Belen Powers Team Heart to Thrilling All-Star Win

Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Team Heart turned up the intensity when it mattered most, pulling away in the fourth set to defeat Team Hustle, 25-18, 18-25, 25-23, 25-17, in the PVL exhibition match of the 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase on Friday night at a packed Candon City Arena.

With MVP Bella Belen leading the charge, Team Heart stayed composed in a tightly contested match, splitting the first two sets with Team Hustle. After dropping the second frame, they fought through a nail-biting third set to seize momentum heading into the decisive fourth.

The fourth set saw Team Heart start with an explosive 11-1 run, immediately putting Team Hustle on the back foot. From there, they controlled the pace, steadily building a comfortable lead, reaching match point at 24-17, and eventually sealing the win.

"Masaya po kami kasi nakapag-interact kami with the fans. Nakakatuwa na makita po yung fans na nage-enjoy," Belen said.

Team Heart’s dominance in the final set prevented any serious comeback from Team Hustle, cementing their victory. The match also featured playful exhibition moments, including coaches and a line judge attempting serves, players officiating, and liberos testing their attacking skills, adding to the All-Star atmosphere.

The showcase ended with court assistant Jhyson Manzano—subbed in for Alyssa Valdez—landing a cross-court hit set up by Jia De Guzman, with the ball deflecting off Kath Arado, bringing the entertaining exhibition to a close.

"Sobrang happy kami kasi sobrang daming fans sa Candon," said Team Heart head coach Rald Ricafort.

"Sobrang happy din nila kasi nakikita nila ‘yung iniidolo nilang players. Na-overwhelm ako sa Candon kasi grabe ‘yung volleyball community dito. Hindi namin ine-expect na ganun ‘yung makikita namin sa arena," he added.

Team Hustle settled for second place, taking home the P50,000 consolation prize.

In other All-Star events, Team Power continued its winning ways from the Spikers’ Turf All-Star Game, dominating the Infinite Volley Extravaganza Challenge behind Noel Kampton, Ysay Marasigan, Jayvee Sumagaysay, and guest Maria Ruzzel Rogel, defeating Team Passion’s Jared Schnake, Nas Gwaza, Jau Umandal, and Keen Malintad.

Meanwhile, Team Blue claimed victory in the Crosscourt Sniper Challenge, with Kath Arado, Alyssa Eroa, John Pepito, and Rikko Marmeto outlasting Team Yellow’s Dawn Catindig, Justine Jazareno, Vince Lorenzo, and Menard Guerrero.