Bella Belen named MVP as Team Heart defeats Team Hustle in PVL All-Star return

Key facts

• Team Heart defeated Team Hustle 25-18, 18-25, 25-23, 25-17.
• Bella Belen was named MVP after scoring 15 points.
• Myla Pablo added 14 points for Team Heart.
• Alyssa Valdez and Erika Santos contributed 10 points each for Team Heart.
• Brooke Van Sickle led Team Hustle with 11 points, Eya Laure had 10.
• Noel Kampton was MVP of the Spikers' Turf exhibition, leading Team Power over Team Passion 25-18, 25-18, 21-25, 25-23.
• Kampton tallied 14 points; Mark Calado led Team Passion with 16 points.

All-Star volleyball returns after four-year hiatus

The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Star game made its long-awaited return on [date not specified], marking the first such event since 2019. The showcase featured two women's teams, Team Heart and Team Hustle, as well as a men's exhibition match between Team Power and Team Passion. Team Heart emerged victorious in the women's contest, defeating Team Hustle in four sets: 25-18, 18-25, 25-23, 25-17. The match provided a platform for the league's top talents to compete in a festive atmosphere.

Belen leads Team Heart to victory, earns MVP

Bella Belen powered Team Heart with a match-high 15 points, earning her the Most Valuable Player award. She was supported by Myla Pablo, who added 14 points, and Alyssa Valdez and Erika Santos, who chipped in 10 points each. Team Heart's roster also included Jema Galanza, Pangs Panaga, Jia De Guzman, Majoy Baron, Justine Jazareno, Jean Asis, Gel Cayuna, MJ Phillips, Vanie Gandler, and Dawn Catindig. The depth of talent on the squad contributed to their balanced offensive attack.

Team Hustle's top scorers and roster

For Team Hustle, Brooke Van Sickle led the scoring with 11 points, while Eya Laure added 10. The team's lineup featured Alohi Robins-Hardy, Fifi Sharma, Mikka Reyes, Kath Arado, Kim Fajardo, Kim Dy, Bea de Leon, Alyssa Eroa, Ivy Lacsina, Tots Carlos, Bernadeth Pons, and Jackie Acuña. Despite a strong effort, Team Hustle could not overcome Team Heart's momentum after dropping the third and fourth sets.

Men's exhibition: Kampton named MVP

In the Spikers' Turf exhibition match, Noel Kampton led Team Power to a 25-18, 25-18, 21-25, 25-23 victory over Team Passion. Kampton was named MVP after tallying 14 points. JM Ronquillo added nine points for Team Power, which also featured Jaron Requinton, Billie Anima, Kim Malabunga, Judge Garcia, Menard Guerrero, Jayvee Sumagaysay, EJ Casana, Adi Villados, Ysay Marasigan, Lloyd Josafat, Louie Ramirez, and Vince Lorenzo.

Team Passion's effort falls short

Mark Calado led Team Passion with 16 points in a losing effort. His team included Jared Schnake, Giles Torres, Rikko Mamerto, Jay Rack dela Noche, Nico Almendras, Jau Umandal, Michael Imperial, Gian Glorioso, Mfena Gwaza, John Pepito, Kris Silang, Poy Colinares, and Alche Gupiteo. Team Passion won the third set but could not sustain the momentum, dropping the fourth set 25-23.

Significance of the All-Star return

The PVL All-Star game's return after a four-year absence signals the league's growth and the increasing popularity of volleyball in the Philippines. The event brought together star players from various teams, allowing fans to see unique combinations of talent. The success of the exhibition matches, both women's and men's, underscores the depth of talent in Philippine volleyball and the excitement surrounding the sport.

The bottom line

• The PVL All-Star game returned in 2024 after a four-year hiatus, featuring women's and men's exhibition matches.
• Bella Belen of Team Heart was named MVP after scoring 15 points in a four-set victory over Team Hustle.
• Myla Pablo, Alyssa Valdez, and Erika Santos contributed double-digit points for Team Heart.
• Brooke Van Sickle and Eya Laure were the top scorers for Team Hustle with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
• Noel Kampton led Team Power to victory in the men's exhibition, earning MVP honors with 14 points.
• Mark Calado scored a match-high 16 points for Team Passion in the losing effort.