Adamson fends off UE for a bounce back win in UAAP Season 88 Women's Volleyball

c/o UAAP

 

Games Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
9 a.m. - Ateneo vs UP (Men)
11 a.m. - UST vs DLSU (Men)
1 p.m. - Ateneo vs UP (Women)
3 p.m. - UST vs DLSU (Women)

Adamson University shrugged off a third-set slip against the University of the East to secure a 25-15, 25-18, 21-25, 25-18 bounce-back win in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.

The Lady Warriors built a 9-5 lead in the third set thanks to strong starts from Khy Cepada and Bea Zamudio, but Abby Segui, Frances Mordi, and Lana Barrera answered for the Lady Falcons with a 10-2 run, giving UE a 15-11 lead.

Adamson, however, allowed UE to come back from 13-17 down, committing five straight errors that tied the set at 18-all. Cepada, Zamudio, Van Bangayan, Eljane Nogueras, and Shania Olmoguez then carried the Lady Warriors to a 25-21 win, forcing a fourth set.

The Lady Falcons regained their composure in the fourth as Shaina Nitura entered the court earlier than in the third set, where she had come in at 18-all.

“Very important win kasi ‘yung mga susunod na laban namin mabibigat na rin na schools so we needed this win kahit na nagkulang kami nung third set, regroup ulit at nakuha namin ‘yung panalo,” said Adamson head coach JP Yude after the one-hour, 45-minute match.

The Lady Falcons improved to 2-1, while the Lady Warriors remained winless in three games.

Nitura finished with 19 points on 19-of-35 spikes, alongside 13 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions, helping Adamson dominate in spiking (52-37), blocking (12-3), and service (8-4).

“Ngayon talaga wini-work on namin ‘yung chemistry namin na mabuo plus ‘yung errors talagang nagha-highlight sa amin. We’re gonna go back to training and trabahuhing mabawasan or better hindi magkaerror sa simpleng baga,” said Nitura, as Adamson committed 32 errors, nine more than UE.

After scoring just nine points combined in the first two sets, Nitura seemed on track for a UAAP career-low, but she extended her double-digit scoring streak in the third set as a substitute and added eight kills in the fourth.

Frances Mordi contributed 19 points, nine receptions, and seven digs, while middle blockers Eloi Dote and Lhouiz Tuddao added eight and seven points, respectively. Playmaker Fhei Sagaysay tallied 15 excellent sets along with 10 points on five aces, four attacks, and one block.

Adamson will aim for a second straight win on March 1 against Far Eastern University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, while UE will try to end a 17-game slide next Saturday against University of Santo Tomas at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.

For the Lady Warriors, Zamudio led with 14 points, 13 digs, and nine receptions, while Cepada and Bangayan added 11 points each. Angge Reyes contributed 16 digs and 11 receptions.

Top NBA players, teams remain best-selling merchandise sellers in the Philippines

As of January 15

Superstars and big-ticket teams remain the top-selling merchandise sellers in the Philippines, based on the data the NBA shares heading into January 15.

The Lakers remain the top dog in the team merchandise sales, with its top player, Luka Dončić, being the top jersey seller, ahead of the new generation of ballers like Victor Wembanyama (2nd) and Anthony Edwards (3rd). Teammate LeBron James remains in the top five in fourth, with Steph Curry completing the quintet.

Even though they are currently sidelined due to injuries, the trio of Ja Morant (6th), Jayson Tatum (8th), and Kyrie Irving (10th) remain popular in the archipelago as top-ten jersey sellers, with Nikola Jokić (7th) and Jalen Brunson (9th) also present.

Traditional big market teams still rule the roost with regards to merchandise, with the Chicago Bulls in second place behind the Lakers. Completing the top five are the Golden State Warriors, the Boston Celtics, and the New York Knicks. 

Fans can still express their support towards their favorite team domestically by checking out the official NBA Stores located at SM Megamall, the SM Mall of Asia, and the GH Mall, as well as online via nbastore.com.ph.

