Stats are a good way to look at how a player performs.
But while numbers never lie, listed stats don’t always tell the entire story.
If you’ve ever checked a PVL box score and wondered why some players pile up excellent sets, digs, or receptions—while others don’t, despite looking solid all game—you're not alone.
PVL commissioner Sherwin Malonzo walked through how these non-scoring stats are evaluated, and why the numbers may not always match what fans see on TV or in the arena.
Below is a simple breakdown of how setting, digging, and reception stats are counted.
1. What is an “Excellent Set”?
An excellent set is not automatically credited to the setter just because an attack scores.
Instead, it is judged in relation to the opponent’s block, not the result of the play.
The basic rule
An excellent set is recorded only when the setter creates an advantage for the attacker, usually by reducing or eliminating blockers.
Gel Cayuna sets the ball during Cignal's four-set win over Farm Fresh in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
For wing hitters (open, opposite):
- No blocker or one blocker = Excellent set
- Two or more blockers = Regular set
For middle hitters (quick attacks):
- No blocker at all = Excellent set
- Late or delayed blocker = Excellent set
- One solid, established blocker = No longer counted as excellent
What changed?
Previously, middle attacks against a single blocker were often credited as excellent sets.
This factor led to crazy setting numbers back in the day, similar to Jia De Guzman’s record of 71 excellent sets back on July 5, 2017.
The PVL has since tightened this rule, which led to lower numbers since the league turned pro.
2. What separates an “Excellent Dig” from a regular one?
All digs come from non-service attacks — spikes, tip ins, block touches, or chaotic saves.
But not all digs are rated equal.
Regular Dig
- Ball is kept alive
- Ball pops up, but doesn’t give the team an immediate offensive option
- Setter or teammate must scramble just to keep the play going
Excellent Dig
An excellent dig is credited when at least one of these things happen:
- The ball is dug cleanly enough to allow the setter to run a play
- The dig stays within the 3-meter area where the setter resides near the net, giving offensive options
- The dig is a "spectacular," high-difficulty save (dives, LED saves, full extensions), and the ball stays playable
According to Malonzo, a dig and even a set ultimately does not need to turn into a point to be “excellent.”
“Not necessarily kung nagta-translate na nakaka-puntos from the dig,” he explained. “So, even the set doesn't translate na kapag nag-set ako at that point, na excellent set.
‘Yung set, it's always in relation to the blocker. ‘Yung dig, in relation to the hitter, and the situation, actually.“
3. Why is reception the most “strict” stat?
Reception (or service receive) is the most demanding non-scoring skill to earn a high grade.
Why? Because it directly sets up the first attack, which teams ideally want to convert immediately.
How reception is graded?
Reception is scored using a success-minus-fault approach, which can be quite tricky for the casual viewer.
Excellent Reception
- Ball is passed near the ideal setting zone
- Setter can jump-set or run quick plays
- Minimal movement needed by the setter
- Middle attack remains an option
Regular Reception
- Setter is forced to just raise the ball
- Limited to open or back-row attacks
- Quick attack is no longer possible
Why are PVL numbers lower than international stats?
Fans often notice that the PVL’s “excellent” numbers appear lower compared to international tournaments.
To some degree, it’s about the skill level, but Malonzo said it also depends on the interpretation.
"Sa World Championship, ang bibigat ng serve, pero for some reason, ‘yung setter doon lang sa area [niya]," he said.
"Pero, let's say, hinabol ng setter tas sinugal niya pa rin ang quick, walang sumunod ang blocker, excellent set 'yun. Pero the receive is negative."
Stats measure advantage, not highlights
Non-scoring stats don’t always reward the flashiest moves. Instead, they reward advantage, structure, and decision-making.
Admittedly, it can be quite difficult to determine some plays based on everything that’s going on in the match. Beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder.
"'Yun ‘yung medyo tricky part—how to interpret each action," said Malonzo.
Nonetheless, a player can make multiple visible contributions and still record few "excellent" stats, while another quietly dominates the game within the system.
That's the logic behind PVL statistics—and once you understand it, the box score starts telling a much richer story.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.