Team Velaris, composed of Shesha Bree Biñas, Chrystelle Marjh Elisan, Izzy Lacida, and Jacob Cagas, are going to China this April. That’s after the awesome foursome showed exceptional skill and steely championship composure to survive SABR, 23–21, in a thrilling gold medal showdown in the PCL (Pickleball Champions League) Rising Stars U19 Sectional Tournament held at Pickletown in Davao over the weekend.
Impressively, Team Velaris swept three categories—Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles—in a fantastic display of pickleball excellence in the youth division.
Biñas, Elisan, Lacida, and Cagas displayed unbending will across tense matches filled with extended rallies, sharp cross-court dinks, and pressure-packed third-shot drops to complete the golden sweep and stamp their dominance in the showcase event of Pickle Fest 2026.
With the win, Team Velaris earned for themselves the coveted berth to the PCL Asia Grand Finals in Hainan Island, China, scheduled this April. In addition, they also received a USD 1,000 development grant from the Asia Elite Pickleball Academy (AEPA), on top of paddles, balls, and official apparel.
Importantly, Biñas, Elisan, Lacida, and Cagas won’t have to worry about expenses for their trip to China in a month’s time, as PCL Asia will shoulder airfare, local transportation, and accommodations.
