good for us kasi syempre we don’t wanna move on and look at what we did wrong, we also want to know what we did right,” said Bocc Bernardo.

(“We all know what we’re capable of. It was just the breaks of the game, and of course, our youth was a big factor. Winning at the end of the season was also very good for us because, of course, we don’t want to move on just focusing on what we did wrong—we also want to recognize what we did right.")

Trailing 4-6 in the top of the eighth period, pinpoint baserunning allowed Adamson to take over and regain a 7-6 lead.

John Mark Tupig ignited the three-run rally with an inning-opening triple followed by John Matanguihan’s single to plate him and trim the Soaring Falcons deficit to just one, 5-6.

After Ateneo took out the next two batters, Bocc Bernardo gambled by intentionally walking the next two hitters, cleanup batter Joao Severino and Lawrence Mercado to open the possibility of a force-out.

However, a failed pickoff attempt at first base allowed Adamson to score Matanguihan and Severino for the 7-6 advantage.

The Soaring Falcons, who ended the elimination round at 4-6, could have entered the Final Four with a win but are now relegated to the playoff for the last semifinals spot against the loser of the UST Golden Sox-UP Fighting Maroons match being played as of publishing time.

Ateneo’s plate discipline was in full display, earning nine walks while also nabbing eight hits while Joshua de Juras registered a no-relief effort on the mound, striking out seven.

Matanguihan went 3-of-6 at-bat while Severino and Mercado also tallied two hits each for Adamson.

James Nisnisan, a rookie pitcher out of Baguio National School of Arts and Trades, started for the Soaring Falcons but struggled, allowing two hits and two walks in just 1/3 inning of work before head coach Lando Binarao pulled the plug and replaced him with Rommel Bacalla, who pitched 8 and 1/3 innings.

With two runners on base in the bottom of the ninth, Kenneth Delos Santos took over the mound for Adamson but could not finish the job.

Mendoza, Dela Rosa, Samson, Emilio Perez, Lorenzo Montemayor, and Ezekiel Laygo made their final run around the diamond.

TEAM     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9   R H E
AdU         2 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0  7 10 1
Ateneo     3 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 2   8 9 3

Five straight wins for UST in men's volleyball

c/o UAAP Media Team

Games on Saturday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

9 a.m. – Ateneo vs UE (Men)
11 a.m. – FEU vs DLSU (Men)
1 p.m. – Ateneo vs UE (Women)
3 p.m. – FEU vs DLSU (Women)

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas showed no signs of rust, cruising to its fifth straight win with a 25-17, 25-20, 25-11 sweep of also-ran University of the Philippines, to take solo third in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, Wednesday morning at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Coming off a nine-day Holy Week break, two-time UAAP MVP Josh Ybanez and rookie standout JJ Macam still flaunted their dominant form against the already-eliminated Fighting Maroons, steering the Golden Spikers to their fifth consecutive win for a 9-4 card to zone in on the third seed.

However, a De La Salle University win over Adamson University -- which is ongoing as of publishing -- the third seed in the Final Four will boil down to both La Salle and UST’s final elimination matches over the weekend.

And the road would not get any easier for both the Green Spikers and the Golden Spikers as La Salle will face top-seeded Far Eastern University on Saturday, while UST will gear up for a Season 86 Finals rematch against second-seeded National University on Sunday -- both at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

“Yung preparation namin towards the last games of this tournament, medyo intense talaga. Sa ginawa ng mga bata ngayon, natuwa kaming mga coaches kasi yung mga pinagpractice namin during the Holy Week break, nakita naman namin, even though hindi pa siya ganoon kakinis,  pero may improvement pa kami na mapapakita,” UST assistant coach Benjamin Mape said.

("Our preparation leading up to the last games of this tournament was quite intense. With what the players showed today, we coaches were really pleased because the things we practiced during the Holy Week break, we were able to see them in action—even though it's not yet very polished, there's still improvement that we can show.")

Eager to finish the Fighting Maroons, the Golden Spikers raced to a commanding 10-point, 13-3 lead to open the third frame, fueled by a crosscourt hit by Jayrack de la Noche and two straight aces from  Macam.

That surge proved to be all the breathing room that UST needed as two consecutive aces from De la Noche and Macam, a Tommy Castrodes service error, a Ybañez off-the-block hit, and a combination play from the returning Alche Gupiteo sealed the Golden Spikers’ win.

In the second set, a down-the-line hit from Nigerian wing spiker Olayemi Raheem, a Ybañez attack error, and a Kobe Aca-ac block on Macam cut the Fighting Maroons’ deficit from 23-17 to 23-20, but Trevor Valera converted a timely quick hit while Angelo Lipata’s crosscourt hit sailed out, paving the way for UST’s two-set lead.

Pivotal in the Golden Spikers’ ninth win through 13 outings was the dominance they displayed in both the attack (47-23) and ace (10-0) departments, respectively.

Ybañez fueled UST with 15 points on 12 attacks and three aces with 10 excellent receptions, while Macam provided 11 points on eight attacks and three aces with nine excellent receptions.

Colinares also scored 11 points on nine attacks and two aces, while De la Noche added 10 points on nine attacks with four excellent receptions.

Team captain Dux Yambao tossed out 21 excellent sets in the sweep, while rookie libero Edriel Alabar contributed nine excellent digs and seven excellent receptions.

Heading into its final elimination game of Season 87 -- a date with Adamson on Saturday at the Big Dome -- UP will stay at sixth place, dropping its third straight game to fall to 3-10.

Raheem was the lone Fighting Maroon in double-digits with 10 points on nine attacks, while Milven Francisco chipped in six points in the losing effort.

UP secures gold in Miggy Bautista's return to collegiate fencing

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 87 Fencing Medal Tally
(G-S-B)

Men's
UP 1-0-1
DLSU 1-0-0
UE 0-1-1
UST 0-1-1
Ateneo 0-0-1

Women's
UST 1-0-0
UP 0-1-1
UE 0-0-1
Ateneo 0-0-0
DLSU 0-0-0

Boys'
UE 2-1-1
Ateneo 0-1-1
UST 0-0-2
DLSZ 0-0-0
UPIS 0-0-0

Girls'
UE 1-0-1
DLSZ 0-1-1
UST 0-0-0
Ateneo 0-0-0

After five years, Miggy Bautista's return to the UAAP is a successful one, as the Rookie of the Year back in Season 82 for Ateneo de Manila clinched the individual title in men's epee in dramatic fashion at the league's Season 87 Fencing Championships at Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Tuesday afternoon.

Now representing the University of the Philippines, Bautista improved on his silver finish then with a gold medal this time, nipping reigning league MVP Nicollei Felipe, 15-14.

Also part of the national team pool, the 23-year-old shares, "It feels really good to be back in the UAAP after five years. I miss the energy; the last time I'm playing here, I was playing for Ateneo and got the silver medal. Buti na lang I was able to come back and do better this year."

He acknowledges that there is still room for improvement, "Actually, if I have to rate my performance, it was very mid. Maybe it's six out of ten, compared to what I feel like I can do. I'm just glad to have the emotional and mental resilience to focus and win the bout even after being down."

Before setting up his match against his fellow national team member, Bautista outlasted Adam Putian of the University of Santo Tomas in the quarterfinals, 15-13, before defeating fellow Maroon John Dexter Ramos, 15-9.

Completing the podium is Kieth Bernal from the University of Santo Tomas, who lost to Felipe in the semifinals, 8-15, to secure a bronze finish with Ramos.

The University of the East ensured its stranglehold atop the boys division after Khiane Felipe topped fellow Junior Warrior James Lim in individual sabre, 15-13.

