Tag: Alyssa

Alyssa Valdez says PH now a ‘volleyball country’

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A general view of the crowd during a game between Team USA and Japan in the VNL 2024 at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Alyssa Valdez believes that the Philippines has become a volleyball country after a successful hosting of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) and soldout gate attendance in the local leagues, PVL and UAAP as well as Alas Pilipinas games.

“I think, I’m gonna say it but I think right now, we’re a volleyball country, we’re a volleyball nation,” Valdez told reporters after watching the conclusion of the VNL Manila leg between USA and Japan on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

“It’s so nice to see a jampacked arena.”

READ: VNL 2024: Experience makes USA’s Manila stint a ‘great success’

The three-time PVL MVP of Creamline was among the 12,000 fans on the final day of VNL Week 3 and she had a fan-girl moment with USA’s Micah Christenson and Erik Shoji and Japan’s Yuki Ishikawa and Kento Miyaura.

“It’s so nice that they’re all cheering for both USA and Japan. It’s a great scenario and situation inside the MOA Arena,” Valdez said. “We’re just really hoping that the support of the volleyball community here in the Philippines and all over the world will continue.”

Valdez, who also serves as the Spikers’ Turf president, said this kind of international hosting will continue to help Philippine volleyball grow

READ: VNL 2024: USA star Taylor Averill wants to come back, explore PH

She also hopes the VNL will encourage more fans to support the local men’s volleyball league.

“Hopefully, this will help us improve And I hope that this will inspire more fans to watch the Spikers’ Turf and other volleyball games as we support the other teams here in the VNL,” she said.

Valdez will be leading Creamline’s bid to end a six-year Reinforced Conference title drought in July.



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Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon skip PVL Draft, stay with NU

On: By: admin


Alyssa Solomon and Bella Belen. UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — National University’s hard-hitting pair Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon are running it back with the Lady Bulldogs next UAAP season after skipping the inaugural 2024 PVL Rookie Draft.

Amid the high interest for Belen and Solomon, both NU stars didn’t throw their names in the first-ever PVL draft during the deadline on Wednesday. Alas Pilipinas players Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel headline the 47 aspirants.

Inquirer sources bared that Belen and Solomon have decided to play one more year with the Lady Bulldogs, eyeing a second straight championship in Season 87 — their third in four years.

READ: Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel lead first PVL rookie draft aspirants

Belen and NU coach Norman Miguel were sought for comments but they have yet to respond as of posting time.

NU remains a formidable  side with the two MVPs staying put along with key players Lams Lamina, Sheena Toring, Vange Alinsug, Erin Pangilinan, and Shaira Jardio as well as Arah Panique and Nathasza Bombita.

Belen and Solomon, the UAAP Season and Finals MVP, respectively, are currently training with Alas Pilipinas, which is preparing for its FIVB Challenger Cup hosting next month at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

READ: NU stars, Jema Galanza join Alas Pilipinas training

Among the 47 aspirants are La Salle’s Maicah Larroza and Leila Cruz, Ateneo libero Roma Mae Doromal, UST’s Pierre Abellana, Adamson’s Lucille Almonte, Ishie Lalongisip, and AA Adolfo, UP scorer Stephanie Bustrillo.

The live draft lottery determining the order of the first four picks will take place on June 24 with ZUS Coffee having the highest chance of getting the top pick with 40 percent, followed by Capital1 (30%), Galeries Tower (20%), and Farm Fresh (10%).

Nxled holds the fifth pick, followed by Akari, Cignal, PLDT, Chery Tiggo, Petro Gazz, runner-up Choco Mucho, and All-Filipino Conference champion Creamline.



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The 47 aspirants will have a two-day Draft Combine from June 25 to 26 at Gameville Ballpark in Sheridan, Mandaluyong.