Latest news with #UAAP
GMA Network
16 hours ago
- Sport
- GMA Network
Michelle Cobb announces retirement from volleyball
Michelle Cobb is hanging up her jersey, announcing her retirement from volleyball after years of playing competitively in the UAAP and the PVL. The 26-year-old setter said she's leaving the game for good to open a new chapter in her life. "After years of love and dedication to the game, I've decided to close this chapter. I'm retiring with a grateful heart, proud of everything this journey has given me," Cobb said in a heartfelt Instagram post Wednesday night. "To everyone who's been part of this journey, thank you for being family. " Cobb is a celebrated playmaker in both the amateur and the professional scene. She once helped De La Salle University clinch two UAAP titles in Seasons 79 and 80 to complete a three-peat feat. She then moved on to the bigger stage, suiting up for F2 Logistics before transferring to Akari, which was then making its PVL debut back in 2022. With the Chargers, Cobb was able to guide young guns like Faith Nisperos, Fifi Sharma, Celine Domingo, and Ivy Lacsina. Together, they would help the franchise reach its first-ever finals appearance during the 2024 Reinforced Conference. But Cobb said it's time she stepped away from the taraflex. "As I step away from the game, I carry the strength, love, and determination it gave me. This isn't the end — just a new chapter, written with the same heart that played every point." —Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Sport
- GMA Network
Jacob Cortez drops 31 as La Salle downs UP in preseason
Filoil Preseason Cup. May 31, 2025. Jacob Cortez of the DLSU Green Archers against the UP Fighting Maroons. (Photo: Filoil Preseason Cup) Jacob Cortez dropped 31 points to lead De La Salle University past University of the Philippines, 106-99, on Saturday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan. The former San Beda star had 12-of-16 shooting from the field to go with five assists and four rebounds as the Green Archers somehow exacted revenge against their tormentors in last season's UAAP finals. "I was looking forward to facing UP. We all know how good they are, so we just went out there and gave our best," said Cortez. Kean Baclaan had 20 points, four rebounds, and two assists, whie Luis Pablo had 11 markers and six boards against his former team as the Taft-based squad improved to 2-0. Francis Nnoruka, meanwhile, led the Fighting Maroons with 21 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, as it suffered its first setback after back-to-back wins. In the other games, San Beda University defeated San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 67-54, while Emilio Aguinaldo College beat Lyceum of the Philippines University, 82-74. National University, meanwhile, won against University of the East, 72-67. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
21-05-2025
- Sport
- GMA Network
'Hardest decision ever': Veejay Pre bids farewell to FEU
UAAP Season 87 men's basketball Rookie of the Year and Far Eastern University standout Veejay Pre has parted ways with the Tamaraws. In his social media post early Wednesday, Pre said leaving FEU "has been the hardest decision ever" as he considered his family's input as well on his growth as an athlete. "I believe that leaving and saying 'goodbye' is never easy and accepting things is the most painful part," Pre wrote in the caption of his post. "As an athlete, growth and improvement matters deeply. But there comes a time in our lives when challenges arise, pushing us to make difficult decisions. My family and I have come to a decision, and I've chosen to heed their wisdom and concerns. This made me realize how much they only want the best for me and I can't deny that taking this big step forward has been the hardest decision ever." Pre, however, did not disclose where he is going next. Confirmation of Pre's departure from FEU came weeks after rumors and reports surfaced about his possible transfer. FEU finished sixth in the elimination round of Season 87, but in high school, he led the Baby Tamaraws to a third-place finish. He last played for FEU in the UAAP 3x3 tournament. Pre then thanked those who were part of his FEU journey. "I owe FEU so much, and I will always treasure the good deeds, memories, lessons, heartbreaks, and laughter we've shared. I will be forever grateful as a 'TAMARAW' and to have experienced the colorful life that FEU and its community bring," he wrote. "Forever blessed and thankful that once in my life, I was once called a 'TAMARAW.' "Once a Tamaraw, Always a 'Tamaraw,' Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University's Kris Porter also parted ways with the Blue Eagles in a decision he announced on Tuesday. 