It was UE's second gold in as many events, after Brynt Gale topped the individual epee earlier in the day.

Sharing his thoughts afterwards, the seventeen-year-old from San Francisco Elementary School says, "Naka-relieve po kami sa kaba kasi dini-defend nga po namin 'yung title namin na 12-peat, so mas mas madali sa 'ming ma-secure 'yung championship dahil nakuha namin 'tong two golds."

Felipe adds, "Importante talaga sa 'ming ma-defend siya kasi nagsimula siya hindi naman sa 'min, kundi sa seniors namin. Kaya hindi lang sa 'min magiging masakit kung mawala, sa kanila rin."

Sebastian Aceron of Ateneo de Manila and Eilrach Sendico of the University of Santo Tomas claimed the bronze medals after bowing out of the semifinals against their respective Junior Warriors opponents.

Completing the afternoon session saw Sophia Catantan showcase her dominance in girls' individual foil for the University of the East.

After just allowing one point combined in pool play, the youth standout took care of business against Rana Rafael of Ateneo de Manila, 15-3 in the quarterfinals, then dispatched fellow Junior Warrior Willa Galvez, 15-5 in the semifinals.

She then capped it off with a 15-4 victory over Zobel fencer and fellow national team youth standout Miyake Capina, 15-4.

Opao took note of her sister's feat earlier in the day and hoped she could keep that going. She says, "Siyempre na-boost po 'yung mood ko na nag-gold si ate; inisip ko po na sana ako rin. Sobrang nag-enjoy lang po talaga ko today, wala akong inisip na kaba or pressure. Ginawa ko lang po kung paano ako maglaro."

Capina had defeated teammate Martina Baccay in the semifinal, 15-12, ensuring UE and Zobel corner all the medals in this particular discipline.

The remaining individual disciplines will take to the pistes tomorrow at the same venue.

UAAP volleyball set to resume after Holy Week break

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Volleyball Standings

Women

*NU 11 2
DLSU 8 4
UST 8 4
FEU 8 5
UP 6 6
AdU 5 7
Ateneo 4 9
UE 0 13

Men

*FEU 12 1
*NU 11 2
*UST 8 4
*DLSU 8 4
Ateneo 6 7
UP 3 9
AdU 2 10
UE 0 13
*Final Four

Games Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

9 a.m. – UST vs UP (Men)
11 a.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Men)
1 p.m. – UST vs UP (Women)
3 p.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Women)

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines plays University of Santo Tomas as it tries to keeps its hopes alive of entering the Final Four via the backdoor as the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament resumes today (Wednesday) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Having defeated three of last year's semifinalists in the eliminations, the Fighting Maroons seek to hurdle another one in the Tigresses in the 1 p.m. contest as they try to remain on course of seeking a playoff for the No. 4 spot.

With a 6-6 record, UP needs to sweep its last two matches, including its elims finale against Adamson University on Sunday, and hope that either De La Salle (8-4), UST (8-4) and Far Eastern University (8-5) won't reach nine wins to stay on course for its first Final Four stint since UAAP Season 78 (2016).

The Lady Spikers seek to rebound from a tough five-set loss to the Fighting Maroons before the Lenten break as they shoot for a 15th consecutive Final Four berth against the Lady Falcons at 3 p.m.

Defending champion National University, with a league-best 11-2 record, is the only team that has assured of a Final Four slot and a twice-to-beat advantage.

UP's 26-24, 18-25, 19-25, 25-22, 16-14 victory over La Salle has given motivation for the Diliman-based side to beat another pre-tournament favorite. Prior to shocking the Lady Spikers, the Fighting Maroons had stunned the Lady Tamaraws and the Lady Bulldogs.

UP coach Benson Bocboc hopes that the long hiatus will be a big help for their preparation as well as to have the players' bodies and minds well recovered.

"Hopefully pagbalik namin, mas matibay na after the break," said Bocboc.

("Hopefully when we return, we'll be stronger after the break.")

As the Tigresses were also able to reset during the Holy Week, coach Kungfu Reyes needs his team to produce another collective effort to foil the Fighting Maroons and complete the Final Four cast.

"Alam mo yung sakripisyo, siyempre iba pa rin talaga yung 100 percent ka na wala kang masyadong bitbit na masakit ang legs mo or something like that, pero ngayon, we're getting better na naging na nakakapagpahinga ng maayos," said Reyes.

("You know the sacrifice, of course, it's still different when you're 100 percent and you don't have to carry the pain in your legs or something like that, but now, we're getting better because we've been able to rest properly.")

Adamson, sporting a 5-7 card, may have missed the Final Four for a second straight season, but the San Marcelino-based squad is determined to go down swinging.

For coach JP Yude, the Lady Falcons' Season 88 has already began with phenomenal rookie Shai Nitura determined to carry the team in the last two matches and close out its campaign on a high note.

"Siguro, I know na nandiyan na yan (Nitura) yung talent na ganyan na binigay sa kanya ng Panginoon. We are blessed, pero I just want na continue lang siya maging humble all the time," said Yude.

("Maybe, I know that the talent (Nitura) has is a gift from God. We are blessed, but I just want him to continue being humble all the time.")

"Kahit anuman marating niya sa buhay, anoman ang makuha niyang puntos man diyan o ma-break na record diyan — maging humble lang all the time and continue mag-lead sa mga kasama niya, kasi yan yung way ng Lord kung paano niya i-lead yung mga kasama niya. Kasi nga siya yung nagdo-dominate sa loob ng court and sa team," he added.

("Whatever he achieves in life, whatever points he scores or records he breaks — just stay humble all the time and continue to lead his teammates, because that's the way the Lord leads those around him. Because he is dominating on the court and with the team.")

Nitura, who has a record five 30-point outings this season, scored only 16 points in their first round loss to the Lady Spikers, her second lowest output in the tournament.

Meanwhile, UST takes on UP at 9 a.m., while La Salle goes up against Adamson at 11 a.m. Both the Golden Spikers and the Green Spikers, with similar 8-4 cards, have assured spots in the Final Four with their respective final elimination round rankings yet to be settled.

As UST braces for the Final Four, either against FEU (12-1) or NU (11-2), coach Odjie Mamon welcomed the Lenten hiatus to rejuvenate.

"Yung break, it will be an advantage for us. The players can recover. 'yong mga may injuries can recover, and of course, 'yong mental fatigue medyo ma-alleviate over the break," said Mamon.

("The break will be an advantage for us. The players can recover. Those with injuries can heal, and of course, the mental fatigue will be somewhat alleviated over the break.")

For De La Salle, which is eyeing to enter the podium after back-to-back fourth-place finishes, coach Jose Roque wanted his troops to deliver 100 percent effort in the last two matches before the Final Four.

"We'll play hard talaga. Sabihin na namin na alam namin yung security namin in the Final Four, pero we'll still take it seriously. Talagang gusto namin tapusin ng malakas yung second round. Kung kaya namin i-sweep yung second round, I think magiging better preparation para sa amin 'yon for the semifinals," said Roque.

("We're really going to play hard. Even if we already know our spot in the Final Four is secure, we'll still take it seriously. We really want to finish the second round strong. If we can sweep the second round, I think that would be a better preparation for us heading into the semifinals.")

Jannah Catantan reclaims UAAP women's foil title

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 87 Fencing Medal Tally
(G-S-B)

Men's
DLSU 1-0-0
UST 0-1-0
Ateneo 0-0-1
UE 0-0-1
UP 0-0-0

Women's
UST 1-0-0
UP 0-1-1
UE 0-0-1
Ateneo 0-0-0
DLSU 0-0-0

Boys'
UE 1-0-1
Ateneo 0-1-0
UST 0-0-1
DLSZ 0-0-0
UPIS 0-0-0

JANNAH Catantan reclaimed the women’s individual foil title to propel University of Santo Tomas to the early lead in the women’s division of the UAAP Season 87 Fencing Championships, Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Malate, Manila, highlighting the morning session of the competition.

