ArenaPlus renews PVL, Spikers' Turf partnership

c/o PVL

The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) and Spikers’ Turf have renewed their partnership with ArenaPlus, their official gaming partner, in a contract signing ceremony at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Representing the PVL were league president Ricky Palou and commissioner Sherwin Malonzo, while ArenaPlus was represented by Andy Tsiu, president of DigiPlus Interactive Corporation—its parent company—and Jasper Vicencio, president of Total Gamezone Xtreme Incorporated, the platform’s game provider.

Tsiu emphasized that ArenaPlus shares the same vision as the country’s top volleyball leagues: to deliver an innovative and dynamic experience to sports fans.

“I think the common grounds that the PVL, Spikers’ Turf, and ArenaPlus have is we have the same goal of providing innovative and unparalleled experience when it comes to sports entertainment,” said Tsiu.

“We also share the same visions of becoming the best in the field of fairness, transparency, and integrity,” he added.

He further explained that these shared values made the contract renewal a natural decision.

“For me, these similarities are the main reason why we renewed our contract. This also leads to new opportunities for us. We want to be the best in the sports industry. Hopefully, with this partnership, we can achieve our shared goal,” Tsiu said.

Palou expressed gratitude for ArenaPlus’ continued support, calling it a vital partner in the growth of volleyball in the country. He also looked forward to an even stronger collaboration to further elevate the sport.

“Today is a special day for us because we are truly blessed to renew our partnership with our first major sponsor, ArenaPlus, which has been a huge contributor not just to the success of our league but also to the popularity and growth of professional volleyball in the country,” said Palou, who also serves as president of Sports Vision Management Group Inc.

“We look forward to bringing the sport of volleyball—not only through the PVL but also Spikers’ Turf—to many viewers and fans across the country. We will never forget your contribution as our partner in the growth of volleyball in the Philippines, and we look forward to a very successful and fruitful relationship for both of us in the future.”

High Speed Hitters to showcase ‘Pusong PLDT’ more, come back stronger in new PVL season

With the start of the current 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, the PLDT High Speed Hitters seek to uphold the "Pusong PLDT" theme.

So far, this has been affirmed early on, with consecutive wins against NXLED and Galeries to kickoff their campaign.

Mika Reyes shares about their outlook for this conference, "We are all still proud and motivated. When we talk, it’s mostly about how we can improve our game from the previous conference."

Team captain Kath Arado adds, "After nung nangyari sa amin last conference, siguro mas masasabi ko na mas tumibay yung bond namin as a team. Ang mindset ko kasi palagi, dapat every training lagi kong ibigay yung 100% ko para pagdating sa actual games, sanay yung katawan at isip ko sa fan pressure at hirap dahil alam kong lahat ng team, pinaghahandaan palagi ang bawat game."

Volleyball fans would recall about the manner of the High Speed Hitters' exit in the previous conference, and the team has moved on from it and has exerted its focus towards being one of the best in the current stint. Such resilience would be considered as an affirmation of the Pusong PLDT philosophy.

Reyes notes about this, "We’ve got a solid team, and we’re putting in the work every day. We’re focused on one game at a time, but we believe we can go far if we keep improving and stick to our game plan."

One cannot go with just the heart alone, but when steered with a system, it can help get you further. In PLDT's case, it rests on the shoulders of Rald Ricafort, who will be marking his second anniversary with the team this coming January.

About their staff, Savi Davison says, "Coach Rald and the rest of the staff have created a system that works for us... As athletes, we must trust that system and fully commit to the process to perfect it. The coaches work to identify aspects of our game that can be improved and show us how to apply those improvements by simulating game-time situations and creating pressure."

Davison, an University of Oklahoma alumna, has returned to action after sitting out the last conference due to an issue with her left knee.

Arado adds, "Sa mga coaches namin, sobrang thankful ako kasi ang lawak nila mag-isip, na every training mapapaisip ka na ‘Ang dami ko pa palan gdapat matutunan. Happy ako kasi nagbubunga lahat ng paghihirap namin sa training. Yung tiwala namin sa isa’t-isa, hindi nawawala kasi yung mga nagtuturo ngasa amin, may tiwalasa amin."

