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Olayemi Raheem takes pride in unexpected UP captaincy

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Olayemi Raheem felt the most surprised when the coaching staff named him team captain of the University of the Philippines for the UAAP Season 88 collegiate men’s volleyball tournament.

But surprise quickly turned into resolve.

The Nigerian wing spiker embraced both the responsibility and the challenge that came with the role, immediately showing leadership on and off the court in the Fighting Maroons’ opening game.

Raheem steered UP to a hard-fought 25-21, 23-25, 25-23, 23-25, 15-11 five-set victory over the UE Red Warriors last Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

More than serving as a vocal presence and steady influence, the 6-foot-3 sophomore led by example. He erupted for 30 points, built on 29 spikes and one block, anchoring the Maroons in crucial stretches of the match.

“At first, I was shocked, honestly. I have never been a captain, coming from a different culture and all,” said Raheem of his unexpected appointment.

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(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team

Still, he understood that the coaches chose him for a reason — and he feels determined to grow into the leader the team expects him to be.

Raheem even views the role as a personal test, especially as he continues to navigate a language barrier.

“Actually, I feel like it’s a challenge for me, which I took upon myself — kaya nga ako eh — because it’s a way for me to develop as a person and as a player,” he shared.

“I can communicate more with my teammates. It’s really nice, actually, being the captain of the team. It’s a role that influences an individual in terms of leadership.”

Fortunately for Raheem, he does not carry the responsibility alone.

Fellow sophomore and key scorer Tommy Castrodes assured that the team — especially the seniors — is fully behind their new captain as he adjusts to his expanded role.

Castrodes delivered 15 points, nine receptions, and nine digs in the win over UE, while Milven Francisco and Angelo Lipata added 14 and 13 points, respectively.

“Yung mga seniors namin, tinutulungan naman din si Raheem kasi nahihirapan din siya sa Tagalog, pero nakaka-catch up naman,” said Castrodes, noting how the veterans have been helping Raheem overcome the language barrier as he settles into captaincy.

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PCU-D dethrones LPU-Batangas in UCAL Streetdance showdown

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Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas captured the PG Flex-Universities and Colleges Athletic League Streetdance Competition, providing an energetic start to the league’s ninth season on Saturday at the FilOil Center in San Juan.

Behind their dazzling choreography, high-energy routine, and synchronized movements, the PCU Dance Group impressed the judges and scored 7.79 points to dethrone defending champion Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas.

PCU-D posted 3.99 points in skills and 3.81 in performance, improving on its third-place finish from last season.

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(C) UCAL

Host Manila Central University finished second with 7.30 points, while LPU-Batangas and University of Batangas tied at 7.14 points for third and fourth place, respectively.

The Pirates could have scored higher, however, after receiving a 0.05-point deduction when some of their costume accessories fell off during their performance.

Centro Escolar University rounded out the top five with 6.88 points. Immaculada Concepcion College placed sixth with 6.15, followed by Diliman College with 5.79, Olivarez College with 5.39, and Philippine Women’s University with 5.29.

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(C) UCAL

The Streetdance Competition served as the highlight of the opening ceremony for the brand-new UCAL season, which is supported by Smart Sports, Mighty Bond, UNDFITD Sportswear, Spalding, Happee Toothpaste, Gerry’s Grill, Cafe France, BYND the GAME, Dazz, and Akari.

The colorful opening ceremony also featured performances by OPM artists Lola Amour and Matthaios.

The UCAL calendar continues with the volleyball, esports, and badminton tournaments.

The post PCU-D dethrones LPU-Batangas in UCAL Streetdance showdown appeared first on Tiebreaker Times.

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12 teams battle for P1M prize in inaugural MPPT Invitational

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The Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour is partnering with Solar Sports as its official broadcast partner, bringing select matches from the inaugural MPPT Invitational to a wider Filipino audience.

The first leg of the five-leg season is set for October 3–4 at the PCPH Court in Angeles City, Pampanga, where 12 founding teams will battle for a P1-million prize pool.

The field includes the Rizal Illustrados, led by former national tennis player Bambi Zoleta, Pampanga Chiefs, Bacoor Strikers, Muntinlupa Smashers, Batangas Bangers, Alfonso Siklab, Bangued Miki, GenSan Punchers, Parañaque Titans, Camarines Norte Golden Hawks, Abra River Paddlers, and Tacloban Aces.

For MPPT Founder and Chairman and National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary Manny Pacquiao, the partnership marks another step toward building a sustainable platform for Philippine pickleball.