The Atletang Ayala and national team standout dominated the field, capping off her impressive run with a clinical 15-3 win over defending champion Nana Carbonell of University of the Philippines in the final to earn her second title in the discipline.

On her way to completing the sweep, Catantan blanked Ateneo de Manila's Bea Ursolino, 15-0, before dispatching reigning league MVP Queenie Dalmacio of the University of the East, 15-8 in the semifinals.

"Pinaka lesson na natutunan ko last year is not to pressure myself too much. Physically, technically, wala talaga rin ako masyadong binago, it's more on mentally preparing myself kasi po alam ko do'n talaga ko nagkulang — mentally and emotionally — last year. And kaya heading into this competition, ang preparation ko talaga is not to be too hard on myself, taking time to rest especially if hindi po talaga kaya. And it works," said the 32nd Southeast Asian Games bronze medalist.

("The biggest lesson I learned last year is not to pressure myself too much. Physically and technically, I didn’t really change much — it was more about mentally preparing myself, because I knew that’s where I really fell short last year — mentally and emotionally. So heading into this competition, my preparation was really about not being too hard on myself, allowing myself to rest especially when I really couldn’t push anymore. And it works.")

"Mabuti rin po na na-realize ko po 'yon kasi even before I feel like I'm really pressuring myself too much when, in fact, naco-compromise na po 'yung performance. Kaya 'yon, naging mabait lang po talaga ako sa sarili ko," she added.

("It’s also a good thing that I realized that, because even before, I felt like I was really putting too much pressure on myself, and in fact, it was already compromising my performance. So yeah, I just chose to be kinder to myself.")

Carbonell, who lost to Catantan in pool play, 2-5, earned her spot in the final by dispatching Yelena Martinez of Ateneo, 15-2, in the quarterfinals, and then outpointing Mariel Flores in an all-UP matchup, 15-4.

Flores and Dalmacio shared bronze medals as a result of their semifinal appearances.

On the men's side, De La Salle University’s Christian Buenaventura pulled off a thrilling upset over UST’s reigning back-to-back men’s sabre champion Eunice Villanueva with a 15-14 victory in the final, putting the Green Fencers ahead.

Villanueva battled back to tie things at 14-all, but his hopes for a threepeat were neutralized after the 24-year-old senior held his nerve and landed a decisive counter to seal the win.

"When he was able to tie the match, that shook me a little bit, especially when I thought the touch before that was mine. In the end, I kind of went back to what I was saying before: to reset and think about what to do next, and was able to focus on what I need," shared Buenaventura.

"After the previous three years, in my mind, it's about time (I got one). I feel like in the previous years, I underperformed, but this time, I finally performed the way I should," he added.

Sharing the bronze after bowing out in the semifinals are Charles Babatio of the University of the East and Andre Agatep of Ateneo de Manila University.

Capping off the morning session is Brynt Gale's triumph in the boys' individual epee to kickstart UE's hopes to extend their reign in the division for a thirteenth straight campaign.

Brynt matched his brother Von Eubert's feat with a 15-10 victory over Ateneo High School's Samuel Gatmaytan in the final.

"Masaya po kasi nakakuha ako ng gold and nakatulong ako sa university namin. And sana proud siya (referring to his brother) na nakuha ko rin 'yung gold katulad niya," Gale said.

("I'm happy because I was able to win a gold medal and help our university. And I hope he's proud (referring to his brother) that I also won a gold just like he did.")

UST’s John Malinao and UE’s Ruzel Gallano secured the remaining bronze medals.

UE aims for historic fourth straight UAAP fencing sweep

c/o UAAP Media Team

UNIVERSITY of the East looks to extend its dominance in the sport as it aims for a fourth consecutive quadruple championship when the UAAP Season 87 Fencing Championships begin Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Malate, Manila.

The Red Warriors are gunning for their 13th straight title in the Boys’ division—currently the longest active championship streak in the league. The Men's and Girls’ squads will each aim for an 11th consecutive crown, while the Women’s team is eyeing a four-peat.

Reigning MVP Nicollei Felipe will lead the charge for UE’s Men's squad, which remains the heavy favorite in the epee and foil events. Meanwhile, the University of Santo Tomas will rely on back-to-back individual sabre champion Eunice Villanueva to make his mark once again.

University of the Philippines remains a strong contender, particularly in the epee category, bolstered by the anticipated debut of UAAP Season 82 Rookie of the Year and national team standout Miggy Bautista in maroon colors.

Four-time MVP Queenie Dalmacio will spearhead UE’s Women’s squad for the final time, as she sets her sights on a fourth individual sabre gold. At the same time, Nana Carbonell is expected to step up and fill the gap left by Juliana Gomez’s departure, taking on a leadership role for UP.

UST is also expected to make a strong push for podium finishes, with Jannah Catantan eyeing redemption in the individual foil after yielding the gold to Carbonell last season.

De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University are also hoping to make a splash and pull off some surprises during the tournament.

In the Juniors division, UAAP Season 85 MVP James Lim and UAAP Season 86 MVP Opao Catantan will once again suit up for the Junior Warriors, defending the Boys' and Girls' titles, respectively.

The competition kicks off today with individual events in Boys’ Epee, Men’s Sabre, and Women’s Foil in the morning session. The afternoon will feature Girls’ Foil, Boys’ Sabre, and Men’s Epee. On Wednesday, the action continues with Boys’ Foil, Girls’ Sabre, and Women’s Epee, concluding with Women’s Sabre, Men’s Foil, and Girls’ Epee to wrap up the individual events.

The same schedule will be repeated over the following two days, this time for the team events.

Samsung continues commitment towards sutstainable development with Galaxy Earth Day Run 2025

Earth Day Run

Running enthusiasts will have the opportunity to combine their passion and their care for the planet with the 2025 edition of the Galaxy Earth Day Run, which is presented by Samsung.

Done in collaboration with Runrio and the Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines, the event will take place on April 27, at three different locations: the SM Mall of Asia Complex in Manila, City Di Mare in Cebu, and Azuela Cove in Davao.

Each location has its own scenic route that will cater to its runners of 5K, 10K, and 21K. The Manila Bay will serve as the backdrop for those in Manila. The coastal breeze that runs alongside the South Road Properties greets the Cebu runners, while those at Davao will be passing through a lush, green environment that also offers a glimpse of the Davao Gulf.

For this year's edition, the theme is "Run with Purpose." According to Runrio Managing Partner Andrew Neri, "It’s a simple yet telling call to action for everyone and a reminder that every step we take is a step to a more sustainable future."

Tzu Chi Foundation Commissioner Jane Sy adds, "This isn’t just any run. It increases the awareness of each person in making a difference for our planet."

Representing title sponsors Samsung, Galaxy Ecosystem Product Marketing Manager for Samsung Electronics Philippines Nic Rodriguez says, "Samsung's partnership in the Galaxy Earth Day Run 2025 signifies our belief that technology should empower action, not just track it. We're uniting thousands to run with purpose, proving that every kilometer logged is a step towards a more sustainable world, powered by innovation."

Designed with an emphasis towards heightened awareness about environmental protection, as well as to help advocate the importance of conserving resources and reducing our carbon footprint, the Galaxy Earth Day Run is set to implement waste reduction strategies, including optimized water distribution to reduce plastic bottle usage and utilizing eco-friendly materials for event collaterals. Having the partnership with the Tzu Chi Foundation reinforces such a commitment, as the latter will handle waste management and recycling efforts during and after the run.