The Speed Hitters are very much appreciative of the support they have been receiving from both management and especially from the fans.

Reyes notes about the former, "Management has been great in supporting our training and making sure we have what we need."

As for the latter, their loyalty and passion from the game is what lifts the team's spirit.

"To the fans, no words can express my gratitude and happiness tuwing nakakasama namin kayo sa games namin. Hindi man tayo kasing dami nila pero para sa amin, kayo ang the best fans," said Arado.

"Thank you for always supporting us! Your energy and belief in us make a huge difference, and we feel it every time we play. Keep cheering us on, and we’ll keep pushing to make you proud," said Reyes.

"I believe that PLDT is capable of winning it all. Overall, we have all the support needed to win, we just need to ensure that we continue to play with intention, grit, and maybe a little bit of attitude. I am super excited to see how this conference turns out for us, hopefully in our favor! We cannot wait to see you all in our games and show you what we have been working on!,” shares Davison.

PLDT rejoins Premier Volleyball League

PLDT made it official on Wednesday, rejoining the Premier Volleyball League, the lone professional league for the sport in the country.

In making the move, Chief Revenue Officer Al Panlilio shares, "We are very deeply engaged in Philippine sports, supporting various sports-- including volleyball -- for a long time through the MVP Sports Foundation. We have always believed in the power of sports to make the lives of Filipinos better. The values that we learn in volleyball – such as teamwork, mindfulness, patience, grace under pressure, and discipline, among others – are important elements to the formula of success."

PLDT and SMART Head of Sports Jude Turcuato adds, "It definitely feels like a revival for our team since it feels good to be back home. With our campaign in PLDT which is 'the strongest connections are at home', it was about time that we go back to our roots which is the PVL. It's just refreshing to have a new beginning."

Team Manager Badjie Del Rosario also adds. "This is special because this is where it all started for the PLDT team. PLDT won multiple championships here and we’re hoping to add more. We’re excited to be part of the growing PVL family."

PLDT was a powerhouse in the PVL's previous iteration, the V-League. Then known as the Ultra Fast Hitters, they claimed the Season 12 Open and Reinforced Conference titles in 2015.

Roger Gorayeb was at the helm then, and still is holding that capacity now, this time in its current composition as the PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters.

The coaching legend and eight-time champion is looking forward to their homecoming. He says, "Labing-apat na taon ako sa V-League. Umpisa pa lang niyan, kasama ko na sina Sir Ricky [Palou] kaya sobrang nakakatuwa na makakabalik na kami. Sana matuloy namin yung magandang legacy ng PLDT sa PVL."

From the PVL's end, league president Ricky Palou welcomed the club back with open arms, acknowledging the increased competition the Power Hitters will bring in the seventeen-year-old league. The Philippine National Volleyball Federation, Inc. board member says, "We at the PVL are really glad to have PLDT back. This move of PLDT to the PVL will definitely provide more competition to the other teams and make the league more exciting."

PLDT is fielding these players for their upcoming campaign: Rhea Dimaculangan, Isa Molde, Eli Soyud, Marist Layug, Chin Basas, Iza Viray, Yeye Gabarda, Shola Alvarez, Aiko Urdas, Joyce Sta. Rita, Alyssa Eroa, Vira Guillema, Jorelle Singh, and Kat Villegas

The move is the latest in the Philippine volleyball scene, with sister team Cignal HD Spikers also formalizing their move to the PVL earlier Wednesday.

Aside from the joining the PVL, PLDT is also set to commit in aiding the assembly of the national team. League commissioner Tony Boy Liao also serves in the PNVFI as the chairman of the National Team Committee.

On that aspect, Turcuato shares, "The main thrust of the new volleyball federation is to look for the talent, get proper coaching, and compete on the world stage. Because of our PLDT Power Hitters being able to join the PVL, which is tied to the PNVF, we will be able to contribute to building the national team program."

PetroGazz set to return for third PVL season

See you in the PVL, Angels.

The Angels will be back later this year, as PetroGazz Ventures Philippines and Homegrown Olympic Management Enterprises have agreed with the renewal of their sponsorship deal for the upcoming Premier Volleyball League season.

