Tag: betting bonus

In winning NCAA MVP, Mondoñedo blazes a rare statistical trail

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St. Benilde Blazers star Cloanne Mondoñedo during Collegiate Press Coprs Awards. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Everybody in the NCAA knew that Cloanne Mondoñedo deserved to win the women’s volleyball MVP award.

Except, maybe, St. Benilde’s ace playmaker herself.

“I had to convince myself that maybe this one’s really for me because I really worked hard ever since I joined NCAA,” Mondoñedo said on late Monday evening after being hailed by the Collegiate Press Corps as the finest women’s volleyball athlete of the country’s oldest varsity competition.

Aside from the fact that Mondoñedo believes so many talented players also deserve to be named MVP, there is that one little fact that contributed heavily to her disbelief: Setters rarely win the highest individual award, and Mondoñedo knew her victory was a statistical rarity.

“To be honest, I was surprised. I didn’t expect it,” she said. “Because all I [was expecting] is the [best] setter award as a bonus to winning the championship.”

“I really thought about it. At first, I said, “how?” I asked a lot of questions.” she said, laughing. “Why me? Why me? How did that happen? And then, I was surprised when I accepted the award from NCAA. They told me that it’s very rare to get the MVP and setter.”

In the collegiate ranks, individual awards are purely stats-based, with no votes getting in the way of the process.

And for setters, that’s an obstacle.

Traditionally, the statistical points that count toward the MVP race include points, attacks, blocks, serves, digs, sets and receptions.

Spikers and blockers hog a lot of those statistical points, especially on points and attacks. At most, playmakers draw their points from sets, serves and sometimes—because of their general proximity to the net—blocks. Digs may be scattered among team members but often, opposing squads have a specific target with their services, lessening the chances for setters to earn points off receptions.

Long-time beat reporters of the NCAA explained that it took a confluence of events to open up a path for Mondoñedo toward the MVP award.

First, a majority of the statistical points, especially the bonuses for won games, were sucked in by St. Benilde. And the Lady Blazers’ production was well spread out across its talented roster.

Then, there was the fact that there was no dominant performer in the NCAA the way the UAAP had. No Bella Belen, Angge Poyos, Angel Canino or Casiey Dongallo coming up with monster 20-plus points a game the way former San Sebastian star Grethcel Soltones did before.

Crucially, perhaps, the MVP candidates of the NCAA were culled from the four teams that survived the elimination round.

Unless those factors combine in a season again, setters—who get the team offense going and open up opportunities for their spikers and blockers to score—may not be in the mix of MVP contenders.

It was quite telling during the CPC Awards Night that Mondoñedo’s feat was described as something that “hasn’t happened in recent memory”—which is shorthand for “we can’t recall if this has happened at all.” In the UAAP, at least since the 1996-97 season, no setter has won the MVP award.



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Perhaps it is time to adjust the process for selecting the best individual athlete in a tournament? INQ

Gilas crushes Maldives by 123 points in Fiba U18 Asia Cup

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Gilas Pilipinas’ Alicia Villanueva against the Maldives in the Fiba U18 Asia Cup in China on Monday. –Fiba Asia Photo

MANILA, Philippines–Gilas Pilipinas picked Maldives with methodical precision on Monday, 141-18, for a rousing start in the Fiba U18 Asia Cup Division B in Shenzen, China.

The young Nationals came out of the gates hard, racing to a 22-0 lead to take early control of the contest at Futian Sports Park.

Alicia Villanueva, who starred for the Philippines in last month’s Asia Cup Qualifiers held in Thailand, picked up where she left off with 18 points.

READ: Gilas U18 squad eyes sweep for promotion, redemption

Jolzyne Impreso chipped in 18 points as well, with seven more of Julie Amos’ charges scoring at least 12 points in the blowout which was a repeat of the two nations’ last encounter in the previous edition of the meet held in India two years ago.

Gilas put the game beyond doubt as early as the second quarter where the Filipinas went on a 47-0 rampage for a 99-14 edge in the next period.

The Philippines will next face Lebanon, another country it easily beat the last time.

Gilas Girls are shooting for a Division A promotion, which will send them to the main tournament where top-flight countries like China, Japan, and Australia are playing.



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Fifi Sharma ‘fangirls’ over Japan, USA stars as VNL wraps up

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Fifi Sharma with VNL stars Torey DeFalco, Yuki Ishiwa and Kento Miyaura. –FIFI SHARMA INSTAGRAM

Akari Chargers’ Fifi Sharma channeled her inner fangirl as she rubbed elbows with the stars of fan-favorite teams Japan and Team USA at the end of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Manila on Sunday.

