From title contenders returning to the throne, to underdog teams writing a Cinderella run, Philippine volleyball in 2025 had its share of memorable moments.
After a banner year in 2024, the Philippine volleyball scene continued to produce its share of memorable moments in 2025. Collegiate teams made history as they extended their dynasties, while a longtime club team finally secured a title it has long hoped for. Led by aces on the sand, our national teams also continued to write history on the international stage.
Here are our picks for the top five Philippine volleyball moments of 2025:
National University extends UAAP volleyball dynasties
National University cemented its status as the UAAP’s modern-day volleyball powerhouse, with their “Golden Double” in Season 87 marking significant milestones for both the men’s and women’s teams.
It was a successful title defense campaign for the Lady Bulldogs, which served as their first back-to-back titles in school history. Playing like a team on a mission, National U were the clear favorites throughout the season, and secured their coveted repeat through a dominant sweep of the Angel Canino-led DLSU. Not only that, but a seniors class led by Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon were also giving a fitting end to their collegiate careers.
Over in the men’s division, it was a story of sustained dominance, with the Dante Alinsunurin-led Bulldogs clinching a historic five-peat. In doing so, they became the second UAAP men’s volleyball team to have an extended reign, following the fabled FEU Tamaraws that ruled from 1946 to 1958.
However, the path to a five-peat proved to be the hardest for the Bulldogs. Often used to dominant title runs, their dynasty seemed to show cracks for Season 87, marked by elimination round losses to the FEU Tamaraws and DLSU Green Spikers, along with the UST Golden Spikers in the Final Four.
FEU seemed ready to topple National U in the finals, taking Game 1 in a five-set thriller, before nearly completing a title sweep in Game 2.
Still, these challenges only highlighted the Bulldogs’ character, clawing back from the brink against UST in the Final Four, and closing out the Tamaraws in a dominant Game 3 to secure their five-peat.
Though National U showed hints of vulnerability, it was a reminder that the path to UAAP men’s volleyball glory still runs through Jhocson.
Petro Gazz breaks through in PVL All-Filipino
After settling for runner-up finishes, Petro Gazz finally secured their maiden All-Filipino Conference title in the Premier Volleyball League, dethroning the Creamline Cool Smashers in a three-game war for the title.
It was a well-earned breakthrough for Petro Gazz, who leaned on a trio of Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips, and Myla Pablo. Even veteran setter Chie Saet turned back the clock, orchestrating the Angels’ high-tempo offense en route to their maiden All-Filipino crown.
Alas Pilipinas’ memorable FIVB Men’s World Championship debut
A close fight, or a set win could already count as an achievement for Alas Pilipinas Men in the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship in Manila. But once the games kicked off, Alas Men did so much more than keeping things close.
After baring their fangs late against Tunisia, Alas Men proceeded to beat Egypt for the Philippines’ first-ever FIVB World Championship win. Even more impressive, it wasn’t just any win, as the Nationals asserted their might against the more experienced Pharaohs in a four-set affair.
With the momentum on their side, Alas Men nearly clinched a Round of 16 berth at the expense of Iran, pushing Team Melli to the full five sets before a sold-out crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. While a last-minute challenge paved the way for Iran’s victory, it was nonetheless a game for the ages, with the Nationals keeping close up until the final point.
Alas Men ultimately finished 13th in the global showpiece, being the second-highest ranked Asian team behind Iran in the 32-team field.
ZUS Coffee’s Cinderella Run
Through key veteran signings and strategic draft pickups, ZUS Coffee has built a contender in the PVL, which culminated in a franchise-best run at the year-ending Reinforced Conference last November.
With young spiker Anna DeBeer complementing their local core, the Thunderbelles made it all the way to the conference finals, copping a silver medal to cement their arrival as a serious threat in the PVL.
On their way to the finals ZUS Coffee also scored convincing wins over eventual champ Petro Gazz and league darlings Creamline in the elimination rounds. Come the semifinals, they shut down the PLDT High Speed Hitters to set up a breakthrough title clash against the Angels.
Now, it will be interesting to see how ZUS Coffee will fare in next year’s All-Filipino Conference, where they will enter with an added shot of confidence, along with the lessons they have learned from playing in an import-laced tournament.
A historic beach volleyball gold in the SEA Games
Most eyes may be on the indoor teams, but Alas Pilipinas Beach shone the brightest in the Southeast Asian Games, with the women’s team copping a historic gold medal by dethroning perennial champions Thailand.
It was a clinical win by Alas Beach in the finals, with Bernadeth Pons and Sisi Rondina setting the tone, before Sunny Villapando and Dij Rodriguez closed out the hosts in dominant fashion. En route to the finals, Alas Beach also recorded a historic win over Indonesia, before earning a maiden championship appearance at the expense of Vietnam.
Banner images courtesy of the Premier Volleyball League, UAAP Media Bureau, and the Philippine National Volleyball Federation on Facebook.