Deal was formalized earlier this month with a contract signing at the Filoil Flying V Centre, with Ricky Villavicencio, Retchel Gabales, Maribel Villavicencio-Serrano, and Dave Dichupa representing Petro Gazz and Diana Layug representing HOME Inc.

Coverage of the agreement will span both the Reinforced and Open Conference that will take place later this year after the conclusion of the UAAP collegiate season.

Most of the Angels were present during the contract signing, including their latest acquisitions Jeanette Panaga and Jovielyn Prado. The former's move from Pocari Sweat-Air Force was made official late last year, while the latter made her first public appearance with her new team after spending last season with Tacloban.

Prado is best known for helping Arellano claim the NCAA Women's Volleyball title in Season 92, becoming the Finals MVP. Her abilities on both ends of the floor will be a welcome addition to the Angels, as she was top five in the league in scoring, digging, and receiving for the Fighting Warays in the Open Conference. She shared that her familiarity with some of the players played a role in making the move to join the team, noting that a couple of the Angels were her former teammates.

Here are the Jerry Yee-coached Petro Gazz Angels as currently constituted

Kai Baloaloa
Djanel Cheng
Cienne Cruz
Jessey de Leon
Rica Enclona
Alyssa Gayle Layug
Stephanie Mercado
Cherry Rose Nunag
Jeanette Panaga
Jovy Prado
Jonah Sabete
Chie Saet

Malolos leg of PVL Open Conference on tap

Games Today at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center

4pm Iriga-Navy vs Tacloban
6pm Pocari Sweat-Air Force vs PetroGazz

The Premier Volleyball League heads to Malolos for its second provincial stop in its Open Conference campaign, with all four teams set to tangle seeking to bounce back from defeats this past weekend.

The main game of the doubleheader sees Pocari Sweat-Air Force against PetroGazz at 6pm, with the Lady Warriors seeking to bounce back from a four-set defeat against Motolite-Ateneo last Sunday at Imus, Cavite, 23-25, 25-17, 20-25, 28-30.

In spite of the loss, Myla Pablo showed her prowess with thirty points for the Lady Warriors.

The Angels suffered the same fate at the Imus Sports Center, also bowing in four sets to BanKo Perlas, 22-25, 17-25, 25-22, 17-25. They struggled to find a rhythm against the Pearls, with no one scoring in double digits.

However, they are the only team that has a win among the teams scheduled to participate today, having kicked off their campaign with a 25-22, 25-14, 26-24 win over Tacloban.

Opening things in the afternoon is the matchup between the Lady Oragons and the Fighting Warays at 4pm. Both squads suffered losses on Opening Day this past Saturday at the Filoil Flying V Centre, with the former bowing to BanKo Perlas, 14-25, 25-19, 17-25, 9-25.

PetroGazz kicks off the PVL Open Conference with a win

Games Sunday at the Imus Sports Complex

4pm Motolite-Ateneo vs Pocari Sweat-Air Force
6pm PetroGazz vs BanKo-Perlas

The first day of the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference took place on Saturday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan, with both PetroGazz and BanKo Perlas snatching victories against separate opposition.

The Angels fended off a strong challenge from Tacloban in the first and third sets to escape with a 25-22 25-14 26-24 victory.

Ranya Musa finished things off for PetroGazz in the third set, scoring off a drop to give them match point, with the team finishing things off with a block off Menchie Tubiera of the Fighting Warays to seal the victory.

Paneng Mercado led the Angels with 11 spikes and three blocks. She shared to the media after the win, "I’m happy that the work we put up in the last few weeks is starting to bear fruit."

The other match saw Banko Perlas beat Iriga-Navy in four sets, 25-14, 19-25 25-17 25-9.

Nicole Tiamzon topscored for the Pearls with 16 points, while Dzi Gervacio and Joy Dacoron each had 15.

Meanwhile, the much-anticipated debut of Oliver Almadro as head coach of the Ateneo Lady Eagles will take place on Sunday afternoon, as the Motolite-bannered side will take on Pocari Sweat-Air Force at 4pm.