“From the beginning, our goal has been to give Filipino athletes a bigger platform and help bring pickleball to more people across the country,” said Pacquiao.

“Having Solar Sports as our broadcast partner allows us to bring the MPPT and our athletes to an even bigger audience. This is another important step forward for the MPPT and for the sport in the Philippines.”

Solar Sports President Wilson Tieng welcomed the partnership, which follows the network’s existing relationship with the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

“Solar Sports is thrilled to carry the momentum into pickleball as the official broadcast partner for the inaugural MPPT Invitational,” said Tieng.

“With pickleball rapidly becoming a favorite pastime nationwide, the MPPT is bringing players and fans together, and we at Solar Sports are delighted to air select matches, bring top-level pickleball action to viewers and help propel the sport forward.”

Teams will compete in men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles in a single-round-robin format on Saturdays, with the top eight advancing to the playoffs on Sundays. Should teams finish tied under the point-ranking system, a singles match between their best players will determine the winner.

The MPPT Invitationals will then move to Tagaytay, Abra, and Bacoor, with the venue for the fifth leg and national finals still to be determined. The championship is expected to be staged at a bigger venue in Metro Manila at the end of October, with a bigger prize purse also anticipated.

Pacquiao and his wife, both avid pickleball players and fans, are expected to attend the opening ceremony, alongside celebrities and influencers who have embraced the sport, including Tacloban team owner Karla Estrada.

Licensed by the Games and Amusements Board, the professional league is open to all Filipinos aged 18 and above. Teams may field younger players provided they secure the required parental consent or waiver.

Solar Sports will air select group-stage matches live from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on October 3, followed by the semifinals from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and the finals from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 4. Replays will air from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

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Newcomer Clearskiiin out to make mark in Spikers’ Turf

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Clearskiiin is set to make their mark in the Spikers’ Turf as the league welcomes its newest team for the 2026 Invitational Conference.

Clearskiiin was formally introduced on Friday at Seda BGC, with team owners Sydney Calderon and Luis Calderon joining the squad and coaching staff for the presentation.

The UV Smashers were formed to provide another avenue for players who have been left without teams but still want to pursue competitive volleyball.

“The Clearskiiin UV Smashers started with a really simple but meaningful reason. We wanted to create an opportunity for players who suddenly found themselves without a team. A place for them to continue doing what they love, continue competing, and at the same time have a source of income through volleyball,” said Calderon, who also serves as head coach of Savouge.

“Para sa akin, sayang ang talent kapag mawawalan ng opportunity. Maraming magagaling na players na gusto pang maglaro pero minsan, nawawalan talaga sila ng team o pagkakataon para maipagpatuloy nila ito that’s why we decided, me and my bana Luis Calderon, to build this team to give them another opportunity, platform, and chance to prove themselves,” she added.

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(C) Spikers Turf Images

Joe Bangit will call the shots for the UV Smashers, supported by assistant coaches Sandy Montero, Peter Torres, John Pagtalunan, Kenneth Hernandez, and Pawix Agir.

Louis Gamban and JM Ronquillo will serve as the team’s co-captains, while the roster also features experienced players Edward Camposano, Jay Rack dela Noche, Charlee Magpayo, JM Paglaon, Kim Dayandante, Nas Gwaza, and Vince Abrot.

Rounding out the lineup are Rick Adao, KC Andrade, Renzel Antonio, Jester Bornel, Bhim Diones, Angelo Gayud, and Robert Flores.

Bangit, who has spent more than 14 years coaching in the United States, emphasized that building a strong team will require more than individual talent.

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(C) Spikers Turf Images

“I’ve been coaching for over 14 years in the United States and one thing I’ve learned is that talent can bring players together but talent alone doesn’t build a team. Standards too. From day one, our standard has been simple, show up, work, compete, and hold each other accountable,” said Bangit.

The UV Smashers will get their first taste of Spikers’ Turf action when the 2026 Invitational Conference opens on October 10 at SM Seaside City Cebu.

The tournament will also mark a milestone for the Spikers’ Turf and Premier Volleyball League as both leagues celebrate their 10th anniversary.

Sports Vision Management Group Inc. president Ricky Palou welcomed Clearskiiin to the league and challenged the newcomers to immediately establish themselves as contenders.

“This is your second team, you have Savouge and now you have Clearskiiin. We welcome you to the Spikers’ Turf. We’re more than happy to have you join us again. I hope you will do your best, show everybody your skills and hopefully soon you win a championship,” said Palou.

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