In a series of Instagram Stories, Sharma shared her photos with Japan’s Yuki Ishiwa and Kento Miyaura, and Team USA’s Taylor Averill, Torey DeFalco and Erik Shoji.

“Fangirled like crazy tonight, what a week of great volleyball! (and good looking men),” the Alas Pilipinas player said in the caption.

Sharma, though, saved the best for last and posted her photo with Japan star Ran Takahashi on her Instagram page, eliciting comments from fans and fellow players.

READ: VNL: Micah Christenson, USA grateful for fans’ support in loss

“hard launch @ran.volleyball0902,” Sharma playfully posted in the caption.

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A post shared by Fifi Sharma (@mereophe)

Japan and Team USA, who have gotten a hometown advantage in the Philippines throughout the weeklong event, battled in the last match of the VNL Week 3 and drew a sizeable crowd at Mall of Asia Arena.

With both teams fielding in their second units, the Japanese beat the Americans for the first time in the 25-20, 25-23, 25-19.

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

Local players and fans alike had the opportunity to mingle with the visiting volleyball stars at the Fanzone area throughout the week.

VNL players have had nothing but good things to say for the Filipino fans and the country’s hosting of the tournament for the third time.



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“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 American team captain Micah Christenson.

Earlier in the week, the women’s and men’s teams of Alas Pilipinas had a chance to meet with Team USA  at Shangri-La Hotel in Makati.

Verstappen wins Spanish Grand Prix, Hamilton returns to podium

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Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen celebrates on the podium winning the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit de Catalunya on June 23, 2024 in Montmelo, on the outskirts of Barcelona. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP)

Three-time world champion Max Verstappen won the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday after a decisive early move and an “aggressive strategy” from Red Bull to deny McLaren’s pole-sitter Lando Norris and extend his lead in the world championship.

Lewis Hamilton completed the podium at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit as the Mercedes seven-time former champion returned to the podium for the first time since Mexico last season.

The racing may be closer than the past two seasons but Verstappen always seems to pull it out of the bag when it matters most.

READ: F1: Max Verstappen aims for another win at Spanish Grand Prix

This was his 61st career win, seventh of the season, and fourth at the track where he first shot onto the F1 scene as a teenager in 2016.

And it pushed him another step further to a fourth straight title with Austria and Silverstone coming up over the next two weekends.

“I think what made the race was at the beginning I took the lead on lap two and that’s where I had my buffer,” said the 26-year-old.

“I think we did everything well, we drove an aggressive strategy but luckily it paid off until the end. Very happy to win here.”

Fourth-placed George Russell in the other Mercedes enjoyed a stunning start.

With Verstappen to the left of Norris, and Russell to the right of him in the charge into the first turn at the end of the long straight, the pole-sitter came out the loser.

As Norris grappled with Verstappen it was Russell, unsighted, who pulled out from fourth on the grid to take command.

“I got a bad start. As simple as that. The car was incredible today, we were for sure the quickest, I just lose it in the beginning,” rued Norris, who climbed into second in the drivers’ standings for the first time in his career.

Ferrari-bound Hamilton, who received a huge cheer from the Catalan crowd on the podium, said: “Unfortunately, like Lando, I got a really bad start.

“It’s been a solid weekend, I have to say a big thank you to the team as they’ve been training so hard on the pit-stops and the strategy, and they were on point.”

Verstappen raced in second from Norris with Hamilton in fourth.

Two laps later, at the end of the straight, Verstappen made his race-winning move.

READ: F1: Verstappen wins ‘crazy’ rain-hit Canadian Grand Prix

He was told by his race engineer this “might be our best opportunity Max” and the Dutch ace needed no second invitation, producing a beautiful pass to deprive Russell of the lead, surging over one second clear of the Briton, with Norris less than a second back.

In the first flurry of pit stops after around a quarter of the 66-lap race Russell had a slow stop, emerging in eighth as Verstappen led by almost five seconds.

Hamilton had a quicker stop than his teammate as Verstappen headed in for a change of tires, returning to the circuit in fourth behind yet-to-pit Norris.

A feisty Hamilton zipped past home hero Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari and up to sixth at turn one, with contact between the pair.

Norris and his team were trying a different strategy, staying out longer before a new set of rubber.