Organizers are expecting around seventeen thousand participants, with almost sixteen thousand already signed up across the three locations.

The event is a neat way to test run those who have their new fitness smartwatches, especially from Samsung: the Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Galaxy Watch 7. The former is  a premium, rugged smartwatch with its titanium body and sapphire crystal glass, built to withstand the demands of any runner, while the latter is a stylish, high-performance smartwatch with a sleek design and various durable features that make it an ideal companion for participants aiming to track their personal wellness in a compact device.

Both devices reflect Samsung's commitment towards durability and longevity, which aligns with the Galaxy Earth Day Run's message of sustainability.

For those interested in the event, details are available through https://earthdayrun.org/.

UP outlasts La Salle in five-setter to maintain slim postseason aspirations

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 87 Women's Volleyball Tournament Team Standings

Team W-L
*NU 11-2
DLSU 8-4
UST 8-4  
FEU 8-5
UP 6-6
AdU 5-7
Ateneo 4-9
UE 0-13
*Final Four

Games on April 23 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

9 a.m. – UST vs UP (Men)
11 a.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Men)
1 p.m. – UST vs UP (Women)
3 p.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Women)

With University of the Philippines’ Final Four aspirations hanging by a thread, the Fighting Maroons found timely relief through Joan Monares, rookie standout Kianne Olango, and American middle blocker Kassandra Doering to keep their slim postseason hopes alive in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.

Powered by the trio’s contributions, UP pulled off another stunning upset—this time toppling De La Salle University in five thrilling sets, 26-24, 18-25, 19-25, 25-22, 16-14—on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

The victory not only kept UP’s dream of ending a six-year Final Four drought alive, but also spoiled the Lady Spikers’ first attempt at securing their 15th straight postseason appearance.

Reeling from a tough loss to Far Eastern University, the Fighting Maroons bounced back in the biggest way, improving to an even 6-6 record with two games left in the eliminations.

However, the job is far from done for UP. To strengthen their Final Four bid over contenders like UST (8-4) and FEU (8-5), the Maroons must secure victories in their last two assignments: against the Golden Tigresses on Wednesday, April 23, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, and versus the Adamson Lady Falcons on Sunday, April 27, at the Big Dome.

“Maganda yung nagawa. May mga parts na nawawala sa plano, so medyo napapasigaw tayo doon, pero bumabalik naman. Simple lang naman yung laro ‘eh, susunod lang naman sa game plan, and I think, magco-connect lahat doon. Roller coaster na naman, pero good thing na nagwork sila in crucial times yung mga ine-expect na gagawa,” UP head coach Benson Bocboc said, who led the Fighting Maroons to their first win over the Lady Spikers since Season 81 in 2019 after suffering seven straight losses.

After a Monares attack went wide that locked the fifth set at four-all, UP remained composed in the clutch, uncorking a pivotal 6-1 run -- capped with an off-the-block hit from Monares, a Julyana Tolentino net touch, and an Alleiah Malaluan attack error -- to build a five-point, 10-5 cushion.

The Fighting Maroons brought this strong start until arriving at match point behind a crucial service error from Amie Provido, but Season 85 Rookie-MVP Angel Canino powered the Lady Spikers’ final stand. She unleashed a crosscourt hit, then followed it up with a rejection on Olango to send the decisive fifth set to extended play at 14-all.

Once again, UP showcased ice-cold composure in the dying moments -- Doering nailed a quick attack, while Monares converted the game-winning down-the-line attack to remain in the thick of the Final Four race with a two hour, 25-minute five-set triumph.

Monares reprised the match winner that keyed UP's stunning reversal of defending champion National University last March 26.

“I am grateful na pinagkakatiwalaan ako ng teammates ko. Malaking bagay ‘yon para sa akin na ibibigay sa akin yung last point, and as much as possible, gawin talaga siyang puntos para sa team,” Monares said, who fueled the Fighting Maroons with 16 points on 15 attacks with seven excellent digs and five excellent receptions.

Doering provided 15 points on 12 attacks with 12-of-23 attack efficiency and three blocks, while Olango added 14 points on 10 attacks.

Fourth-year middle blocker Nina Ytang tallied 11 points on 10 attacks, while Irah Jaboneta was one point shy of a triple-double with nine points, 18 excellent receptions, and 16 excellent digs.

Jaz Manguilimotan’s calm playmaking led to 24 excellent sets with three points on two aces and one attack, while Yesha Capistrano anchored UP’s defense with 16 excellent digs and 16 excellent receptions.

The loss proved costly for La Salle, not just in the standings but in their pursuit of a twice-to-beat advantage. The Lady Spikers dropped to 8-4, now tied with UST in second place.

And the road doesn’t get any easier. La Salle will have to regroup quickly for a crucial showdown against a surging Adamson squad—who recently shocked both the NU Lady Bulldogs and FEU Lady Tamaraws—also on April 23 at the same Pasay venue.

In the losing effort, Laput tallied a career-best 27-point performance built on 20 attacks, four blocks, and three aces with nine excellent digs, while Canino achieved 25 points on 22 attacks with seven excellent digs and seven excellent receptions.

Provido tallied 12 points on 10 attacks, while Malaluan was limited to six points on 6-of-21 attack efficiency in the loss.

UST keeps postseason hopes alive in UAAP baseball

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 87 Baseball Standings

*NU 8-1
*DLSU 6-3
AdU 4-5
UP 4-5
UST 4-5
x-Ateneo 1-8

Games on April 23 at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium, starting at 7am

Ateneo vs AdU
UST vs UP*
NU vs DLSU*

* - Law of immediate succession

JESUS Cabigao kept University of Santo Tomas’ Final Four hopes alive in UAAP Season 87 Baseball, delivering a defensive masterclass in a 4-3 win over semifinal-bound De La Salle University on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

The victory created a three-way tie at 4-5 between the Golden Sox, the Adamson Soaring Falcons, and the UP Fighting Maroons—setting up a dramatic finish for the last two Final Four spots. The final day of the elimination round is set for April 23, following the Holy Week break.

UST and UP will face off in the second game on Wednesday in what could be a do-or-die clash for a spot in the semifinals, while Adamson battles the eliminated Ateneo Blue Eagles in the day's opening game at 7 a.m.

After giving up three runs in the first inning, the Golden Sox fought back and regained control in the sixth, scoring two runs that eventually sealed the win.

Sean De Leon sparked the rally with a deep hit to left field, followed by Alwyn Piñero's single that put runners on the corners for Cedrick Marquez.

Marquez, a rookie outfielder from the UST high school program, then delivered a timely hit to the right side to score De Leon and tie the game. JR Vargas followed it up by bringing Piñero home for the go-ahead run.

"Buhay pa, pero importante yung sa UP kasi 'pag matalo, (parang) hangin lang, wala na. Kaya mag-babakasyon kami para magpalakas uli," said long-time UST head coach Jeff Santiago.

("We're still alive, but the game against UP is crucial because if we lose, it's like all of this was for nothing. That's why we'll take the break to recharge and come back stronger.")

"Ang sinabi ko lang sa kanila, magaling kayo kaya niyo natalo ang NU. Kaya hindi imposibleng talunin natin ang La Salle. Basta kumpiyansa lang kayo, magtiwala lang kayo; walang pressure. Importante 'yun eh kasi lumalabas ang depensa, walang gigil. Nakakadepensa ng maaayos, tulad ngayon maganda ang depensa ng mga bata," the UST legend added.

