Valdez, Dy, and Santos Honored at PVL Press Corps Awards

The recent Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season offered plenty of storylines, from breakout performances and clutch veteran moments to inspiring comebacks. At the forefront were Erika Santos, Alyssa Valdez, and Kianna Dy, whose contributions left a lasting mark.

The trio will be celebrated at the 2nd PVL Press Corps Awards Night on May 30 at Novotel Manila Araneta City for their standout performances throughout the season.

Alyssa Valdez, a household name and iconic figure in Philippine volleyball for over a decade, continued to demonstrate her value during one of Creamline’s most challenging seasons. Known for stepping up in crucial moments for the Cool Smashers, Valdez will be recognized as Miss Quality Minutes.

With several teammates sidelined by injuries during the All-Filipino Conference, the veteran spiker delivered critical performances that helped stabilize Creamline and propel them to their 11th PVL championship. Valdez earned 10.2 media votes and 2.8 team votes, surpassing top contenders Chennie Tagaod (Akari) and Royse Tubino (Farm Fresh) for this accolade.

Kianna Dy claimed the Comeback Player of the Year award following her triumphant return from a 559-day knee injury hiatus. The PLDT star returned in January 2025, quickly regaining her form and helping the High Speed Hitters secure titles in the 2025 PVL On Tour and Invitational Conference.

Dy delivered key moments, including championship-clinching points via kill blocks, and carried her momentum into the All-Filipino Conference, guiding PLDT to a bronze medal finish—the franchise’s best result in the all-local tournament. She topped the voting with 10.2 media votes and 4.8 team votes, edging out Ces Molina (Farm Fresh), Jema Galanza (Creamline), and Kat Tolentino (Choco Mucho).

Meanwhile, Erika Santos emerged as one of the season’s brightest breakout stars. The Cignal winger will be honored as the Most Improved Player. Following her move from PLDT, Santos became the Super Spikers’ primary scoring option, taking on the role of a go-to hitter with remarkable impact.

Her breakout season included a maiden MVP award in the 2025 PVL On Tour and a Finals appearance in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference, marking Cignal’s first championship berth in two years. Now with Capital1 Solar Spikers after Cignal’s temporary leave, Santos dominated the voting with 12.0 media votes and 4.4 team votes, surpassing finalists Justine Jazareno (Akari), Cloanne Mondonedo, and Chinnie Arroyo (ZUS Coffee).