Jeff Cheng steps away as Filipinas manager citing indifference

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Jeff Cheng.–Photo from PFF

Jeff Cheng has announced his departure as team manager of the Philippine women’s football team after a tenure marked by a historic debut in the Fifa Women’s World Cup last year.

Cheng said Sunday he’s stepping away from his role, citing indifference with the current setup, though he stopped short of mentioning any party, particularly the Philippine Football Federation.

The PFF is eight months into the presidency of John Gutierrez, who succeeded long-time chief Nonong Araneta.

READ: Filipinas rise to all-time best No. 38 in Fifa world rankings

It was last Thursday when Cheng informed the PFF, through the director of national teams Freddy Gonzalez, of his decision.

“Last Thursday, I informed the PFF Director of National Teams that I am stepping away from my role as Team Manager of the women’s teams,” Cheng said in a statement relayed to media members.

“For several months, we tried our best to make things work, under new and very different circumstances. Unfortunately, the situation is not workable.

“Our priorities and goals do not align, and the [Philippine women’s national team] organization that we worked hard to develop in the past years is incompatible with current methods.”

Cheng has managed the women’s team program way before the pandemic, achieving countless achievements along the way.

READ: Dan Palami resigns as Azkals manager

The Philippines has made it to two Women’s Asian Cups in 2018 and 2022, the latter edition resulting in a spot in the 2023 World Cup.

The Filipinas produced one victory in the World Cup, defeating co-host New Zealand in the group stage on Sarina Bolden’s first-half header.

Coach Alen Stajcic handled the Filipinas in that incredible run before fellow Aussie Mark Torcaso called the shots in last year’s Hangzhou Asian Games and Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Cheng also handled the program of the women’s youth teams, producing a maiden stint in the Women’s U-17 Asian Cup held this year.



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“I want to thank all of you for the support and kindness that you have shown me,” said Cheng. “It is through you that our efforts have not gone unnoticed and I am grateful to have shared some of the best football experiences with all of you. “

Japan beats USA for first time in Manila finale

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Japan’s Kento Miyaura flexes his muscles during a game against USA in the VNL 2024 in Manila.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — With both teams fielding their bench in a much-anticipated final game in Manila, Japan got the better of USA, 25-20, 25-23, 25-19, to end the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week 3 on a high note before an ecstatic 12,424 crowd on Sunday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

Japan coach Philippe Blain may have rested his starters led by captain Yuki Ishikawa and Yuji Nishida but Kento Miyaura sustained his fine play and powered the Japanese second unit for their first win against the Americans in their 19th meeting in the FIVB.

Miyaura, who was a revelation in their five-set comeback over France on Saturday, showed the way with 18 points including five aces to seal their entry to the Final Eight in Poland after finishing with a 9-3 record.

READ: VNL 2024: Kento Miyaura steps up for Takahashi-less Japan in crucial win

The Japanese willed their way back from a 13-17 deficit in the third set with Miyaura scoring four straight points, highlighted by three aces to give them a 24-19 lead before Kai Masato nailed the game-winning hit.

“Today I was the top scorer but sometimes we are in a difficult moment so I tried to find a solution. I had many mistakes in spiking but [I kept on trying] I’m happy to win this,” said Miyaura, who was coming off a 19-point effort in their five-set win over France less than 24 hours ago.

Trailing 22-23 in the second set, Japan fought back with Shoma Tomita nailing an off-the-block hit for the equalizer before Kyle Ensing put them at set point after an attack error. Miyaura drilled their third straight point to complete a comeback and take a 2-0 lead.

READ: VNL 2024: Yuki Ishikawa, Japan rally past Olympic champion France

Masato also turned heads with 16 points built on 12 spikes and four aces, while Taishi Onodera and Larry Ik Evbade-Dan delivered eight points each.

Miyaura thanked the Filipino fans for supporting them every game as the Japanese will bring home another precious memory in their third Manila stint before heading to the final round and the Paris Olympics next month.

“The Filipino fans are pushing us many times. Also, Filipino fans love volleyball. They are making a very nice atmosphere,” he said. 

“The last game was a very difficult game but we won the game so this experience [will help me] in the Olympics.”

After reaching the final last year and settling for a runner-up finish, USA didn’t make it to the Final Eight with a 5-7 record, splitting its four matches in its first Manila leg.



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Micah Christenson only played late in the third set, as American stars Matt Anderson, and TJ Defalco sat out with Taylor Averill and Erik Shoji being the remaining starters in the match.

Ensing led USA with 14 points, while Averill and Jordan Ewert added eight points before shifting their focus to the Olympic games in France.