The Lady Eagles opted to not participate in the recently-concluded Collegiate Conference to get themselves ready not just for this particular tournament, but also for the upcoming UAAP season next year.

The other portion of the doubleheader sees PetroGazz and BanKo Perlas face off to determine the early conference leader at 630pm.

According to Sports Vision President Ricky Palou, the move to have the games played at Imus is a part of their initiative to get more fans to watch the games. He shares, "We realize that with the unprecedented rise in the popularity of women’s volleyball, many want to watch our games. But their distance to our home venue in San Juan are prohibiting them to. Particularly this season, Sports Vision is bringing more and more PVL games to the provinces."

Aside from Imus, the city of Malolos in Bulacan will also be hosting an upcoming PVL doubleheader, with the matchups between Iriga-Navy and Tacloban as well as Pocari Sweat-Air Force and PetroGazz scheduled this coming Wednesday at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center.

Creamline Cool Smashers spread the good vibes on and off the court

The Creamline Cool Smashers emerged as the champions of the 2018 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference

It was just recently that the Creamline Cool Smashers finally secured their first volleyball championship, as they swept the PayMaya High Flyers to clinch the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference.

In securing the title, a couple of players were also bestown individual awards, as Alyssa Valdez and Michelle Gumabao were named as the Best Open Spiker and Best Opposite Spiker, respectively, while Jia Morado was not only named as Best Setter, but also was honored as the Finals MVP.

Valdez shares, "This championship is one of the biggest rewards we’ve received as a team who worked hard, trained hard, and really wanted to bring home the trophy for our Rebisco family and our fans."

That sentiment was echoed by Morado. "Each member of the team is focused, driven, and hungry to win but we still enjoyed our time together because we loved what we were doing." She adds, "The Cool Smashers is my first pro club and it has been my childhood wish to find a team that inspires and takes care of me while I pursue my dreams in the court. Not every player gets it right the first time and I’m so lucky and thankful to be with the Rebisco-Creamline family."

For Gumabao, who rejoined the PVL after a stint with United VC in the Philippine Superliga, "I’m also thankful to the Rebisco-Creamline family for believing in me and the team. Without that support and the camaraderie that we’ve built, victory wouldn’t taste as sweet as it does now."

Rebisco Vice President for Operations Noric T. Ng expressed excitement on the achievement of the Cool Smashers on behalf of the entire organization, from the top executives to the workers on the production floor, noting that "This championship is the manifestation of our 55-year-old culture of teamwork, collaboration, and camaraderie. By working together for a common goal and doing this every day in every aspect of our lives, we have accomplished so much and have a lot to celebrate for our 55th anniversary." Rebisco, he declares, "has always supported our employees in breaking their daily routines through sports and other physical activities."

Taft National High School of Eastern Samar, one of the schools who participated in the Rebisco Volleyball League.

Aside from their support of the Premier Volleyball League, Rebisco has been a noted advocate of the sport of volleyball, especially with grassroots development, something that is in line with their belief in fostering youth development through sports.

During their Creamline Good Vibes Day for their fans and supporters that recently took place at the Capitol Commons branch of Buffalo Wild Wings, the Cool Smashers donated volleyball equipment to the ten beneficiary public schools that participated in the Rebisco Volleyball League 18 and Under. To symbolize the moment, Valdez presented a symbolic volleyball to Metropolitan Sports and Events Managing Director Freddie Infante.

Aside from the RVL, Rebisco also touts its Volley Fiesta, a series of volleyball clinics for young aspiring athletes in rural communities, overseen by the Cool Smashers.

Agusan National High School of Butuan City, one of the schools who participated in the Rebisco Volleyball League.

According to Rebisco Category Manager Chiara Fojas-Ferrer, "Volley Fiesta and Creamline Ice Cream Fiesta were borne out of our desire to spread good vibes at the barangay level. Not only do we pursue our advocacy of youth development through these events but we also get to bring Creamline products closer to communities and bring a smile to their faces through affordable ice cream, fun games, and the presence of their volleyball idols."