'This was a really tough decision,' said Porter. 'I spent my elementary years at Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu before moving to Ateneo de Manila for high school and college. Ateneo has always been home to me, but I had to make this choice — even if I don't have concrete plans yet on where I'll go next. I believe it's a necessary step for my personal growth.' Porter said he has not yet committed to another school. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
20-05-2025
- Sport
- GMA Network
Guided by her brothers, Pat Del Pilar aspires to one day lead JRU to the top
By BEA MICALLER,GMA Integrated News Pat Del Pilar first discovered her love of volleyball through encouragement from her two brothers, Rafael and Nathaniel. She now uses that as fuel in her bid to bring Jose Rizal University volleyball back to relevance in the NCAA. "Ito na po 'yung first love ko kasi nga na-encourage ako ng mga kuya ko. Sabi ko na gusto ko rin mag-volleyball, gusto ko rin ma-feel 'yung nafi-feel nila inside the court," Del Pilar told GMA News Online on Tuesday. Rafael and Nathaniel are like heroes for the 5-foot-11 Del Pilar. Rafael was a member of De La Salle University and suited up back in UAAP Season 79. Nathaniel followed suit as he's part of the current Green Archers, who reached the Final Four of the recently-concluded UAAP Season 87. Like the youngest Del Pilar, Rafael and Nathaniel are also middle blockers. "In-encourage po nila ako na maglaro kasi syempre I have the height din po. Pito po kaming magkakapatid and bunso po ako. 'Yung dalawang kuya ko lang po 'yung naglalaro," Del Pilar added. "Una po basketball po talaga sila tapos ayon po nakita sila ng coaches ng volleyball kaya ni-recruit sila hanggang sa tinuloy-tuloy po nila." Only a sophomore, Del Pilar is now among the leaders for the Lady Bombers, emerging as their second leading scorer in the ongoing NCAA Season 100 women's volleyball tournament. And someday, she hopes to see JRU seeing action in the Final Four. "Gusto ko rin po talaga ma-achieve na mag-Final Four kami dito sa JRU or Finals at kung papalarin mag-champion," the 22-year-old middle blocker said. —JMB, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
18-05-2025
- Sport
- GMA Network
NU coach Dante Alinsunurin dedicates 5-peat to late brother
National University men's volleyball team longtime mentor Dante Alinsunurin dedicated his most challenging UAAP season campaign yet to his late brother, who passed away last week. Alinsunurin steered the Bulldogs to the league's first five-peat in the Final Four era after taking down Far Eastern University in Game 3 of their championship showdown in the UAAP Season 87 men's volleyball finals on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena. In their past four championship victories, the Bulldogs have never needed more than two games to close out the series, until the top-seeded Tamaraws became a worthy challenger for the crown. 'Unang-una, inaalay ko tong panalo na 'to sa kapatid ko, namatay nu'ng isang linggo,' Alinsunurin said. 'Pangalawa, ang ganda talaga ng series and the other credit goes to FEU, talagang na-challenge nila kami kung hanggang saan [ang kaya namin]. To my players, mula day one, for pushing 'yung sarili nila na makuha namin tong five-peat na to,' he continued. After fighting through the loss of his brother Mike right around the playoffs, Alinsunurin honored him with a special achievement. 'Sobrang thankful talaga ako, hindi lang 'to para sa sarili ko. Para sa kapatid ko 'tong game na 'to. Alam ko na mas matutuwa siya para sa akin pag nakita niyang champion kami,' Alinsunurin said. 'Special itong title kasi kahit may mga struggle kami hindi lang sa laro, kundi sa labas din ng court. Even mga players namin [suffering from] injuries talaga, and ako family matters. Sobrang thankful ako sa panalong to. As of now, ito 'yung pinaka magandang achievement sa career and championship pagdating rito sa UAAP,' he added. In front of a record-high crowd turnout of 14,517, the men's team secured a double gold for the school's volleyball program following an early title celebration for its women's counterpart on Wednesday. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