Experience makes USA’s Manila stint a ‘great success’

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USA huddles during a timeout in a VNL 2024 game against Japan.-MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Team USA captain Micah Christenson had a first Manila trip to remember despite the Americans missing the Final Eight of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL).

The United States wrapped up its campaign in Manila with a 25-20, 25-23, 25-19 loss to Japan in a much-awaited clash between the two fan favorites played before an ecstatic 12,424 crowd at Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday night.

The Americans, last year’s runners-up will miss the Final Eight with a 5-7 record, but Christenson and his teammates will bring great memories with them as they head back home and gear up for the upcoming Paris Olympics.

READ: VNL 2024: Japan beats USA for first time in Manila finale

“Incredible. It was capped off with an incredible crowd, the last game up here in Manila so, wish we could’ve made it a little longer of a match, but at the same time it was good volleyball, it was really good volleyball out there on the court,” said the star setter, who only played late in the third set as both squads decided to rest most of their key cogs.

“I’m really proud of our guys and how we fought and how we battled. So now, we’re just gonna keep learning from our experience but, our trip in Manila was a great success based on our experience.”

American stars Matt Anderson and TJ Defalco sat the game out as Taylor Averill and Erik Shoji were the remaining starters in the match.

Still, Christenson praised Japan for its solid showing with Kento Miyaura stepping up big time. 

“We showed our level in a lot of the sets, but towards the end of the sets, Japan really turned their serving pressure on especially, Miyaura, at the end of at least the last two sets, he came in with some really big serves,” he said.

READ: VNL 2024: USA posts second straight win ahead of Japan clash

The Americans may have missed the Final Eight in Poland after splitting their four matches in Manila. But they will come home with big smiles on their faces.

Christenson and the United States now shift their focus to the Paris Games, where they hope to take home the gold.

“It’s great. We’re gonna need everybody at the Olympics, so, from the top down, we’re gonna need everybody on this team. So to be able to have the ability to give them experience in a big game, in a sold-out crowd against Japan is a wonderful experience,” he said 



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Tots Alas out for Alas Pilipinas, says coach Jorge de Brito

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Tots Carlos.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Tots Carlos won’t play for Alas Pilipinas in the FIVB Challenger Cup.

And as to why Carlos will skip the national team’s upcoming campaign, coach Jorge Souza De Brito said Rebisco, the Creamline star’s mother company, will provide the details.

“[She] plays good. She’s always been the one who we requested for us for the national team. But at the moment, she’s not there. Rebisco will release something [about the development soon]. What we’re expecting is to bring the guys who are really good at the same time,” De Brito told reporters after watching his home country, Brazil’s game against France in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Carlos was added to the Alas Pilipinas pool after it won bronze in the AVC Challenge Cup last month. However, only Bella Belen, Jema Galanza, and Alyssa Solomon joined the team’s buildup for the VNL qualifier.

READ: Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza added to Alas Pilipinas pool

“It’s always hard, but we’re prepared to go against Vietnam,” said De Brito. “Since we have more time, we can now have better preparations. The expectations are supposed to be always high so we have to work really hard and not just stand there, waiting for the guys to repeat the performance [in the Challenge Cup].”

Alas battles Challenge Cup champion Vietnam on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in a knockout game, seeking to advance to the semifinal.

De Brito believes the team chemistry of the new additions with Best Setter and captain Jia De Guzman and Best Opposite Spiker Angel Canino, as well as Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, Fifi Sharma, Thea Gagate, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Cherry Nunag, Dell Palomata, Faith Nisperos, Jennifer Nierva, Arah Panique, Julia Coronel, and Vanie Gandler are getting better.

READ: Tots Carlos grateful for chance to learn in Korea tryout

“They are much better now. It wasn’t lucky at that moment [in the AVC Challenge Cup] but it’s a short time for preparation. I’ll have more [preparation] so we can offer much more for each other and ourselves. I think that’s the way we have to do and expect for this team,” said the Brazilian coach, who got his contract extension until next year’s Southeast Asian Games.

Carlos, a three-time PVL MVP, last saw action for the national team in the past two SEA Games.



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France secures Final Eight slot with win over Brazil

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Theo Faure and France celebrate during a game against Brazil at the VNL in Manila.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Before defending its crown at home in the 2024 Paris Olympics, France eked out a nail-biting 25-23, 27-29, 25-13, 25-19, 18-16 win over Brazil to cap its Manila stint in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The French Spikers pulled the rug from a 1-2 deficit and recovered from a 12-point beatdown in the third set as Theo Faure fired 29 points off 25 attacks, three aces, and a block to secure their spot in the Final Eight in Poland with an 8-4 record.