Valdez adds, "It’s so inspiring to be part of Creamline’s mission to spread good vibes across the Philippines through volleyball. The team is blessed to have the opportunity to share our knowledge and experience in the sport and to see young athletes in the provinces learn and dream just like we did once. So to all the future volleyball superstars we’ll meet in this year’s Volley Fiesta, hihintayin namin kayo dito sa Manila for your turn to represent the Rebisco family and even the country."

BanKo Perlas Spikers to Hold Fans Day

Fresh from their third place finish in the recently-concluded Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference, BanKo Perlas Spikers will be conducting a Fans' Day to show their appreciation to the team's supporters.

They secured third spot over the Pocari Sweat-Air Force Lady Warriors via a superior quotient after they split the two third place matches in what was supposed to be a best-of-three matchup. Since Creamline defeated PayMaya in just two matches for their finals matchup, instead of playing the third game, a quotient system was used to determine who claims the final podium spot.

Head coach Ariel dela Cruz shares, "We took the conference one step at a time, and we made our first goal of making it to the semis. I'm still very happy with the 3rd place finish because of what the team had gone through in the eliminations."

Perlas team captain Sue Roces adds, "Before the start of the season we were very optimistic about the team. Chemistry is really important in a sport like volleyball because it’s the team that wins games, not just one player." She also says, "The team’s success was also bolstered by the support from our fans, especially on social media.  The Fans Day is an opportunity for us to interact with them and show our gratitude for their tremendous support throughout the season."

BPI Direct BanKo President Jerome Minglana was pleased with the team's performance. "The BanKo Perlas Spikers are skilled and talented. The team showed heart and resiliency as they battled the challenges in the games. We received strong support from fans and even our colleagues in the bank," he notes.

BPI Direct BanKo, a Bank of the Philippine Islands subsidiary, focuses on delivering financial solutions to the unbanked and undeserved, bringing the benefits of financial inclusion to many Filipinos. They have been a major supporter of the Perlas Spikers since last year.

The BanKo Perlas Spikers' Fans Day is scheduled this Friday, August 3, at KIA Theatre branch of Kuya J's in Cubao, Quezon City. Festivities begin at 2pm.

Premier Volleyball League set for All-Star Sunday

The PVL All-Star Sunday Schedule

To commemorate the conclusion of the inaugural season of the Premier Volleyball League on S+A, an All-Star Sunday is slated to take place on October 29 at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

The best of the best in both the men and women's division will face off, starting at 4pm for the men and 6pm for the women. The latter will be shown LIVE on S+A, while the former will be telecast on October 30 at 4pm. Both matches will be streamed LIVE on premiervolleyballleague.com.

The women's All-Star Game will feature a Red Team side coached by Roger Gorayeb of BaliPure, while Rico de Guzman of Pocari Sweat is on the other side for White Team.

The Red Team is composed of:

Grethcel Soltones (BaliPure)
Jerrili Malabanan (BaliPure / FEU)
Diana Carlos (UP)
Ces Racracquin (Creamline / San Beda)
Risa Sato (BaliPure / NU)
Kathy Bersola (BanKo Perlas)
Jasmine Nabor (BaliPure / NU)
Jem Ferrer (BanKo Perlas)
Aiko Urdas (BaliPure / NU)
Amy Ahomiro (BanKo Perlas)
Alyssa Eroa (BaliPure)

The White Team is composed of:

Myla Pablo (Pocari Sweat)
Julia Morado (Creamline)
Isa Molde (UP)
Nicole Tiamzon (BanKo Perlas)
Joy Cases (Hair Fairy Air Force)
Jeanette Panaga (Pocari Sweat)
Pau Soriano (Creamline)
Bea de Leon (Ateneo)
Gyzele Sy (Pocari Sweat)
Sue Roces (BanKo Perlas)
Melissa Gohing (Pocari Sweat)

On the men's side. Oliver Almadro will be at the helm for the Blue Team, with Vhyl Verayo handling the Yellow Team.