He eventually ‘boxed’ for fresher tyres, to slot back in behind Sainz in sixth.

At halfway it was the familiar presence of Verstappen with a six-second gap from Russell, from Norris, back in third after a straightforward overtake past Hamilton.

‘We need to push Max’

A few laps later Norris bested Russell after a bit of nip and tuck between the pair to leave only Verstappen ahead of him, albeit around nine seconds up the road.

Russell promptly pitted as the race entered its business stage, Norris chipping away at Verstappen’s lead.

On lap 45 Verstappen came in for a second time, as Norris followed suit, setting up a compelling conclusion in Catalonia.

Norris had over six seconds to make up on his Red Bull rival with 15 laps left as Hamilton moved past his teammate to put himself in the running for his first podium of 2024.



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“We need to push to the end now Max,” Verstappen’s engineer urged on the team radio. He took the chequered flag for the third straight year at one of his favorite tracks by a little over two seconds from Norris.

Verstappen heads to Red Bull’s home race in Spielberg in a week’s time with a 69-point lead over Norris, who earned a point for the fastest lap, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, fifth on Sunday, third, two points further back.

Elreen Ando’s desire to land Olympic gold fueled by detractors

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Elreen Ann Ando will spearhead the PH weightlifting team in Paris having big shoes to fill. —AFP

With Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, the Philippines’ first and only Olympic gold medalist and sentimental favorite, failing to qualify for the Paris Summer Games that gets going next month, the responsibility of following up on her historic feat falls on three promising weightlifters.

And shouldering the heaviest burden is Elreen Ando, who actually ousted Diaz-Naranjo when they competed for the lone Olympic ticket available for the country in their face-off in the 59-kilogram category of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Cup in Thailand last April.

She will be joined by Asian junior weightlifting champion Vanessa Sarno and John Ceniza in the world’s fashion capital as part of a 15-strong Philippine contingent that will be shooting for the country’s second gold medal.

Ando getting there the way she did, naturally, had nonbelievers coming out in the open.

“I am drawing my strength from my family and people who don’t believe in me—I made them my motivation,” Ando, who was seventh in the 64-kilogram division in the Tokyo Games, said in Filipino.

Diaz-Naranjo and Ando crossed paths in qualifying after their respective events in Tokyo, the 55-kg for Diaz-Naranjo, were scrapped for the Paris edition, with the 59-kg bracket the middle ground for the PH aces.

But Ando proved her worth in Thailand by lifting a total of 228 kg, a personal-high, after clearing 100 kg in snatch and 128 kg in clean and jerk to finish seventh overall and overshadow Diaz-Naranjo’s total of 222 kg for 11th spot.

“When I was slowly losing my touch, I was also losing trust in myself and felt down, depressed and stressed and went through a lot of challenges,” Ando recalled of the time when she saw her chances returning to the Olympics dwindle following a disappointing finish in the Asian championships.

“So I talked to my coach and told him that I still want to compete in the Olympics so we talked and he motivated me to believe that I can still fight,” Ando added. “He was one of those who has a huge trust in me.”

The 25-year-old lifter shattered previous records in the Southeast Asian Games last year en route to a gold medal in her new weight class.

Better version

“I will still try to improve my lift and since it’s free to dream, of course I will be looking for the [Olympic] gold medal,” she said, believing that she is now a stronger version of herself compared to the one in Tokyo.

Sarno, earlier tipped as Diaz-Naranjo’s heir apparent, will be looking to make the most out of her first Olympic appearance behind the support of her family.

The 20-year-old out of Bohol is ranked No. 5 in the 71-kg division after posting a new Philippine record of 110 kg, to break her previous record of 108 kg last year, in snatch also in the IWF Cup to qualify in the Olympics with a 245 kg total lift.

“We are looking to prevent injuries [prior to the Olympics] while slowly improving our personal records,” Sarno said.

Another Cebuano in Ceniza will be making his Olympic debut after qualifying with an impressive 300 kg total lift also in the IWF Cup in the men’s 61-kg category where he finished fourth.



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“While competing, we can’t predict the time when we’ll get [the gold] but we are all doing everything we can to get the gold medal,” Ceniza said. INQ

Cheng, the man behind the scenes for Filipinas, leaves PH national team

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Jeff Cheng (first, front row) takes a selfie with the young Filipinas during happier times. —PHOTO FROM PHILIPPINE WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM/FACEBOOK

The future of the Philippine women’s football team, almost a year removed from a historic debut in the Fifa (International Federation of Football Associations) Women’s World Cup, was put under a cloud of uncertainty following the decision of Jefferson Cheng to relinquish his management role.