Palawan Group of Companies commits to support UP Women's Volleyball

Kianne Olango and Joan Monares with the PalawayPay app

The Palawan Group of Companies expands its support within the University of the Philippines athletics program, adding the university's women's volleyball team as another vehicle towards advancing youth development and sports excellence via its digital wallet platform PalawanPay. 

In establishing this new collaboration, PGC reinforces its long-standing position that athletics serve as a powerful force for nation-building as it shapes and molds the Filipino youth, one of their key pillars for its Corporate Social Responsibility.

Such a partnership allows PGC to deliver practical resources addressing the team's daily needs, athlete welfare, and long-term sustainability, allowing the management and coaching staff to focus on training and wholistic player development to foster their growth both on and off the court, as they represent UP with pride, honor, and excellence in competition.

In making this announcement, Chief Marketing Officer Bernard V. Kaibigan shares, "As a UP alumnus and a volleyball enthusiast, I am proud that PalawanPay will continue supporting the team for many seasons to come. UP has always represented the best of Filipino talent: intelligence paired with integrity, excellence grounded in service. The UP Women’s Volleyball Team embodies this spirit. You ladies are  strong, determined, disciplined, and you deserve to be supported and celebrated."

From the team's perspective, they are very much appreciative of their trust and support as a valued sponsor and steadfast partner. They note that "Three years ago, we started this program with a simple but powerful vision: ‘To grow, to compete, and to win.’ It’s something sustainable for our student-athletes. Today, that mission continues to come to life because of partners like you who believe in developing talent, character, and excellence."

PGC has been supportive of the University of the Philippines' athletics program since 2019, led by its founders Bobby and Angelita Castro, whose children are all alumni of the institution. 

Initially bolstering the men's basketball program and seeing it grow into its current status as one of the best collegiate teams in the country, they have since expanded their support into swimming and judo, with the former already netting a UAAP championship in the women's division last November.

In addition to providing resources, guidance, and encouragement to these programs, they have also been a key partner whenever UP holds certain celebrations, like their Champions' Thanksgiving Dinner.

In ensuring that student-athletes have the tools, guidance, and encouragement necessary they need to thrive, this new wrinkle in the partnership between PalawanPay and UP fosters a culture of excellence, perseverance, and leadership that shapes athletes into role models both on and off the field.

Cantada impresses in collegiate debut, leads NU to kick off title defense

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Standings
ADU 1-0
DLSU 1-0
UP 1-0
NU 1-0
UST 0-1
UE 0-1
FEU 0-1
Ateneo 0-1

Games on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion
9 a.m. - AdU vs NU (Men)
11 a.m. - AdU vs NU (Women)
3 p.m. - UE vs FEU (Men)
5 p.m. - UE vs FEU (Women)

Sam Cantada lived up to the hype as National University opened its 'three-peat' bid with a thrilling 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 26-24 victory over University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.

The Lady Bulldogs and the Golden Tigresses delivered a gripping showdown in front of 15,215 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.

Cantada, the Season 87 High School Girls’ Volleyball MVP, spearheaded NU’s comeback from a 16-20 deficit in the fourth set, scoring seven of the team’s final 10 points — including three aces — to seal the win in two hours and 15 minutes.

“Sa totoo lang, I know a lot of people na chamba ‘yung kay Sam but I’ve seen it so many times already so it’s her. It’s her character, she’s a really good fighter lalo sa crucial games so I didn’t doubt her and I was so sure that she’s going to make it hanggang sa dulo,” said head coach Regine Diego, who secured a victory in her coaching debut for NU.

The Golden Tigresses were still in control at 23-19 before Cantada ignited NU’s decisive run. She began with a sharp crosscourt kill, then fired back-to-back aces to pull the Lady Bulldogs within one, 22-23.

Vange Alinsug tied the match at 23-all with an off-the-block hit, before Cantada unleashed another ace to hand NU the match point, 24-23.

Although Angge Poyos kept UST alive with a point to extend the set, Alinsug responded with a hit that grazed the blockers’ fingers. Poyos’ ensuing attack sailed out, sealing the victory for the Lady Bulldogs.