("All I told them was, you're talented—you were able to beat NU. So it's not impossible for us to defeat La Salle. Just stay confident, trust yourselves; no pressure. That's important because when you're relaxed, your defense comes out naturally. No panic. You can play solid defense—just like today, the boys really defended well.")

Defense indeed proved to be the difference-maker. Cabigao and the Golden Sox limited the Green Batters to just six hits and three runs—all of which came in the opening frame.

The second-year pitcher from UST High School racked up six strikeouts and showcased exceptional command on the mound, helping his defense make timely stops—none more crucial than in the seventh inning when La Salle threatened to level the score.

Trailing by one, DLSU captain Lord Aragorn De Vera reached first base after being hit by a Cabigao pitch. Two batters later, De Vera advanced to third and stood in scoring position for fellow senior Tuting Samuel. But Samuel's grounder was snatched by UST third baseman Prince Harry Geronimo on a diving grab. Geronimo quickly recovered and fired a throw to first baseman Piñero to tag out Samuel, ending the threat and igniting a wave of confidence in the UST dugout.

UST’s offense also played a key role, tallying 12 hits and converting them into four earned runs. Marquez led the charge, going 3-for-5 at the plate.

Season 85 MVP Justine Rosales contributed two hits in four at-bats, both resulting in RBIs, while Piñero—batting lead-off—went 2-for-4 and added an RBI of his own.

De Vera, who had DLSU's first hit and scored their second run in the opening inning, ended with one hit and one RBI, as Ezy Bautista also scored. Marco Flores blasted a triple down the left-field line—the Green Batters’ biggest offensive play—but he was left stranded as UST’s defense locked in.

Reliever Peter Nonaillada tried to salvage the game for La Salle, but the two-run swing in the sixth proved too costly, ultimately sealing their third loss of the season and halting their seven-win campaign for now.

TEAM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9     R H E
UST     2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 -- 4 12 0
DLSU  3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -- 3 6 2

NU earns twice-to-beat postseason advantage in women's volleyball

c/o UAAP Media Team

Games on April 23 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

9 a.m. – UST vs UP (Men)
11 a.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Men)
1 p.m. – UST vs UP (Women)
3 p.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Women)

ALYSSA Solomon had a triumphant return as defending champion National University dispatched already-eliminated Ateneo de Manila University, 25-16, 25-15, 25-21, to clinch a twice-to-beat incentive in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Final Four, Sunday afternoon at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Solomon, who sat out the last two games due to a minor left ankle sprain, provided the spark the Lady Bulldogs had been missing with a 12-point performance -- highlighted with a seven-point output in the opening frame -- steering them to one of the two coveted twice-to-beat advantages and locking up the No. 1 seed in the eight-team tournament.

The win lifted NU to an 11-2 record, giving them crucial momentum heading into their Season 86 Finals rematch against the University of Santo Tomas on Sunday, April 27, at the same venue to wrap up the elimination round.

“Super excited ako na makasama sila ulit, lalo na kanina sa game. Pinakita lang namin kung ano yung pinagttrainingan namin over sa mga nakaraang araw. Very happy na nakabalik ako,” Solomon said.

Ateneo showed signs of life in the third set, overcoming an early 15-12 deficit with a backrow hit from AC Miner, a quick attack from Yvana Sulit, and a net touch by Abe Pono to trim the gap to 16-15. But NU responded with three consecutive points from Nigerian opposite hitter Aisha Bello to restore a 20-16 cushion.

Two attack errors from Solomon allowed the Blue Eagles to stay within striking distance at 21-19, but the Lady Bulldogs closed the door with an off-the-block kill from two-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen, a Zey Pacia attack error, a crosscourt spike from Solomon, and a block from Erin Pangilinan to complete the sweep and secure their second straight win in just 85 minutes.

Earlier in the match, NU seized firm control with a blistering 19-9 start in the second set, fueled by a quick hit from Pangilinan, a clever tip from Belen, and a strong attack from Chammy Maaya to take a commanding two-set lead.

“Napakahalaga na naghhelp yung team, lalo na pa-semis na, so ‘yon yung pinakaimportante kasi syempre, mahihirap na yung mga games. Happy kami and thankful na magiging okay yung takbo namin sa remaining games,” Lady Bulldogs head coach Sherwin Meneses said.

Belen achieved an all-around output of 16 points on 12 attacks, two blocks, and two aces with 13 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs, while Pangilinan provided 11 points on seven attacks and three blocks.

Maaya added nine points on five attacks and three blocks, while Vange Alinsug also tallied nine points on seven attacks with five excellent digs.

Camilla Lamina dished out 17 excellent sets, while Shaira Jardio tallied seven excellent receptions and six excellent digs.  

Meanwhile, the loss marked Ateneo’s fourth consecutive defeat, dropping them to 4-9 in the standings with one game left in the preliminaries—a matchup against the winless UE Lady Warriors on Saturday, April 26, also at the Araneta Coliseum.

A win against UE would allow the Blue Eagles to finish with a 5-9 record, identical to their Season 86 campaign, and narrowly avoiding a repeat of their worst finish in recent history—a 4-10 outing in Season 85.

No Blue Eagle finished in double-digits as De Guzman and AC Miner paced Ateneo with nine points each, while rookie middle blocker Jihan Chuatico chipped in five points on four attacks and one block in the losing effort.

UP escapes with key triumph over Adamson in UAAP Baseball

c/o UAAP Media Team

Games on April 23 at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium, starting at 7am

Ateneo vs AdU
UST vs UP*
NU vs DLSU*
    *    - Law of immediate succession

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines breathed new life into its UAAP Season 87 Baseball Final Four hopes with a thrilling 13-12 victory over first-round tormentor Adamson University, Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

After a heartbreaking loss to the reigning champions National University Bulldogs last Wednesday, the Fighting Maroons capitalized on their opportunity in the ninth inning to climb into a tie for third place with Adamson at 4-5.

Both UP and Adamson are now just one win ahead of University of Santo Tomas (3-5), which is still in the running for the last two spots in the semifinals.

The game mirrored the two teams' first-round encounter, where Adamson staged a dramatic ninth-inning comeback to snatch victory.

This time, it was UP that emerged victorious in a similarly tense final frame.

Down by three runs heading into the ninth inning, the Fighting Maroons seized the moment.

VJ Mangahas led off the rally with his third hit of the game, a single to Adamson third baseman Kier Plaza. LM Basañes, who replaced Kiel Agojo, followed with a deep double to left field, putting two runners in scoring position for Darren Mayo.

Although Mayo was retired by Adamson reliever James Nisnisan, reigning MVP Ian Mercado drew a walk to load the bases for UP. With the bases loaded, the Fighting Maroons pounced.

A passed ball by Adamson catcher Mark Vincent Simbajon allowed Mangahas and Basañes to score, cutting the deficit to two runs. A wild pitch, with Eman Javier at the plate, allowed Mercado to tie the game. Then, another passed ball, this time with Javier batting, scored Aaron Nicha for the go-ahead run.

The Soaring Falcons finally retired the inning, getting Kobe Torres out at first on a grounder from Ivan Jonson, which he fielded and threw to first baseman Kier Plaza.

Despite the close call, UP held on to its lead. In the bottom of the ninth, Torres played a key role in preserving the win, executing pitches that resulted in routine fly outs.

Mercado caught John Matanguihan’s fly ball in center field, while Basañes snagged Nisnisan's from the left. Mayo then ended the game after three hours and 45 minutes, securing the comeback victory for the Fighting Maroons.

"Ito na 'yung gusto kong makita sa UP team na hindi natatapos 'yung game na talaga every inning dapat paghirapan at sakripisyo. Kumbaga, maturity-wise, ando'n na eh. Sana mailabas ko pa 'yung laro nila, ma-enjoy nila, walang magiging masyadong problema. Kailangan nilang tumapang; alam nila kung ano 'yung ginagawa nila and every play advanced sila. Ito na siguro 'yun," said first-year head coach Iking Jimenez.