Cheng, who has been team manager even when countless achievements were still a dream, made his announcement on Sunday, a decision stemming on the direction of the country’s most successful national football squad.

“For several months, we tried our best to make things work, under new and very different circumstances,” Cheng said in a statement relayed to football beat writers. “Unfortunately, the situation is not workable.”

Cheng did not mention any individual or group with a contrasting vision, but stopped short of mentioning the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) or any of its top brass.

The federation is eight months removed from installing John Gutierrez as successor to long-time president Nonong Araneta.

“Our priorities and goals do not align, and the PWNT (women’s team) organization that we worked hard to develop in the past years is incompatible with current methods,” said Cheng.

Cheng informed his decision to director of national teams Freddy Gonzalez, who admitted that the eventual successor will have big shoes to fill.

Unimaginable heights

Gonzalez, and the PFF, which came out with a separate statement thanking Cheng’s contributions, did not address Cheng’s sentiments.

“It’s a huge challenge, but I have every intention to make sure we keep the program of the women’s national team progressing in the right direction. We must continue building on Jeff’s great work,” said Gonzalez.

Under Cheng, the women’s team reached unimaginable heights, appearing in two Women’s Asian Cups in 2018 and 2022. It was also in 2022 when the team claimed a bronze medal in the pandemic-delayed Southeast Asian Games and the Asean Football Federation Women’s Championship.

The 2022 Asian Cup in India also saw the Filipinas secure a historic berth to the 2023 World Cup following a dramatic quarterfinal victory over Chinese-Taipei via penalty shootout.

At the World Cup in New Zealand, the Filipinas gave themselves a fighting chance as debutants, and produced a stunning win over the cohosts in Wellington on Sarina Bolden’s first-half header.

Alen Stajcic handled the Filipinas during that World Cup stint while fellow Aussie Mark Torcaso has been at the helm since that campaign, steering them to a quarterfinals berth at the Hangzhou Asian Games.



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The youth team was eventually integrated into the program under Cheng, with the U-17s reaching their age-group version of the Asian Cup for the first time a few months ago. INQ

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. “

Carlos Yulo focusing on pommel horse as Paris Olympics nears

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FILE–Southeast Asian Games – Artistic Gymnastics – Olympic Marquee, Phnom Penh, Cambodia – May 8, 2023 Philippines’ Carlos Yulo in action during the men’s qualification REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa

MANILA, Philippines—Carlos Yulo will be competing in various events in his latest Olympic bid and if there’s one particular event that he is worried about ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, it’s the pommel horse.

Seeking perfection, Yulo admitted he still has some work to do in the pommel horse with a month to go before the Games.

“For all around, I’ll be joining six events so I’ll see what I can improve on in practice but I’m having difficulty in the pommel horse,” said Yulo in Filipino during the Philippine delegation’s send-off ceremony at Ayuntamiento de Manila in Intramuros on Friday.

READ: ‘Grateful’ Carlos Yulo wants more after Asian meet success

“I’m also more focused on injury prevention in practice, I’m strengthening my endurance and building my muscles because I really shrank after the Asian Championships having done a lot to try and improve my skills. So I need [to lift] weights but right now I’m super healthy and I’m grateful that I have no injuries.”

While the floor exercise is Yulo’s pet event, the pommel horse isn’t really his strong suit.

The last time the 24-year-old Yulo made the podium in the said event was in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, where he won silver.

READ: Carlos Yulo adds two more golds as PH rises to 2nd

“I’m trying to see where I can improve. I became experimental so what happened before [in previous competitions] isn’t that good but they’re all good experiences.”

“Despite those results, I took it as a learning experience.”

Yulo is also well aware of his competition in Paris.

“I feel like all those top-level athletes are proven and tested and they have a lot of experiences like me so maybe I’ll practice to be more confident in performing and have trust in myself and all things I’ve been practicing.”



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Alas Pilipinas name Italian Angiolino Frigoni as new coach

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Alas Pilipinas men during the AVC Challenge Cup. —AVC PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Alas Pilipinas men’s team will have a new coach in seasoned Italian tactician Angiolino Frigoni, according to Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Tats Suzara.

Suzara on Saturday bared that Frigoni has taken over the Philippine men’s volleyball team program, succeeding Brazilian Sergio Veloso, who will be now the program director for the boys and girls grassroots.

