Jasha Gamao

MANILA—The AFP Lady Gunnar extended their dominant run in UVL Season 4, crushing the MMDA Lady Spikers in a swift straight-set victory, 25-9, 25-19, 25-12, last Sunday, March 22 at the Paco Arena in Manila. 

The Lady Gunnar displayed superior firepower from the opening serve, leaving the Lady Spikers struggling to mount a consistent defense. 

This clinical performance marks AFP’s third consecutive win, signaling their intent to climb the ranks as the tournament intensifies.

Iari Yongco earned Best Player of the Game honors after delivering a versatile offensive masterclass. 

Yongco tallied 13 total points, fueled by 10 powerful attacks, two service aces, and a solid block to anchor the front line. 

With this victory, AFP officially moves up to the number five spot in the team standings, gaining crucial momentum as they chase a higher seed in the playoffs.

‍

Karolína Muchova halted Alex Eala’s deep Miami Open run on Monday night, delivering a clinical 6-0, 6-2 victory to secure her spot in the quarterfinals. 

The world no. 14 and recent Qatar Open champion wasted no time asserting her dominance, using a lethal combination of tactical variety and veteran precision to overwhelm the Filipina star. 

While Eala fought to find her rhythm, Muchova’s relentless pace and court coverage proved too high a hurdle, ending the match in straight sets.

Despite the lopsided scoreline, Eala’s presence in the Round of 16 marks a significant milestone for Philippine tennis on the global stage. 

Facing one of the tour’s most in-form players, the young standout gained invaluable experience against elite competition at a premier WTA 1000 event. 

While Muchova advances to continue her hunt for back-to-back titles, Eala leaves Miami with a boosted world ranking and the momentum of a historic tournament performance.

MANILA—The PhilHealth Health Insurers extended their dominant streak to five games, delivering a commanding straight-sets sweep against the Pag-IBIG Fund Lady Smashers yesterday at the Paco Arena. 

Displaying championship-caliber poise, PhilHealth fended off a late surge from the Lady Smashers in the third frame to secure a 25-22, 25-15, 27-25 victory. 

This crucial win keeps PhilHealth's perfect record intact and officially placed them to the number one spot in the UVL Season 4 team standings.

Defensive specialist Trixie Laroga earned Best Player of the Game honors, anchoring the Health Insurers' backline with elite floor coverage. 

While the box score credited the libero with a rare point and attack, it was her relentless digging and precise reception that frustrated the Pag-IBIG hitters all afternoon. 

By neutralizing the Lady Smashers' offensive threats, Laroga ensured that the undefeated Health Insurers remained in total control, solidifying their status as the team to beat this season.

Philippine Tennis star Alex Eala delivered a masterclass in resilience, battling past world No. 53 Laura Siegemund 6-7 (6), 6-3, 6-3 today at Hard Rock Stadium to punch her ticket to the third round of the Miami Open. 

After dropping a grueling 80-minute opening set in a tiebreak, the Filipina sensation refused to blink, topping her aggression to dismantle the veteran German. 

Eala dominated the final two sets with precise baseline play and relentless energy, sealing the victory in a marathon three hours and 20 minutes.

The win marks a triumphant return to the site of her breakout run last year, proving Eala remains a formidable threat on the hard courts of Miami. 

By outlasting a seasoned opponent nearly 20 years her senior, the 20-year-old showcased the physical stamina and mental fortitude that have become her hallmarks on the WTA Tour. 

Eala now carries a wave of momentum into the next round as she continues her climb up the world rankings.

Philippine Tennis star Alex Eala officially kicks off her 2026 Miami Open campaign this Friday, March 20, at 12:00 a.m. (Manila time), stepping onto the court for a high-octane Round of 64 clash against German veteran Laura Siegemund. 

The 20-year-old Filipina tennis sensation returns to the site of her historic 2025 semifinal breakthrough with eyes on a deep run to defend her ranking points. 

Facing the 38-year-old Siegemund for the first time, Eala aims to leverage her aggressive power game at Hard Rock Stadium to secure a victory and potentially set up a blockbuster rematch with world No. 3 Iga Swiatek.