("This is what I want to see from the UP team—that the game doesn't end without them really working hard and sacrificing every inning. In terms of maturity, they’re there. I hope I can bring out more of their game, that they enjoy it, and that there won’t be too many problems. They need to be brave; they know what they’re doing, and they advance with every play. This is probably it.")

The Maroons' offensive attack in the early innings set the stage for their dramatic comeback.

Mangahas led the charge with three hits in five at-bats, driving in four RBIs. UP’s starting battery also contributed significantly, with catcher Eman Javier collecting three hits in four at-bats and driving in one RBI, while eventual winning pitcher Torres added a hit that produced runs in the first inning.

Torres was on the verge of suffering a loss, but his resilience paid off.

In the last three innings, he bounced back after allowing just two hits—including a solo home run by Plaza in the eighth—and one run after returning to the mound in the seventh.

Despite Plaza’s impressive solo home run in the eighth, the Soaring Falcons ultimately fell short.

Plaza ended with two hits in four at-bats, and Lawrence Mercado added three hits in five at-bats with two RBIs.

Nisnisan was charged with the loss after giving up the ninth-inning comeback, which was largely fueled by his and Simbajon's errors, along with two walks to Mercado and Javier in the same frame.

TEAM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E

UP 2 0 4 1 0 2 0 0 4 -- 13 12 6
AdU 3 3 2 0 2 0 1 1 0 -- 12 11 7

La Salle completes men's volleyball postseason cast

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 87 Men's Volleyball Tournament Team Standings

Team W-L
*FEU 12-1
*NU 11-2
**UST 8-4
**DLSU 8-4
Ateneo 6-7
UP 3-9
AdU 2-10
UE 0-13
*Twice-to-beat
**Final Four

Games on Apr 23 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

9 a.m. – UST vs UP (Men)
11 a.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Men)
1 p.m. – UST vs UP (Women)
3 p.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Women)

With De La Salle University’s Final Four aspirations hanging in the balance, graduating spikers Vince Maglinao and Noel Kampton made sure that the Green Spikers will play in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Final Four tournament.

The duo of Kampton and Maglinao proved this hunger by leading La Salle through the gallant stand of the already-eliminated University of the Philippines in five thrilling sets, 11-25, 25-18, 25-21, 28-30, 15-9, Sunday afternoon, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

For the third consecutive season since Season 85 in 2023, the men’s division Final Four picture will be composed of the FEU Tamaraws, the NU Bulldogs, the UST Golden Spikers, and the Green Spikers, respectively.

In doing so, La Salle did not only improve to an 8-4 win-loss card for joint-third place alongside UST, but they also eliminated Ateneo de Manila University from the postseason festivities. This will mark the third consecutive year that the Blue Eagles will miss the Final Four -- a drought that began in Season 85.

“With the game, I think trinabaho naman talaga namin, pero gaya nung sinasabi ko sa team ko, kung sino yung nasa harap, gagawa talaga yan ng paraan just to beat us, kaya kailangan natin lumaban talaga. ‘Yon lang yung reminder namin sa kanila, and nagrespond naman yung team,” Green Spikers head coach Jose Roque said.

De La Salle hopes to finally reach the podium after missing the bus in the last two seasons.

A denial by Nigerian wing spiker Olayemi Raheem on Maglinao and another block from Dan Nicolas gave UP a 7-5 head start in the decisive fifth set, but La Salle held on and displayed remarkable composure in the clutch.

After falling victim to a pivotal 10-2 surge in the Fighting Maroons’ first set triumph, the Green Spikers exacted revenge at the most pristine time, mounting a similar run of their own -- starting with two straight Maglinao attacks, a block and crosscourt hit by Rui Ventura, then a net touch by Nicolas to build a 12-8 cushion that proved to be too steep to overcome.

Kampton nailed a crosscourt hit, then Ventura followed it up with a block before Kampton nailed the game-winning crosscourt attack to officially clinch La Salle’s third consecutive trip to the Final Four since Season 85.

“Hindi ko tinatake as negative yung nangyari na umabot sa fifth set kasi what if sa Final Four, may games na fifth sets din kami, kaya at least ready kami. Hindi kami sanay kasi maglaro sa fifth set dati, kaya ang ganda rin ng pinakita namin,” Kampton said, who fueled the Green Spikers with 24 points on 22 attacks with 15 excellent receptions and five digs.

Ventura backed up Kampton with 16 points on 14 attacks and five excellent digs, while Season 86 2nd Best Middle Blocker Nat del Pilar added 11 points on eight attacks and three blocks.

Maglinao provided an all-around performance with 16 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs, while Eric Layug also scored seven points on six attacks.

Eco Adajar orchestrated La Salle’s offense with 24 excellent sets to go along with nine excellent digs, while Season 86 Best Libero and team captain Menard Guerrero achieved 15 excellent digs and 15 excellent digs.

After the league’s eight-day Holy Week break, the Green Spikers will next face the also-ran Adamson University Soaring Falcons come Wednesday, April 23, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Raheem poured in 25 points on 22 attacks in the losing effort, while Nicolas tallied 16 points on 12 attacks and four blocks as the struggles continued for the Fighting Maroons, absorbing their second consecutive defeat to fall to a 3-9 slate with two games left in the preliminaries.

Rookie hitter Tommy Castrodes was limited to 11 points on 11-of-37 attack efficiency but still contributed 17 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs, while Lipata had 10 points, 18 excellent receptions.

Angelo Aballe tossed 30 excellent sets in the loss.

UP will return from the Holy Week break with a clash against UST also on Wednesday, April 23, at the same Pasay venue.

UST reclaims Women's Tennis title

c/o UAAP Media Team

The UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas reclaimed the UAAP Women’s Tennis crown, halting National University’s bid for a 'four-peat' with a commanding 3-0 victory in Game 3 of the Season 87 Finals, Sunday at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center in Malate, Manila.

Last season, the Female Tennisters drew first blood in the Finals but ultimately fell short in the decisive Game 3. This time, they made sure history would not repeat itself—clinching Game 2 with a 3-1 decision before sealing the championship in the winner-take-all third tie, capturing their first title since Season 80.

The victory marked UST’s eighth overall women’s tennis crown, the most in UAAP history.

“So proud, so happy for the team,” said UST head coach Dennis Sta. Cruz. “‘Yun naman ang game plan namin is to get at least two singles for this last game. Luckily, we got three. ‘Di lang dalawa ‘yung binigay namin so we managed to finish the series in three singles na hindi na umabot ng doubles.

(“So proud, so happy for the team. That was really our game plan—to get at least two singles matches in this final game. Luckily, we got three. We didn’t just give two, so we managed to finish the series with three singles wins without having to go into the doubles.”)

“Sana [itong championship ay] maging start ng run, humaba ‘yung run since most of my players are still young, first year and second year,” he added.

(“I hope this championship marks the start of a long run, especially since most of my players are still young—first-years and second-years.")

Finals MVP Mica Emana showed incredible poise and resilience in the second singles match. After splitting the first two sets, Emana dug deep to outlast Danna Abad, 7-5, 4-6, 6-2, clinching the championship and ending a seven-season title drought for the España-based squad.

“Tinibayan ko lang at tinapangan ko po, kagaya ng pagtitiwala sakin ng coaches ko and team ko so nagtiwala rin ako sa sarili ko para makuha ko itong award,” said Emana, who also followed in the footsteps of her sister Kaye by earning the Rookie of the Year award.

