Former high school teammates Chenie Tagaod and Ishie Lalongisip cherish first PVL faceoff: “We’re both happy” 

In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship and enduring friendship, former high school teammates Chenie Tagaod of the Capital1 Solar Spikers and Ishie Lalongisip of the Farm Fresh Foxies recently experienced their first head-to-head encounter in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL). 

While the match ended with Capital1 securing a victory in straight sets (25-17, 25-17, 25-15), the post-game embrace and shared sentiments between the two players spoke volumes about their journey from collegiate rivals to professional peers.

Tagaod and Lalongisip, both products of the formidable University of Santo Tomas (UST) High School volleyball program, found themselves on opposing sides of the net for the first time in their professional careers. This encounter marked a significant milestone for both athletes, who had previously faced off in the UAAP.

“Masaya kami pareho (We’re both happy),” Tagaod shared after the game, reflecting on the unique experience of playing against her long-time friend. “We get to play against each other in the PVL.”

Lalongisip echoed the sentiment, expressing her excitement about seeing familiar faces from her UST days now competing in the professional league. “Siyempre, masaya po na makita ‘yung mga dating naging kalaban ko sa UAAP at dati ko pong kakampi sa high school,” she said, highlighting the special bond they share.

REAL LIFE PARTNERS, ON-COURT RIVALS

Cignal HD Spikers’ Ishie Lalongisip and Akari Chargers rookie Chenie Tagaod share what it’s like to be real-life partners going head-to-head for the first time in the PVL. | via Kiko Demigillo#OSOnTheSpot #PVL2025 #PVLonTour pic.twitter.com/pqyibhqxST

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) June 22, 2025

Their history runs deep, having shared the court as high school teammates and then becoming collegiate rivals. Tagaod played for Far Eastern University (FEU) in the UAAP, while Lalongisip donned the colors of Adamson University. Despite their separate paths, their friendship has clearly transcended the competitive arena.

In their PVL debut match against each other, both players delivered solid performances for their respective teams. Tagaod contributed 9 points, 10 excellent receptions, and 6 excellent digs for Capital1, showcasing her all-around game. Lalongisip, meanwhile, chipped in 5 points for Farm Fresh, a team that is still finding its rhythm in the league.

This friendly rivalry adds another layer of intrigue to the PVL, offering fans not just high-level volleyball action but also compelling personal narratives. As Tagaod and Lalongisip continue their professional careers, their unique bond will undoubtedly remain a heartwarming subplot in the highly competitive world of Philippine volleyball. 

It’s a testament to the fact that even in professional sports, some friendships are simply built to last.

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