Blue Team will have:

Marck Espejo (Ateneo)
Mark Alfafara (Cignal)
Saku Capate (Cignal)
Jayvee Sumagaysay (Army / UST)
Rex Intal (Cignal)
Peter Torres (Cignal)
Ish Polvorosa (Ateneo)
Timothy Tajanlangit (Army / UST)
James Natividad (NU)
Ysay Marasigan (Cignal)
Rence Melgar (IEM)

Yellow Team will have:

Edwin Tolentino (Air Force)
Fauzi Ismail (Air Force / Megabuilders / NU)
Alnakran Abdilla (Air Force)
Benjaylo Labide (Army)
Kim Malabunga (Air Force / Megabuilders / NU)
Francis Saura (Megabuilders / NU)
Vince Mangulabnan (Cignal)
Nico Ramirez (Sta. Elena)
Berlin Paglinawan (Sta. Elena)
Rodolfo Labrador (Air Force)
Sandy Montero (Cignal)


Festivities will start off at 1pm with a meet-and-greet session, as well as performances from Star Music artists.

NU at cusp of PVL title

Premier Volleyball League

National University is seeking to complete a sweep in the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference later tonight at the Filoil Flying V Centre, which will be shown on S+A and S+A HD immediately after the conclusion of the UAAP.

The Bulldogs can clinch the championship with a victory in Game 2, a few days after they beat Far Eastern University, 25-22 21-25 25-18 26-24 in Game 1. Jaja Santiago led the way with 23 points.

What complicates matters for the Lady Tamaraws is the absence of key cogs Bernadeth Pons and Kyla Atienza, both of whom are preoccupied with commitments with the UAAP Beach Volleyball tournament. Czarina Carandang stepped up with 17 points for FEU, but that was not enough to secure the win.

At 4pm, Arellano is looking to claim third place in the PVL with a win against Adamson. The Lady Chiefs beat the Lady Falcons, 25-23 26-24 25-14 in the opener. Jovy Prado and Regine Arocha combined for 33 points in the victory. The game will be streamed online via premiervolleyballleague.com and will be shown on S+A and S+A HD immediately after the finals game.

Immediately after the Arellano-Adamson game will be the Individual Awarding Ceremonies.

Meanwhile, the PVL on Tour will having its second leg on October 15 at the Batangas City Sports Complex, with a doubleheader on tap.

BanKo Perlas will be facing Creamline at 6pm, followed by Pocari Sweat against BaliPure at 730pm. Both games will streamed through pvlontour.ph.

PVL Finals set, PVL on Tour off to Batangas

Premier Volleyball League

The Finals of the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference is set later today, as National University and Far Eastern University clash for the inaugural title.

The Lady Bulldogs are undefeated so far in the tournament, riding on the coattails of Jaja Santiago against Arellano in the semifinals. She overwhelmed the Lady Chiefs with 28 points in Game 2, as they survived a five-setter to clinch their finals berth, 25-17 26-28 17-25 25-13 20-18.

In contrast, the Lady Tamaraws upset the Adamson Lady Falcons, who came into the semifinals undefeated. They needed the full complement of three games to complete the upset, as Czarina Carandang ably stepped up to the plate for their last two wins, including a 16-point outing in the Game 3 decider, 21-25 25-20 25-22 25-18.

Game 1 of the Finals is set at 630pm, or immediately after the UAAP men's basketball doubleheader, on S+A and S+A HD. It will also be available on premiervolleyballleague.com with its unique multi-cam livestreaming options.

Meanwhile, the third-place matchup between Adamson and Arellano will be LIVE online at 4pm, with a primetime telecast at 8pm, or immediately after the NU-FEU Finals matchup.

Game 2 is scheduled to take place this coming Saturday, with the same broadcast scheme as for Game 1. If necessary, Game 3 will take place this coming Monday. The individual awarding ceremonies will take place in between the third-place and finals of Game 2.

Meanwhile, the PVL on Tour makes it way to the Batangas City Sports Complex this Sunday, October 15.

BanKo Perlas Spikers will be facing off against an Alyssa Valdez-reinforced Creamline Cool Smashers at 6pm, followed by Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors against the BaliPure Water Defenders at 730pm. Creamline and BanKo Perlas beat Pocari Sweat and BaliPure, respectively, in the inaugural edition of the PVL on Tour in Cagayan last week.