France coach Andrea Giani got a crucial successful challenge in the fifth set when Adriano Fernandes brought Brazil at match point, 14-13, but was deemed as net touch, bringing the advantage on their side. 

READ: VNL 2024: Yuki Ishikawa, Japan rally past Olympic champion France

However, France committed two crucial service errors before Lucarelli Souza forced a deuce anew at 16-all. Faure sent the French anew at match point before Quentin Jouffroy drilled the game-winning ace to complete the come-from-behind win.

Giani relished his second Manila leg in the past three VNL hosting of the Philippines, as his wards split their four matches, bouncing back from a five-set meltdown to Japan on Saturday.

“It’s the second time for me, and this gym is fantastic. For the fans, it’s perfect because many people, many fans, and this volleyball is a show. It’s important the player and the team used this because it’s a show, and we need to put in the best every time,” France’s coach said.

Although they will be playing in the Final Eight, Giani and his team stressed the importance of defending their Olympic title at home. 

READ: VNL 2024: France halts Iran streak to boost Final Eight push

“The VNL [is] too competitive. The first preparation for the Olympic Games. It’s important for the team to play against a big team. Every match we need to try to win and improve the level and quality,” he said. “I’m very happy because of this tournament, the starting six and the second lineup, they played against great teams here.”

Kevin Tillie also stepped up for France with 14 points, while Jouffroy and Yacine Loati added eight points each.

Brazil, which drew inspiration from Bruno Rezende’s return from injury, seeing limited action, only won a game in Manila, sliding to a 6-6 card,

Souza led the Brazilians with 18 points. Alan Souza had 15 points, while Fernandez and Flavio Resende added 11 and 10 points, respectively.



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Germany sets focus on Olympics as Manila stint ends

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Germany VNL 2024 Manila

Germany celebrates during a VNL match.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Germany ended its Volleyball Nations League (VNL) stint with a 25-20, 25-23, 25-20 victory over Iran as it shifts its focus to the Paris Olympics on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Moritz Karlitzek delivered the goods for the Germans with 21 points off 17 attacks, two aces, and two blocks, while Moritz Reichert added 13 points to finish their VNL stint with a 5-7 record.

“We’re super happy that we finished the VNL this year for us with a victory and can go home with a good feeling,” Karlitzek told reporters. 

READ: VNL 2024: Canada sweeps Germany for back-t0-back wins

“The tournament here was perfectly organized. We felt really well and also playing in front of the crowd was amazing. The fans were all the time supporting us so we had a good time. Thank you for supporting us and making this event nice and well,” he added. 

Gyorgy Grozer, who sat out the game, was proud of their campaign despite not making it to the Final Eight.

It was very important for our team to finish the VNL with one very good game. Iran showed this week that they are very strong also against USA and other teams. So for us, it was important I think that we played good and we go home with the final result of 3-0,” Grozer said.

“I think we did our maximum in the VNL. We had some players who were resting in the beginning. I think for us it was the perfect practice games before the Olympics to find more and more together. Of course, we need still time, we have one month more so we will work on some things more.”

READ: VNL 2024: Germany beats France, stays in Final Eight hunt

Germany will fly back home hours after its game as Grozer expressed his gratitude to the Filipino fans.

“It was amazing. I hope there will be next time also in Manila something with volleyball because I see that people love volleyball whichever country is playing against each other they’re super supportive. Everything was fine and thank you one more time for the fans. It was much easier to play volleyball that’s for sure,” the German veteran said.

Iran wrapped up its VNL with a 2-10 record getting two victories in Manila against powerhouse USA and Netherlands.

Amin Esmaeilnezhad and Poriya Hossein led the Iranians with 19 and 10 points, respectively.



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Dutch star scorer proud of team despite missing Olympics

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Netherlands’ Nimir Abdel Aziz in the VNL 2024.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Nimir Abdel-Aziz’s greatest scoring nights went for naught after the Netherlands ended up winless in Manila to cap its Volleyball Nations League (VNL) season.

Abdel-Aziz scored another 37-point explosion highlighted by six aces but the Netherlands fell to Canada in five sets,  21-25, 25-22, 28-26, 14-25, 15-9, on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Dutch star emerged as the league’s top scorer with a total of 284 points built on 235 spikes, 40 aces, and nine blocks. He was the only VNL player to score 30-plus points in five matches. 

But he’s not thinking about his scoring tear as all he wanted was to give his best for his team. 