“Nasa utak ko lang po tinitesting ako sa training ang pangit po ng mga serve ko, inconsistent ako. Tumatak lang sa isip ko na kailangan kong i-overcome yun, kailangan kong ilaban ito kasi nakikita ko po sa teammates ko na nilalaban po nila,” said Cantada, who finished with a game-high 21 points built on 17 attacks, three aces, and a block, along with 14 excellent receptions.

Alinsug added 18 points, while Arah Panique chipped in 15 markers despite not seeing action in the fourth set.

Shaira Jardio also stood out defensively with 20 excellent receptions and 14 excellent digs.

Up next for NU is Adamson University on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Poyos led the Golden Tigresses with 18 points on 15 attacks and three blocks, while Xyza Gula contributed 10 points and five digs.

Rookies Julia Balingit and Avril Bron also scored 10 points apiece in the loss.

UST will have a week to regroup before facing De La Salle University next Sunday at the same Pasay venue.

Adamson dominates Ateneo in straight sets to open campaign

c/o UAAP

Games on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion
9 a.m. - AdU vs NU (Men)
11 a.m. - AdU vs NU (Women)
3 p.m. - UE vs FEU (Men)
5 p.m. - UE vs FEU (Women)

Adamson University stormed past Ateneo de Manila University in straight sets, 25-19, 25-18, 25-10, to open their UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball campaign with authority on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

With a two-set lead already in hand, the Lady Falcons left no room for doubt in the third set, launching an 8-0 run behind Fhei Sagaysay’s consistent serving and the attacking prowess of Frances Mordi.

Shaina Nitura then took over, powering Adamson to a commanding 16-1 lead by the second technical timeout, effectively putting the match out of reach.

“‘Yung instruction is to continue, keep going lang talaga. Kumbaga, it’s not a safe lead pa rin kasi ‘di pa natatapos 'yung game. So stick to the system, stick pa rin sa instructions so ayun nga keep going,” said Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude after the 79-minute rout.

Adamson displayed dominance across all facets of the game, outmatching Ateneo in spikes (39-18), blocks (12-2), and service aces (7-3). Even their 24 errors did little to slow down the Lady Falcons’ momentum.

Season 87 Rookie of the Year Nitura led the team with 16 points, while Nigerian wing spiker Mordi contributed 14 in the win.

“Gumaan po siya for us, collective effort na for us. Kapag off man ako, meron na siguradong sasalo sa akin,” said the history-maker Nitura on the Lady Falcons’ retooled roster.

Fhei Sagaysay added 13 excellent sets and a match-best three service aces, while rookies Abby Segui and Eloi Dote chipped in eight and seven points, respectively.

Adamson now faces its first major test when defending champion National University visits on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

For Ateneo, Alex Montoro led the Blue Eagles with five points, as head coach Sergio Veloso struggled to find the right player combinations on the court.

The Blue Eagles will aim to bounce back next Sunday against University of the Philippines at the same Pasay venue.

Philippine Fencing Association set to host 1st Leg of Senior Rankings

c/o the Philippine Fencing Association

With minor club-related competitions having kicked off fencing in the Philippines for 2026, the Philippine Fencing Association ratchets things up with the commencement of its rankings tournaments.

The Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City will serve as the host venue for the first leg of its senior tournaments, which will take place this Saturday and Sunday, February 14-15. Previous legs last year had taken place in a variety of venues, from the Quantum Skyview at Gateway Mall 2, to the Alabang Town Center, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila, the PhilSports Arena in Pasig, and capping off at the Ormoc Superdome in Leyte last June.

Saturday will feature Men's Epee in the morning, followed by Women's Foil and Men's Sabre in the afternoon. Sunday will then have Women's Epee, Men's Foil, and Women's Sabre. 

Being the first major senior-level event of the year, it is expected to set the competitive tone for fencers across the country aiming to climb the national rankings and secure momentum early in the season, with the subsequent legs coming in the next few weeks and months. Over three hundred have expressed their intention to participate this weekend.

The PFA views these legs as an opportunity to identify new talent to add onto its pool of candidates, as well as serve as a gauge to check on its current ones, led by SEA Games individual silver medalist Noelito Jose and bronze medalists Nathaniel Perez, Janna Catantan, Eunice Daniel Villanueva, and CJ Concepcion. Also, the NSA is set to participate in international competitions all year long, with a few already involved in recent tournaments abroad.

