Jasha Gamao

MANILA—The Senate Defenders staged a thrilling fourth-quarter surge to override the PhilHealth Health Insurers, 62–57, in their UNTV Cup Season 12 clash on Sunday at the Paco Arena. 

For the majority of the match, Health Insurers dictated the pace, utilizing a disciplined tempo to maintain control from the opening tip through the third period. 

However, the Defenders refused to fold, flipping the script in the final frame with a defensive lockdown and a clinical offensive execution that left the Health Insurers reeling.

Jojo Duncil proved why he is a force to be reckoned with, earning Best Player of the Game honors after a masterful all-around performance. 

Duncil exploded for 26 points, while contributing 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals to lead the Senate charge. 

His scoring outburst in the clutch served as the catalyst for the Defenders' comeback, effectively erasing PhilHealth's long-standing lead and securing a hard-fought win for the legislative squad.

In a post-game interview, Duncil credited the victory to the team’s resilience and evolving chemistry under a new system. 

“Nakapag-adjust na kami nung mga third and fourth eh, syempre one week pa lang si Coach Japs, nag-aadjust pa lahat kami.”

"We were just able to adjust our game in the third and fourth quarters," Duncil noted, acknowledging that the roster is still acclimating to the plays of new head coach John Paul Cuan. 

The transition has been eased by the deep-rooted connection between the two; Duncil and Cuan share a storied history dating back to their collegiate days at the University of Santo Tomas. 

“Gamay na ako ni Coach Japs eh, noong araw talagang matagal pinagsamahan namin niyan tsaka si Coach Dizon.”

"Coach Japs and I are very familiar with each other; we go a long way back, along with Coach Dizon.", Duncil emphasized that this long-standing familiarity was pivotal in executing the late-game adjustments that ultimately sealed the game.

MANILA—The PNP Lady Patrollers showcased absolute dominance on Wednesday at the Paco Arena, crushing the DENR Lawin Spikers in a commanding straight-sets sweep. 

From the opening serve, the Lady Patrollers dictated the tempo with a relentless offensive parade and a suffocating defense that left the Lawin Spikers struggling to find any rhythm. 

The victory elevated PNP’s rank to number 3 in the team standings, proving that their championship experience is still intact after all.

Jannah Artuzuela earned Best Player of the Game honors after delivering a clinical performance at the net. 

Artuzuela was virtually unstoppable, accounting for 9 points and 9 successful attacks, consistently piercing the DENR defense with precision and power. 

Her efficiency in transition powered the Lady Patrollers' scoring runs, ensuring the sweep remained firmly in their grasp as they marched to a decisive victory.

‍

MANILA—The PhilHealth Health Insurers maintained their flawless record in the UNTV Volleyball League Season 4 after surviving a grueling five-set encounter against the number 2 team in standing—BFP Lady Firefighters on Wednesday at the Paco Arena in Manila. 

In a high-stakes battle for the top seed, PhilHealth displayed nerves of steel to overcome a resilient BFP squad, ultimately clinching the match with a dramatic final score of 25-22, 18-25, 16-25, 25-20, 15-17. 

The victory cements PhilHealth’s position at the summit of the team standings, leaving them as the only remaining undefeated powerhouse in the preliminaries.

Criselda Rondina captured Best Player of the Game honors after delivering a masterclass performance when it mattered most. 

Rondina was the offensive spearhead for the Health Insurers, finishing with a total of 17 points built on 15 successful attacks, one block, and one ace. 

Her composure in the deciding fifth set proved pivotal, as she repeatedly found gaps in the BFP defense to halt the Lady Firefighters' momentum and secure the hard-fought win.

PhilHealth Head Coach Anthony Karl Espino expressed high praise for his squad’s resilience following the marathon match. 

“I am very satisfied, wala akong masabi sa team. Lahat sila sumusunod doon sa kung ano yung program ng practice at training pati yung game plan nasusunod lahat.”

"I am very satisfied; I have nothing but praise for the team. Everyone follows the practice and training program, and even the game plan is being executed perfectly.", Coach Espino during the post-game interview.

He commended his team for strictly following the game plan, especially during the transition plays that allowed them to recover after dropping the second and third sets. 

With this win, the Health Insurers march forward with a perfect slate, solidified as the team to beat heading into the next round.

‍

MANILA — The AFP Lady Gunnar delivered a masterclass performance at the Paco Arena yesterday, April 22, dismantling the NHA Home Masters in a decisive 3-0 sweep. 

The Lady Gunnar dictated the tempo from the opening serve, showcasing superior floor defense and a relentless offensive rhythm that left NHA struggling to find answers. 

AFP secured the straight-set victory with scores of 25-22, 25-19, and a gritty 28-26 finish in the third to shut the door on any comeback hopes.

Veteran standout Iari Yongco earned Best Player of the Game honors, anchoring the AFP attack with an impressive 17-point explosion. 

Yongco was clinical at the net, converting 14 successful attacks while adding two blocks and an ace to her tally. 

With this momentum-boosting win under their belts, the Lady Gunnar now turn their sights toward a high-stakes showdown against the number two seed BFP Lady Firefighters to close out their preliminary round campaign.

‍

The Philippine Men’s 4x400m relay team officially ignited their season with a commanding gold-medal performance at the Singapore Open Track & Field Championships. 

Clocking in at 3:11.25, the powerhouse composed of Frederick Ramirez, Alfred Talplacido, Ahlryan Labita, and Michael Del Prado displayed mid-season form to outpace their closest rivals. 

The Filipinos held off a surging Malaysian squad (3:12.65) and a determined home team from Singapore (3:12.68) in a gritty sprint to the finish that solidified their standing as the region’s team to beat.

Adding a layer of prestige to the victory, the team was guided from the sidelines by legendary National Coach Isidro Del Prado. 

The win comes at a poetic moment for the program, as Del Prado was recently inducted into the 5th Philippine Sports Hall of Fame this year. 

With a Hall of Fame pedigree in their corner and an opening-day gold around their necks, the Philippine relay team has sent a clear message to the rest of Southeast Asia: the chase for greatness is well and truly on.

‍