Game 2, PVL on Tour on tap today

PVL set this weekend, whether at the Filoil Flying V Centre or at Tugegarao, Cagayan

Pace-setting National University and Adamson seek to set up their finals matchup with victories this afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Lady Bulldogs are looking to replicate their straight set dismantling of Arellano last Wednesday, 25-17 25-16 25-23. The Lady Chiefs had no answer to Jaja Santiago, who was especially dominant with 24 points to her name, including three blocks and aces each.

Their match will be shown LIVE on sports.abs-cbn.com at 4pm, with the telecast slated to take place at 8pm on S+A.

The Lady Falcons look to secure their finals berth as well in the second televised match of the day, which will be shown LIVE both on sports.abs-cbn.com as well as on S+A immediately after the UAAP games this afternoon. They survived a grueling five-set duel last Wednesday against Far Eastern University, 21-25 25-22 20-25 25-14 15-8.

If either FEU, Arellano, or both teams manage to win their matchups today, the deciding game/s will be shown LIVE on Monday.

With the UAAP Beach Volleyball Tournament officially underway, the three UAAP teams remaining in the PVL semifinals will be undermanned for their respective matchups.

FEU won't have Bernadeth Pons and Kyla Atienza, while NU won't have Audrey Paran and Roma Doromal. As for Adamson, they will not have Bernadette Flora and Chrislyn Uy.

Meanwhile, whilst the collegiate tournament is ongoing, the PVL will also kick off its "PVL on Tour" this afternoon, as they

“PVL On Tour” brings volleyball fever to Cagayan, with a doubleheader scheduled this afternoon at the People's Gym in Tuguegarao.

BanKo Perlas will face off against San Sebastian at 3pm, followed by Pocari Sweat against Creamline at 5pm.

PVL Collegiate Semifinals, #PVLOnTour set

PVL semifinals and the PVL on Tour coming

Semifinal action at the Premier Volleyball League are set to take place starting this afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre, with National University, Arellano University, Adamson, and Far Eastern University set to duke it out for the championship.

Set to kick off the semifinals is the matchup between NU and Arellano at 4pm. The Lady Bulldogs topped Group A by sweeping their opposition, while the Lady Chiefs survived the University of the Philippines in five sets in what turned out to be a "virtual playoff" to finish second in Group B. With a 4pm start, it will be shown LIVE through live-streaming, with a delayed telecast on S+A and S+A HD at 8pm.

The other semifinal matchup features Adamson against FEU. The new and improved Lady Falcons bucked the injury to their "heart and soul" Jema Galanza to end the eliminations undefeated in Group B. The Lady Tamaraws will also be missing a couple of key cogs in Bernadeth Pons and Kyla Atienza with the start of the UAAP Beach Volleyball season looming. Pons has already missed a couple of games as she represented the country in the SEA Beach Volleyball Championships, as her partnership with Sisi Rondina earned them a spot in the quarterfinals. FEU finalized their slot with a win over Lyceum in the final game of the PVL eliminations to finish second in Group A. This matchup will be shown LIVE both online and on S+A and S+A HD immediately after the UAAP games that afternoon, estimated to be around 630pm.

Game 2 of these best-of-three matchups will take place this coming Saturday with the same telecast guidelines. If a Game 3 is needed, it is scheduled on Monday, October 9, with the matches to be shown LIVE at both time slots on S+A and S+A HD as well as online.

Aside from the collegiate action, the PVL is embarking on its PVL On Tour campaign, which allows some of the PVL sides taking part in exhibition matches all across the archipelago.

The first set of matches will take place this Saturday, October 7, at Tugegarao, Cagayan. The People's Gym will host BanKo Perlas Spikers against San Sebastian at 3pm, followed by Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors against Creamline Cool Smashers at 5pm.

Squads vie for PVL Collegiate Conference title

PVL Collegiate Conference

The first-ever Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference is set to commence later today at the Filoil Flying V Centre, with a double header for both the men's and women's division.

The men take to the floor in the morning, with an all-green matchup of La Salle against CSB at 10am and UP against UST at 1pm. The latter match will be available for live online streaming on premiervolleyballleague.com.

