News
Savi Davison welcomes challenge of finally facing Jaja Santiago
PLDT’s hopes of defending its PVL Invitational Conference crown took a major hit after back-to-back losses to Nxled and erstwhile-winless Ho Chi Minh City.
After opening the 2026 Invitationals with a victory over Thailand’s EST Cola, the High Speed Hitters stumbled in their next two games, dropping to 1-2 and making their path toward another title much more difficult.
PLDT finally returned to the win column on Friday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, defeating Farm Fresh, 25-16, 25-22, 23-25, 25-20, to improve its record to 4-4.
With their backs against the wall and their gold medal match hopes no longer entirely in their hands, the High Speed Hitters will look to pull off an upset against heavy favorites Creamline Cool Smashers on Sunday to boost their chances, while also hoping for favorable results in the other matches.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s whoever comes wanting it more. It’s really up in the air. I feel like anybody could win that game. So, it’s, you know, whoever wants it more,” said PLDT star Savi Davison, who erupted for 32 points against Farm Fresh.
(C) PVL Images
Sunday’s marquee matchup will also mark the first time the Fil-Canadian heavy hitter faces internationally tested Jaja Santiago-Minowa on the taraflex.
Santiago-Minowa, already a force at the net during her last stint in the PVL in 2021, went on to win two Best Middle Blocker awards in the Japan SV.League, the country’s top-level volleyball competition.
“Matangkad siya, tapos malakas siya talaga. Pero, it’s just another person on the court for us. Like, we can’t just focus on one person kasi ang dami nila,” said Davison, the 2025 Invitational MVP.
“Kasi there’s so much talent on that team that you can’t really isolate one person like that. You know, it’s just an added talent, of course. Pero lahat sila. Like, they’re all good.”
While Santiago-Minowa’s addition has made the Cool Smashers the heavy favorites in this conference, Creamline has long been a powerhouse in the league, winning 11 championships across the PVL’s 20 conferences.
In this tournament, Jema Galanza, Alyssa Valdez, and Tots Carlos have remained consistent for Creamline, while the rest of the squad has continued to prove capable whenever called upon.
“Creamline is Creamline. Sila na ’yan. Sila nagcha-champion; sila magkakasama. Matagal na silang magkakasama. Nakakapagod silang kalaban pero well ganon talaga trabaho namin ito eh so kailangan namin pagbutihan pa kung gusto namin manalo. Kailangan namin mag-focus kung gusto namin manalo,” said PLDT captain Kath Arado.
“Ang kailangan naming isipin ngayon: back to zero ulit kami. Nanalo kami ngayon, back to zero, kailangan namin magtrabaho, kailangan namin pagaralan kasi pare-parehas lang naman kaming pagod, wala kami dapat ireklamo sa game namin against Creamline.”
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News
PCU-D dethrones LPU-Batangas in UCAL Streetdance showdown
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.
(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.
(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.
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News
12 teams battle for P1M prize in inaugural MPPT Invitational
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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News
Newcomer Clearskiiin out to make mark in Spikers’ Turf
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.
(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.
(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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