(“I just stayed strong and toughened up, just like how my coaches and my team trusted me—so I also believed in myself to be able to earn this award.")

“Kita ko naman ‘yung progress ng Rookie of the Year natin si Mica Emana, nag-deliver talaga siya noong last two games ng finals. So medyo nag-mature. Malaking binago niya from the first round. Nag-mature nang todo ‘yung player,” added Sta. Cruz, commending Mica's growth throughout the season.

(“I really saw the progress of our Rookie of the Year, Mica Emana. She really delivered in the last two games of the finals. She’s matured a lot. She made major improvements since the first round. She truly grew as a player.")

UST drew first blood in Game 3 behind the composed play of Patricia Lim in the third singles match. Lim overcame a tight first set against Julia Carvajal before taking control in the second to win, 6-4, 6-1.

“It feels good knowing that we’ve earned this win. I’ve been here since Season 85. We first won bronze and then silver in 86, and now gold. It was a long journey and I knew that we could make it. It was a team effort. Everyone did their part and I’m very glad of the result,” said Lim.

(“It feels good knowing that we’ve earned this win. I’ve been here since Season 85. We first won bronze, then silver in Season 86, and now gold. It’s been a long journey, and I always believed we could make it. It was a team effort—everyone did their part, and I’m very happy with the result.")

“Our mindset was, since this is our last [year] especially for me and Debbie [Gom-os], we’re graduating students, ibuhos na ang lahat. We should fight and do our best. Dapat wala nang takot or wala nang regrets. Lahat ibuhos na sa court. Fight nang fight hanggang sa pinakadulo kasi ito na ‘yung last talaga namin.”

(“Our mindset was, since this is our last year—especially for me and Debbie [Gom-os] as graduating students—we had to give it our all. We needed to fight and do our best. No fear, no regrets. Leave everything on the court. Just keep fighting until the very end because this is really our last shot.”)

Co-MVP Kaye Emana followed up with a gritty performance in the first singles match, defeating NU's JM Carcueva in straight sets, 6-2, 7-5, to give UST an early 2-0 lead.

“Bumalik kami sa dati naming match-up knowing na kulang sila dahil sa injury ni Jasmine [Jaran] kaya bumalik kami sa dating strategy namin and nag-work naman po. Nagsakto ‘yung gusto namin,” said Emana, who shared MVP honors this season with Fighting Maroon Jufe Cocoy in this tournament supported by Wilson Philippines.

(“We went back to our previous match-up strategy, knowing they were undermanned because of Jasmine [Jaran]’s injury, so we returned to our old game plan—and it worked. Things went exactly the way we wanted.)

“Super happy na this batch and ‘yung mga graduates namin nakapag-champion sila bago makapagtapos."

(“I’m super happy that this batch, especially our graduating players, were able to win a championship before they graduate.”)

NU secures top-two incentive in UAAP Men's Volleyball

c/o UAAP Media Team

Games on April 23 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

9 a.m. – UST vs UP (Men)
11 a.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Men)
1 p.m. – UST vs UP (Women)
3 p.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Women)

NATIONAL University claimed the remaining twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 87 Men's Volleyball Tournament Final Four, sending Ateneo de Manila University to the brink of elimination with a gutsy 30-28, 25-23, 25-16 triumph, Sunday morning at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Thanks to the collective efforts of team captain Leo Aringo and the spark provided by Jan Abanilla, the Bulldogs claimed a crucial playoff advantage while annexing the spot of rival squad UST Golden Spikers in the Final Four. They tallied their fifth straight win to hike their record to 11-2.

In this process, NU sent Ateneo on the verge of bowing out from Final Four contention. A win by the DLSU Green Spikers against the UP Fighting Maroons -- which is ongoing as of posting time -- would complete the Final Four cast in the men's division and officially boot out the Blue Eagles from the postseason festivities for the third straight year.

“Bago kami pumunta talaga rito, minindset namin na kailangan namin itong game na ito kasi ito yung magiging advantage pagdating ng Final Four. Sa pinakita ng players ko na kahit sinong ipasok, nag-deliver sila at sobrang thankful ako sa naging performance kasi sa situation na ito na anytime, kahit sino yung hugutin ko, magpe-perform,” Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin said.

("Before we came here, we really set our mindset that we needed this game because it would be our advantage come the Final Four. With the way my players showed up—no matter who I put in, they delivered—and I'm extremely thankful for their performance because in this kind of situation, where at any time I can call on anyone, they’re ready to perform.")

Unlike the first two frames, two straight crosscourt hits from Aringo proved to be crucial for NU’s straight-set win aspirations, sending Ateneo to a seven-point, 19-12 hole that proved to be too steep to overcome.

The Blue Eagles inched within five points with a 3-1 spurt to cut the deficit to 20-15, but a 1-2 play from Greg Ancheta, an off-the-speed hit and an ace from Michaelo Buddin, and an off-the-block attack and a game-sealing offspeed move from Abanilla completed the Bulldogs’ fifth consecutive win in just 78 minutes.  

A tightly contested second set saw the frame deadlocked at 21-all, but an attack error from Jian Salarzon and three straight attacks from Aringo propelled NU to a two-set advantage.

Buddin top-scored for the Bulldogs with 15 points on 10 attacks, three blocks, and two aces with eight excellent receptions and seven excellent digs, while Aringo provided 12 points on 11 attacks with seven excellent digs and six excellent receptions.

Abanilla relished his first Season 87 start with 11 points and seven excellent digs, while Congolese middle blocker Obed Mukaba and Choi Diao chipped in five points each.

Ancheta dictated NU’s offense with 19 excellent sets, while starting libero Jimwell Gapultos provided 11 excellent receptions and six excellent digs.

The Bulldogs will conclude the eliminations with a clash against the Golden Spikers on Sunday, April 27, also at the Araneta Coliseum.

All hope is not lost for Ateneo as should La Salle drop its last three preliminary matches -- coupled with a Blue Eagles win over the UE Red Warriors on April 26 at the same Cubao venue -- a possible two-way tie for fourth place at 7-7 could be forged.

Batas paced Ateneo with 12 points on 11 attacks with eight excellent receptions, while Amil Pacinio scored 11 points and four excellent digs. Salarzon tallied 10 points and 14 excellent receptions in the losing effort.

Enzo Gutierrez dished out 16 excellent sets, while team captain Lance de Castro achieved 18 excellent receptions and 12 excellent digs.

NU remains on top heading into baseball elims finale

c/o UAAP Media Team

Games on April 23 at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium, starting at 7am

Ateneo vs AdU
UST vs UP*
NU vs DLSU*
* - Law of immediate succession

NATIONAL University continued its march toward the UAAP Season 87 Baseball Final Four with a 7-2 win over also-ran Ateneo de Manila University, Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

Now holding an 8-1 win-loss record, the defending champions aim to lock in the No. 1 seed when they face De La Salle University (6-2) on April 23. That matchup will come after the Holy Week break, marking the end of the elimination round.

The Bulldogs leaned on a strong four-run finish and a composed complete-game performance from pitcher Jherick Timban to notch their second straight win in the second round. But it was the dependable showing from their second-stringers that made the difference in keeping Ateneo at bay.

The turning point came in the fifth inning, with the game tied at two. Kent Altarejos sparked the go-ahead rally with a single to deep left field in the direction of Rico Samson, then stole second to get into scoring position. Kevin Maulit followed with a shot to the same area, bringing Altarejos home to break the deadlock.