In fact, all locally-based fencers who went to Thailand for the SEA Games are expected to play this weekend, with US-based Sam Catantan and Charmaine Andres not in the current field.

With the upcoming UAAP season coming in a few weeks, the tournament is set to serve as a preview of some of the best student-athletes to take the stage. Participants from all five regular member schools are represented, including all six individual gold medalists from last season, aside from the potential addition of guest school PAREF-Southridge and their cadre of student-athletes making their league debut.

Action on the piste will also feature outstanding youth standouts in cadet and junior levels, a few of whom will be headed to Jakarta for the Asian Cadet and Junior Championships next week. Some of these fencers got their preparations underway with their participation in recent age-level tournaments hosted by a few clubs in the run-up to the first leg, whilst others visited camps abroad to gain much-needed experience and reps, as they prepare for the PFA's opening leg of the Cadet and Junior Tournaments next month.

In addition, the outstanding fencers from last year's rankings in all categories are slated to be honored on both days, with the men taking their turn on Saturday and the women the next day. 

With the start of the senior ranking season, the competition not only energizes athletes but also invigorates local clubs, coaches, and supporters. Activities from both the PFA and the different clubs/schools provide continuous competitive opportunities across age groups, ensuring that the sport’s development pipeline remains active and robust.

For seasoned athletes, this event is a chance to reaffirm their dominance, and for younger competitors moving up the ranks, it is a proving ground—a moment to challenge the veterans and announce their arrival.

Spectators and supporters can expect two days of high‑level fencing filled with strategy, speed, and determination as the Philippine fencing season officially kicks off in Quezon City.

Philippine Sports Hall of Fame seeking nominations

The quest to find the next set of Hall of Famers is now officially in motion, as the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame has opened the field for nominations for its fifth batch of honorees.

Individuals and organizations are invited to nominated deserving sports icons that has helped shaped the country's sporting history.

In making the announcement, the PSHOF shares,  

We have the honor to inform you that nominations for the 5th Enshrinement of the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame (PSHOF) are now officially open.

The PSHOF, institutionalized through Republic Act No. 8757, aims to recognize and enshrine outstanding Filipino athletes, coaches, and trainers who have brought great distinction and recognition to the country through their exceptional achievements in sports.

In this regard, we respectfully invite your esteemed office to endorse and submit nominations for consideration.

Nominees should fit the following criteria, with the achievements fitting in-between 1924-2014:

Athletes

• Can be amateur or professional, with para-athletes also eligible
• Has to be retired from active international competition
• Gold Medalist in any Southeast Asian Games or at least a Silver Medalist in any Asian Games or Asian Cup or regional games or at least a Bronze medalist in any Olympic or World Games; or a titleholder or World Champion in any professional or amateur sports competition.
• Athletic Performance should have a wide, historic and unprecedented global impact.
• Candidates should have unquestionable integrity either local or abroad, before and after the event.

Coaches

• Candidates should have unquestionable integrity either local or abroad, before and after the event.
• Can be either a coach or trainer, amateur or professional
• Has to be retired from actively coaching or training competitors internationally 
• Has coached or trained a Gold medalist in any Southeast Asian Games or at least a Silver Medalist in any Asian Games or Asian Cup or regional games or at least a Bronze medalist in any Olympic or World Games; or a titleholder or World Champion in any professional or amateur sports competition.

Nominations can be coursed through email at halloffame@psc.gov.ph, with a deadline of submission scheduled this March 15.

The last batch featured these highly-esteemed individuals

• Paulino Alcantara (football)
• Eric Buhain (swimming)
• Dionisio Calvo (football / basketball)
• Arianne Cerdena (bowling)
• Robert Jaworski (basketball)
• Gertrudes Lozada (swimming)
• Elma Muros-Posadas (athletics)
• Rogelio Onofre (athletics)
• Leopoldo Serrantes (boxing)
• Roel Velasco (boxing)

For more details one can check the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame website.