Team Roma Dominates First PEVA Cup in Sweden

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN — The inaugural Philippine European Volleyball Alliance (PEVA) Cup, which concluded recently in Sweden, was a resounding success, as 18 European countries gathered for two days of intense volleyball action. Teams from across the continent competed in both men’s and women’s divisions, each aspiring to claim the honor of being the first-ever PEVA Cup champion.

Men’s Division: Team Roma Reigns Supreme

In the men’s category, Team Roma (Italy) lived up to its reputation as a European volleyball powerhouse, securing the championship title in a thrilling final match against Team Austria, who finished as runner-up after a very close and competitive game.

Team Ireland claimed third place, while Team Germany, a first-time participant in an international volleyball tournament, secured an impressive fourth place.

Women’s Division: Double Victory for Team Roma

Team Roma continued their dominance in the women’s category, claiming another championship title. Team Norway Finished in second place, followed by Team FVK (Denmark) in third and Team Ireland in fourth.

Individual Awards – Men’s Division

* Most Valuable Player (MVP) & Best Outside Spiker: Ethan Alvarez (Italy)

* Best Setter: Anton Johan Haczay (Austria)

* Conference MVP, Best Server, 1st Best Middle Blocker: Ryan Anton Haczay (Austria)

* Best Opposite Spiker: Tiago Zainodin

* 2nd Best Middle Blocker: Lenart Roa (Germany)

* 2nd Best Outside Spiker: Michael Domino (Malta)

* Best Libero: Hilber Nambio (Team Roma, Italy)

* Best Digger: Mark Bumatay (Ireland)

* Best Coach (Men's Category): Alex Kurt Gunda

Individual Awards – Women’s Division

* MVP & Best Opposite Spiker: Erica Gutierrez (Italy)

* Conference MVP: Krystel Laguardia (Norway )

* Best Libero: Laiza Suarez (Ireland)

* Best Server: Joy Reyes (Ireland)

* 1st Best Outside Spiker: Kath Fachner (FVK Denmark)

* Best Digger: Louise Adrianne Matira - (Italy)

* 1st Best Middle Blocker: Jane Palama (Finland)

* 2nd Best Middle Blocker:Farahnaz Ulao (Malta)

* Best Setter: Glen Silang (Norway)

* 2nd Best Outside Spiker: Michelle Janbu (Norway)

* Best Coach (Women's Category): Alan Capistrano (Italy)

Voices from the Court

The men’s final between Team Roma and Austria was one of the most gripping matches of the tournament. According to Anton Johan Haczay , Best setter , the youngest player of Austria and youngest achiever recipient in the PEVA Hall of Fame,

“It was an exciting fight. Both teams did their best to win, but Team Roma was really tough.”

Coach Alex Kurt Gunda, honored as Best Coach, shared a heartfelt message: "Being a coach is never about standing in the spotlight — it’s about guiding others towards it. This award is a tribute to all the players and the families who supported them,” said Gunda.

Women’s MVP Erica Gutierrez expressed her pride in her team’s performance and praised the event’s organization: “I’m very proud of my team, and I truly appreciate the very well-organized event,” she said.

For Ethan Alvarez, newly relocated to Europe, the tournament meant more than just competition: “Having a Filipino community in Europe where I can play volleyball is incredible,” he said.

The Head Referee during the finals expressed deep admiration for the tournament’s excellent organization and praised the Filipino community for their warmth and friendliness, highlighting the positive atmosphere throughout the event.

The first PEVA Cup set a high standard for international community sports and celebrated not only the athleticism of Filipino-European players but also unity, sportsmanship, and cultural pride.

As the PEVA Cup now becomes a triennial tradition, volleyball fans can look forward to its return in three years — while still enjoying six annual tournaments hosted by the alliance across Europe.

Photo Source: Vangie Rebot Jorquia, TFCN Sweden