Jasha Gamao

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.

The Philippine women’s national football team officially secured a return to the world stage, defeating Uzbekistan 2-0 in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 play-in on Thursday at the Robina Stadium in Robina, Australia. 

With this victory, the Filipinas will have their back-to-back appearance in the prestige football league in which they will join the elite ranks of Asian nations bound for the 2027 tournament in Brazil.

MANILA—The UNTV Volleyball League Season 4 will continue to ignite the Paco Arena in Manila this Sunday, March 22, 2026 after a Wednesday game break with a high-stakes triple-header in the preliminary rounds. 

The action kicks off at 12:00 NN with a fierce opening match between the AFP Lady Gunnar and the MMDA Lady Spikers. 

Expect a defensive masterclass as these two disciplined units battle for early momentum in the standings. 

The AFP squad is determined to nail down their third straight win while the rookies MMDA team is still searching for their kick starter this season. 

The intensity continues at 2:00 PM as the DFA Emissaries take on the DENR Lawin Spikers in a clash of precision and power. 

It’s gonna be an epic batte as the DFA group still hungry for their first blood this year while the DENR still wanted to prove their existence in the league.

Closing out the explosive Sunday lineup at 4:00 PM are the Lingkod Pag-IBIG Lady Smashers, who will try to overwhelm the PhilHealth Health Insurers. 

With all six teams hungry for a win, fans can expect long rallies, strategic plays, and a display of pure athleticism from the country’s dedicated public servants.

Don't miss the chance to see your favorite government players in person, head over to the Paco Arena to catch the games live and feel the energy of the crowd! 

If you can't make it to the venue, you can still catch every spike and block from the comfort of your home by tuning in to the UNTV Sports official Facebook and YouTube channels for the full livestream. 

Be part of the action and support your team as the UVL preliminaries heat up!

‍