The ladies then take to the floor in the late afternoon, with the last two NCAA champions in Arellano and CSB facing off at 4pm, followed by Ateneo and JRU at 630pm. These matches will be shown LIVE on S+A and S+A HD, as well as on premiervolleyballleague.com.

This particular conference serves as a preview for fans to check out these teams for the upcoming UAAP and NCAA volleyball season. It also allows for viewers to get a glimpse at the current and next set of volleyball stars, from Jaja Santiago to Jhoana Maraguinot, to Ces Racraquin and Jovie Prado, as well as Isa Molde and Jema Galanza.

The women's division splits the twelve participating teams into two groups:

Group A has NU, San Sebastian, Lyceum, FEU, JRU, and Ateneo.
Group B has UP, Arellano, CSB, San Beda, Adamson, and TIP.

The top two teams of each group head into the crossover semifinals, with the winners advancing the to the finals.



Meanwhile, the men's division has eight teams: Ateneo, La Salle, CSB, FEU, NU, San Beda, UST, and UP.

Make sure to check out the PVL Collegiate Conference this weekend, and then every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. For further details, do check out sports.abs-cbn.com and participate in the conversation by using the hashtag #PVLonABSCBN.

PVL Open Conference Finals set

PVL Finals!

The BaliPure Water Defenders and Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors fan the flames of rivalry once more as they clash at the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Open Conference Finals this Saturday (August 12) in FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan LIVE on S+A, S+A HD on cable TV, and via livestreaming on premiervolleyballleague.com at 6pm.

Serving as a curtain-raiser, the Hair Fairy Air Force Lady Jet Spikers and Creamline Cool Smashers also open their duel for third place at 4pm. The league will also present this conference’s individual awards in between the matches.

The Lady Warriors clinched their fourth-straight trip to the Finals with a surprise performance from Heather Guino-o to pull the rabbit out of their hat after being down 0-2 in the deciding game of their series against the Lady Jet Spikers 16-25, 20-25, 25-23, 25-19, 15-10.


Meanwhile, the Water Defenders pummeled an Alyssa Valdez-less Cool Smashers side in straight sets in their own do-or-die game, 25-22, 27-25, 25-23, to set up the grueling battle with their rivals.


Expected to lead the fight for the Coach Rico De Guzman’s squad in their quest to add to their trophy rack is Pocari’s MVP frontrunning pair of Myla Pablo and Jeanette Panaga. For the Roger Gorayeb-mentored, leading their charge in their quest for their first-ever PVL crown is Grethcel Soltones, Risa Sato, and Jasmine Nabor.

Meanwhile, the Tai Bundit-mentored Cool Smashers, sans superstar Valdez, gun for another podium finish, led by Pau Soriano, setter Jia Morado, and Ces Racraquin against Lady Jet Spikers, who will rely on the likes of Joy Cases, Wendy Semana, and Mary Ann Pantino. Prior to their semifinals loss, the Cool Smashers were unbeaten and pacing the league, even winning games in the absence of its star player.

Over at the men’s side, Cignal HD Spikers moved one win closer to the 2017 PVL Open Conference diadem when they defeated Mega Builders, the only team to lay a scratch on their record, in four sets 25-23, 21-25, 25-19, 25-17 behind Ysay Marasigan who went off for 21 points. Bryan Bagunas, who led Mega Builders with 14, was not able to stave off Cignal by himself when Marasigan received ample support from Peter Torres (11 points) and Edmar Bonono (14 points).


The PVL has been making waves, now in the second conference of its inaugural tournament, where it introduced the innovative multi-cam livestream that allows viewers to choose the angle form which to watch the games online. The hashtag #PVLonABSCBN also trends on social media frequently every game day, along with words and hashtags related to the tournament.


Don’t miss the scintillating championship volleyball action in the penultimate match of the PVL’s Open Conference on S+A, S+A HD and on‪ premiervolleyballleague.com, this Saturday (August 12) starting with the battle for third between the Cool Smashers and the Lady Jet Spikers Force at 4pm and the Finals match between the Lady Warriors and Water Defenders at 6pm. For more information and stories, visit ABS-CBN’s sports hub sports.abs-cbn.com and follow @ABSCBNSports on Facebook and Twitter.