Papatchaya Phontham makes PVL history as first guest-team MVP

EST Cola’s Papatchaya Phontham made history after becoming the first player from a guest team to win the PVL Invitational Conference Most Valuable Player award.

The 20-year-old Thai opposite spiker received the top individual honor after helping EST Cola win the championship with a sweep of the Nxled Chameleons in the finals on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Phontham finished the preliminary round second in scoring with 97 points, highlighted by 84 attacks, seven aces, and six blocks.

She also earned the Best Opposite Spiker award for her strong tournament performance.

EST Cola became only the second guest team to win the PVL Invitational, following Japan’s Kurashiki Ablaze, which claimed the title in 2023.

PLDT’s Savi Davison and Nxled’s Jonah Sabete-Escamilla were named Best Outside Spikers, while Creamline’s Jaja Santiago-Minowa and Nxled’s MJ Phillips shared the Best Middle Blocker award.

Nxled’s Gel Cayuna was named Best Setter, while PLDT’s Kath Arado received the Best Libero award.