“We have a new Italian coach. He’s a two-time Olympic coach Frigoni. He’s here to share with us his expertise and to bring our team and elevate their skills next year,” said Suzara during the penultimate day of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week 3 at Mall of Asia Arena.

READ: Alas Pilipinas finish 10th in AVC Challenge Cup

In time for the Alas’ participation in the FIVB World Championship next year in Manila, the Filipino Spikers get a timely boost from an Olympian coach, who is a decorated volleyball personality in the world.

Frigoni will have a chance to develop Alas stars Marck Espejo, Bryan Bagunas, setter Owa Retamar, and other Filipino players.

Suzara said Veloso will handle the grassroots after two years with the men’s team, ending his stint in the AVC Challenge Cup for Bahrain.

The Brazilian will form a team and coaching staff as the country participates in the under-18 boys in Bahrain and under-20 women in the AIMAG in Bangkok in November.

READ: Alas Pilipinas men beat Indonesia, advance to battle for 9th

“Sergio will now be the director for the junior development so we’re now setting up a junior development program. Sergio will be in charge of the under 18, under 20,” Suzara said. “He’s basically in charge of feeding the senior national team with very young players. He’s focused more on the upcoming university players to play in the national team

“He needs to get a pool of coaches to help him. He will start recruiting players in the province he’ll go to Cebu in the Palarong Pambansa and other national tournaments,” he added.

Suzara said that Veloso should retain Japanese coach Taka Minowa for the girls’ team, which won bronze in the Princess Cup and joined the Asian U18 women’s in Thailand.

The PNVF will be in the US for 10 days to discover Filipino-American talents for men’s and women’s indoor volleyball as well as for beach volleyball.



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Ranran Abdilla, Honey Grace Cordero eye BVR Sipalay glory

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Ranran Abdilla. –BVR PHOTO

SIPALAY CITY – National team mainstay Ranran Abdilla and young star Honey Grace Cordero seek to rule the Beach Volleyball Republic on Tour Sipalay City leg for a second straight season with different partners starting Saturday at Poblacion Beach here.

Abdilla will now have Alas teammate AJ Pareja as his partner, while Cordero will tandem with fellow National University stalwart Kat Epa.

Last year, Abdilla won with Rancel Varga as his partner via a five-match sweep, while Cordero won the 2023 championship with a perfect 5-0 record with sand court veteran Roma Joy Doromal.

READ; BVR on Tour: Ranran Abdilla, Rancel Varga win back-to-back titles

Australia’s New South Wales Phoenix stalwarts Luca Rocker-Graham and Killian Donovan will add spice to the men’s competition.

Cordero, a proud native of Silay City, headlines a bevy of Negrense standouts who are no strangers to the BVR on Tour.

The Negros tandem Bea Tan and Bianca Lizares, paired for the first time, hope to wow their provincemates will their vast experience on the sand.

One of the BVR founders, Tan is an alumna from University of St. La Salle in high school, while Lizares, a former Palarong Pambansa MVP who has been competing in the tour since 2018, is a product of St. John’s Institute.

READ: BVR on Tour: Candon, Sipalay legs set for June

Far Eastern University’s Melody Pons, younger sister of former BVR champion now PVL player Bernadeth, hails from Talisay City, and seeks to perform well at home with Gerzel Petallo.

Other Negrense stars vying for the crown are Pontevedra’s Erjane Magdato and Perper Cosas, UNO-R’s Edrilyn Garbajosa and Kyla Gallego and two teams from Sipalay, the pairs of Kimberly Babe Deuyan and Trisha Gene Geneblaza, and Japttia Rose Arquiro and Princess Kyle Judilla.

Completing the women’s cast are the pair of Strong Group Athletics’ Gen Eslapor, a national team standout, her younger sister Euri, and the tandem of UST’s UAAP champions Sofiah Pagara and Khy Progella.

Alas B’s Varga and Lerry Francisco, UST’s Aldwin Gupiteo and Dom Gabito, Far Eastern University’s Kyle Retiza and Mikko Espartero, La Salle’s Andre Espejo and Chris Hernandez, Air Force’s Pol Salvador and Edwin Tolentino, Cebu’s Samlet Booc and Michael Marabe, and two Sipalay pairs, Ivan Sanao and John Lloyd Guntan, and Johnrel Talita and John Joseph Mirasol are also vying for the men’s crown.



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The BVR delegation arrived here Thursday.