“I just try to do my best like all the teams. We wanted to fight, we wanted to give our best. And I really don’t care about the individual points because I am just proud of the team and how we stood on the court,” said Abdel-Aziz, who averaged 29.8 points in four games in Manila.

The Netherlands lost all four games in Manila, missing the Final Eight with a 3-9 record to end the VNL season. But Abdel-Aziz remained proud of his teammates.

“I think we had a good fight, we gave everything. It was not enough but I am proud of the team [despite] not qualifying for the Olympics and everything. We continued to fight so we did great,” he said. “It’s our third year in a row. Every year, [we’re] improving. This year was great, so I think it’s only gonna get better.”

The 32-year-old Abdel-Aziz admitted that some of the Dutch players are retiring after the VNL, passing the torch to the young guns.

“We will see what’s gonna happen in the next year because I think some of us won’t be there anymore. So, it’s also time for some young generation guys. So we’ll see how they will develop and how they can continue to reach a higher level,” he said.

Despite the winless Manila stint, the scoring machine expressed his gratitude to Filipino fans for supporting them.

“The thing for us volleyball players, it’s one of the best places to play because the fans are here, they are supporting everybody. So, it’s not just the home crowds like in other venues,” Abdel-Aziz said. “Here, we feel support from everybody, every game, doesn’t matter who we play. Maybe a little less against Japan but for the rest, we feel a lot [of support], so it feels great to play here.”



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USC basketball star JuJu Watkins throws strike at Dodger Stadium

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University of Southern California basketball player Juju Watkins gestures after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch prior to a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels Saturday, June 22, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

LOS ANGELES — USC basketball star JuJu Watkins had a different kind of ball in her hand at Dodger Stadium.

She threw out a ceremonial first pitch Saturday night before the Freeway Series matchup between the Los Angeles Angels and Dodgers.

“This is probably the most nervous I’ve ever been,” she said beforehand. “Basketball comes easy, not baseball.”

READ: Sarina Bolden throws first pitch at San Francisco Giants game

Watkins had said she would be throwing left-handed because of a sprained right index finger. But she warmed up tossing right-handed and stuck with her dominant hand to deliver a strike to Dodgers pitcher Gavin Stone, who was behind the plate.

“I always see it on social media,” she said. “Never did I think I would be throwing a pitch.”

Watkins wore a personalized Dodgers jersey and after throwing from the top of the mound, she gave the traditional pre-game call of “It’s time for Dodger baseball.” She was accompanied by her parents and a cousin.

READ: Wembanyama throws out ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium

As a freshman, Watkins led Southern California to its best season in years, winning the Pac-12 championship before falling one victory short of a Final Four appearance. She’s riding the wave of increased interest in women’s sports, especially basketball.

“The women in the sport are incredible and just to see the rise of the game, it’s so inspiring,” she said. “It’s definitely a collective effort. I wouldn’t say I hold any sole responsibility. Just make sure I’m doing my part.”

Watkins took a break after the season ended and recently vacationed in Mexico.

“Now I’m ready to get back to it,” she said. “There’s so many things to get better at.”



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Kento Miyaura steps up for Takahashi-less Japan in crucial win

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Japan’s Kento Miyaura celebrates during a game against France in the VNL.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Kento Miyaura stepped up when it mattered most for depleted Japan as he provided the spark off the bench to book a ticket to the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Final Eight.

After missing Ran Takahashi due to a nagging injury, Japan suffered another blow as Yuji Nishida needed to be subbed out early in the second set due to abdominal pain but Miyaura showed his next-man-up mentality to rise from two sets down and stun Olympic champion France, 17-25, 19-25, 25-16, 25-23, 15-10, on Saturday evening before an ecstatic 11,879 fans at Mall of Asia Arena.

The 25-year-old spiker dropped 19 points off 16 attacks, two aces, and a block, expressing his gratitude to the Filipino fans, who inspired him to unleash his breakout game in Manila.

READ: VNL 2024: Yuki Ishikawa, Japan rally past Olympic champion France

“Sometimes this kind of situation [happens] but we were able to keep our concentration and Philippine fans pushing a lot for us. It’s a nice atmosphere,” Miyaura said.

Miyaura conspired with captain Yuki Ishikawa, who erupted for 33 points, as they delivered the finishing blows in the fifth set for an improved 8-3 record to secure their entry to the final round in Poland.

He believes that tough games like this will help them prepare for the Final Eight and the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“I can’t believe [we won] this match because it was so difficult match but I’m so happy to win and also it will be helping us for the Olympics,” said Miyaura, who plays in the French pro league.