“Binigyan namin ng chances 'yung mga second stringers namin, baka sakaling kailanganin namin sila sa mga susunod naming laro. We make it a point, kaming mga coaches, na maging fair sa kanila at para mabigyan naman sila ng playing time. This is the only way para magka-experience sila sa laro, so nasa kanila kung paano nila ite-take 'yung game,” said NU second-year head coach Romar Landicho.

("We gave our second stringers a chance, just in case we need them in our upcoming games. As coaches, we make it a point to be fair to them and to give them playing time. This is the only way they can gain experience in actual games, so it's up to them how they take that opportunity.")

Those second-stringers helped NU establish an early 2-0 lead by the third inning while also holding Ateneo scoreless through the first two frames. Kiel Olazo led the charge with one run apiece in the first and third innings, while Herald Tenorio delivered two hits in the same frames. Altarejos and Maulit also chipped in one hit each.

On the mound, Timban was rock-solid, throwing a complete game without relief. He held Ateneo to just five hits and two earned runs—both coming in the third inning—and struck out 10 batters.

Maulit led the Bulldogs offensively with two hits in four at-bats and two RBIs. Altarejos went 3-of-4 at the plate with one RBI, while Tenorio added a 3-of-5 performance with one RBI as well.

Ateneo, now at 1-8 after dropping its sixth straight game, managed its only offense in the third inning. Matthew San Juan and Alejandro Mendoza each delivered a double and one RBI to bring home Luis Mendoza and San Juan.

But that was all the Blue Eagles could muster, as they were held scoreless and limited to just two hits the rest of the way. Enzo Montemayor accounted for one of those late-game hits, his second coming in the final inning.

Lucas Atentido took his second consecutive loss on the mound after giving up 13 hits and all seven NU runs.

Team    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9     R H E
NU       1 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 2 -- 7 13 1
Ateneo 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 -- 2 5 4

NU reclaims men's tennis title

c/o UAAP Media Team

Tie on Sunday at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center

7 a.m.  – UST vs. NU (Women’s Finals Game 3)

National University returned to the summit of UAAP Men’s Tennis, ending a six-season title drought with a dominant 3-0 win over defending champion University of Santo Tomas in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 Finals, late Saturday evening at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center in Malate, Manila.

After a hard-fought 3-2 win in Game 1, the Bulldogs only needed two wins to clinch their sixth overall UAAP men’s tennis title—spoiling UST’s bid for a three-peat in the process.

This marks NU’s fourth championship this season, adding to their collection alongside Men’s Badminton, Women’s Taekwondo, and Women’s Beach Volleyball.

Facing a 1–5 deficit in the opening set, Aljon Talatayod delivered a gritty performance to come from behind and stun UST’s Sebastian Santos, 7(7)–6(3), 6–2, sealing the title for the Bulldogs in this tournament backed by Wilson Philippines.

“Ang hirap. Natutuwa ako kasi hindi namin ine-expect na ganun ‘yung magiging lineup nila. Iniba din nila, though ‘yung isang player na nawala for about I think two years siyang nawala,” said NU head coach Bobby Esquivel, referring to Talatayod.  “Nakiusap samin na kunin namin siya and even this year, nung first semester, nag-struggle siya sa pag-aral niya and even in the team hindi siya nakiki-practice… then after that he proved his worth naman. I did not expect na siya pa ‘yung mismong magsasara doon. So alam mo ‘yung kaparaanan ng Panginoon, hindi mo masabi.

(“It was tough. I’m really happy because we didn’t expect that would be their lineup. They made some changes, and one of their players had actually been gone for about two years. He personally asked us to take him in, and even this year, during the first semester, he struggled with his academics and even with the team—he wasn’t joining practices… but after that, he proved his worth. I didn’t expect that he would be the one to finish it for us. You really can’t predict the ways of the Lord.”)

“We’re so happy. We’re so blessed kasi from the Final Four, tapos natalo kami in the first game, then the next game, how are we going to recover? Parang ang hirap, and then sabi ko nga sa kanila kanina na ‘Imagine-in mo, naisip niyo ba na nandito tayo ngayon? We won the first match last Wednesday, and then today, what do you think?’

(“We’re so happy. We’re so blessed because coming from the Final Four, we lost the first game, and then the next game, the question was: how are we going to recover? It felt so difficult, and earlier I told them, ‘Just imagine—did you ever think we’d be here right now? We won the first match last Wednesday, and now today, what do you think?’”)

“I want them to believe in themselves. ‘Yun ‘yung pinaka-key namin and then of course ‘yung lagi naming sinasabi sa kanila na ‘pag tingin niyo na ginagawa niyo na ang lahat, nahihirapan kayo, that’s the time na dapat na mas mag-step up kayo, that’s the time na mas maging positive kayo and that’s the time na kailangan mas mag-pray kayo,” Esquivel added.

(“I just want them to believe in themselves. That’s our biggest key. And of course, what we always tell them is: when you feel like you’ve already given everything and things are still hard, that’s the time you have to step up even more, that’s the time you need to stay positive, and that’s the time you need to pray even harder.)

Season 87 Rookie of the Year and co-MVP Andrei Padao gave NU an early advantage, remaining undefeated in singles play after dispatching UST’s Christopher Sonsona, 6-3, 6-0, in the second singles match.

“Sobrang saya kasi syempre, isang taon po namin pinaghandaan ‘to… grabe kasi ‘yung pinagdaanan namin na trainings, ‘yung mga preseason [tournament] pa, kaya sobrang saya po talaga namin na parang nasuklian ‘yung hirap namin tapos ‘yung effort ng mga coaches namin nasuklian din namin sila. Sobrang saya ko kasi, syempre ngayon first year ko palang tapos considering sa course na kinuha ko, Accountancy, syempre mahirap talaga ‘yun… ito ‘yung pinaka-chance talaga na mag-excel talaga ako. Tapos ito lang ‘yung chance na bubuhos talaga ako,” said Padao, who was also named co-Finals MVP.

("I'm so happy because, of course, we prepared for this for a whole year… we went through intense training and even joined preseason tournaments, so we’re really overjoyed that all our hard work paid off—and we were also able to return the effort our coaches gave us. I’m extremely happy because this is only my first year, and considering the course I’m taking, Accountancy, which is really tough… this was my biggest opportunity to truly excel. And this was the one chance where I gave it everything I had.”)

“Syempre goal ko rin po na mag-Rookie of the Year, di ko naman in-expect na magiging MVP din po. ‘Di ko talaga in-expect na wala talaga akong talo ngayon.”

("Of course, my goal was to be Rookie of the Year, but I didn’t expect to be named MVP as well. I really didn’t expect that I’d go undefeated this season.”)

Team captain EJ Tugade, who also took home co-Finals MVP honors, delivered the first major blow to UST with a 6-4, 6-4 upset over co-MVP Nilo Ledama in the first singles match—handing Ledama his first loss of the season.

“First of all, napakasarap talaga sa feeling manalo nitong season na ‘to kasi matagal-tagal na naming inaasam-asam ‘to since Season 85. Sa ngayon, itong nakamit na namin, napakasarap talaga sa feeling. ‘Di ko rin akalain na makukuha namin ‘to ngayong araw. Akala namin, next day pa. But nagapang naman kanina at nakuha din namin ‘yung bawat panalo kanina and nagpapasalamat talaga kami sa nangyari ngayon,” said Tugade.

(“First of all, it feels incredibly good to win this season because we’ve been longing for this since Season 85. Now that we’ve finally achieved it, the feeling is just amazing. I didn’t expect that we would get it today—we actually thought it would take another day. But we really fought for it earlier, and we managed to secure every win, so we’re truly grateful for everything that happened today.”)

The Bulldogs now aim to complete a golden double as their women’s team battles UST in the deciding Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Finals tomorrow, Sunday, at 7 a.m.