MANILA—The NHA Home Masters spoiled the debut of the Pag-IBIG Fund Lady Smashers with a commanding 3-1 victory during the UNTV Volleyball League clash at the Paco Arena in Manila on February 25, 2026. 

NHA set a blistering pace early on, clinching the first two sets 25-18 and 25-22 before the Lady Smashers managed to claw back a set. However, the Home Masters slammed the door shut in the fourth, finishing the match with a 25-19 clincher. 

Angelica Nidoy earned Best Player of the Game honors after delivering a masterclass performance, fueling the NHA offense with a massive 27 points consisting of 24 clinical attacks, 1 block, and 2 service aces.

The BPOG celebrated the first win of her team, but admitted they still have to adjust their errors in their upcoming trainings

“Yung mga errors po namin, yun po yung mga aaralin sa mga susunod na training namin.”—Angelica Nidoy said in the post-game interview. 

Despite the loss, the newly-formed Pag-IBIG Fund squad showed flashes of brilliance throughout the four-set battle. 

Head coach Tonell Arellano remained optimistic about his team's trajectory, viewing the debut as a foundational step for the season. 

“Magiging aggressive pa kami sa paloan, sa sistema namin sa blockings kasi medyo nagkulang po talaga kami doon and hopefully po makuha po namin yung panalo namin first win sa PNP.”—coach Tonell Arellano said.

Looking ahead to their next fixture, Arellano promised a more disciplined and aggressive approach, vowing that the Lady Smashers will return with a heightened focus on both their floor defense and frontline attacking.