READ: VNL 2024: Japan bounces back with sweep of Netherlands

Japan coach Philippe Blain lauded Miyaura and his wards for showing a never-give-up attitude against the 2022 VNL champions amid the absence of their stars. 

“In the first two sets, France played so good, making no mistakes, [and had a] great defense. We just kept on fighting. In these kinds of moments, we have to stay patient and try to stay inside the match. And fortunately from the third set, [our] substitution [worked] and controlled a bit more of the game,” Blain said. “It was a very tough match and I’m very proud of how my team stayed calm with their minds. It was a great experience tonight and I hope it will be very useful for [future] tournaments.”

Miyaura vows to stay ready for Japan as it wraps up its VNL Manila campaign against fellow fan-favorite USA on Sunday at 7 p.m.

“We are prepared for the next match. And it will be tougher,” he said.



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Ong and Tigresses send women’s hoops a little shine

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Coach Haydee Ong, Tantoy Ferrer and the UST Growling Tigers celebrate UAAP Season 86 women’s basketball title. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

This season was like no other for the University of Santo Tomas (UST) women’s basketball squad.

There is that little thing about winning the UAAP women’s basketball crown for the first time in nearly two decades and ending a seven-year dynasty of the magnificent National U Lady Bulldogs.

And then there are the other unfamiliar, but much-welcomed, parts.

At the end of each season, the Tigresses often break up into individual vacations, being with family for however short a period is allowed before they return to camp.

This time, however, an invitation shoehorned an event into their calendars.

“First time, yes,” UST champion coach Haydee Ong told the Inquirer late Monday evening during the Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) Awards Night. “And I’m so happy.”

Kent Pastrana and Tantoy Ferrer, two of Ong’s top guns, were ecstatic, too. Even if they walked into the Discovery Suites ballroom trying to figure out what in the world they were doing there.

“Why did I become a part of this? Why am I here?” Pastrana said, laughing.

“When I entered the room, a lot of [journalists] interviewed me. It’s like, I’m here, they’re here, this is fun,” Ferrer added.

The CPC gave them reason to be there. Ong, Pastrana and Ferrer were honored by the group that covers collegiate sports, which for the first time included women’s basketball in its roster of awardees because of “the group’s mandate and vision, slowly and one by one, of expanding our awards night to as many sports as possible for inclusivity and fairness.”

“We started by feting only the achievers from the staple events such as men’s basketball and, last year, women’s volleyball for the first time but we intend to honor more as all athletes simply deserve it. We’re humbled to be the stage for that,” the CPC added Saturday in a statement provided to the Inquirer.

Building on momentum

The three Thomasians used the CPC’s stage to further push women’s basketball into the mainstream consciousness.

“I’m an advocate, not only for women’s basketball, but generally, [for] women in sports,” Ong said. “So, yeah, this (the CPC event) is [removing] barriers for women in sports. So, we’re very happy that we were being acknowledged and honored tonight.”

Ong was named UAAP women’s basketball coach of the year while Pastrana won the inaugural women’s collegiate basketball player of the year. Ferrer joined Pastrana in the UAAP women’s basketball mythical selection.

“I didn’t know there was an award like this,” Pastrana said.

“As a woman who plays, [being honored] feels really good,” Ferrer said. “We feel inspired because we get to [help] people appreciate how women’s basketball plays.”

In receiving their awards, the Tigresses stressed the importance of building on the momentum generated by one of the most watched seasons of their discipline. For the first time, women’s basketball games in the UAAP packed venues with screaming fans. And joining the usual CPC roster of honorees brightens the spotlight.

“Women’s basketball is becoming more and more popular,” Pastrana said. “It’s exciting to watch because you can see a lot of physicality that many think isn’t there because women are the ones playing.”

And the Tigresses hope to push that showcase further.

“We need to continue showing that we play hard and that we’re always competing,” Ferrer said.

For Ong, riding the wave means giving audiences more venues to watch women’s basketball outside of the collegiate scene.

“I think [we need] the consistency of other leagues, not just UAAP, even in preseason, right? Like, we have games in G-Ball or Manila Cup,” Ong said. “There are [people] who are live streaming [the games]. I think those are the necessary platforms for women’s basketball.”

For now, the honors bestowed on them will push the Tigresses to work even harder.

“I won’t let this opportunity go to waste. This will be an inspiration for me,” Pastrana said. “I think we are also an inspiration to other kids.”



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“This is not only for me,” Ong said of her award. “[This is] also for the women coaches who are dreaming to be recognized for women’s basketball. I think it’s something they can aspire for, being the Collegiate Press Corps Coach of the Year.”