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| (Image Source: Premier Volleyball League) |
In a night of glamour and celebration at Novotel in Quezon City, three-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker Thea Gagate made history as the first-ever top pick in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft. The now former De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Archer, who promised to elevate Zus Coffee following its winless campaign as Strong Group in the recent All-Filipino Conference, expressed her honor and gratitude, saying, "I’m very honored and grateful for being the top pick. I will do my very best to lift the team up in the ranks." The draft event held last July 8, 2024 was a radiant showcase of women power with the draftees, along with stars and mainstays from the league's 12 teams, donning elegant gowns and dresses, adding a touch of class and sophistication to the occasion.
Former La Salle stalwarts dominated the draft, with Leila Cruz, Julia Coronel and Maicah Larozza selected by Capital1, Galeries Tower and Farm Fresh respectively. Their youthful energy and fire are expected to boost their teams in the upcoming Reinforced Conference and beyond. Lucille Almonte of Adamson broke the trend, being picked fifth by Nxled, which recently revamped its roster, while Akari selected UP’s Steph Bustrillo as their pick. The historic draft among is set to inject fresh talent and energy into the league following a blockbuster conference, promising an exciting and competitive season ahead. Gagate will bring not only her talent and experience but also her leadership to Zus Coffee with her recent performance in the AVC Challenge Cup highlighting her capabilities. Capital1's second pick Cruz, a former La Salle spiker, assured her best efforts and her readiness to fight for the team after impressing many coaches during the Draft Combine following her recovery from a recent injury. She shared, "I’m very excited to start my pro career and very grateful to Capital1 for trusting me." Capital1 owner Mandy Romero added, "We’re very happy to have gotten Leila. She’s a force to reckon with and the player we’ve been looking for."
Galeries Tower chose Julia Coronel, a versatile former national team member, to enhance its roster. "I hope to showcase my talent and promise to give my best always, whenever and however I’m needed," said Coronel. Her ability to play multiple roles, including setter and opposite spiker, will be a significant asset for the Highrisers. Farm Fresh is optimistic about its campaign with Larozza, who can also play various positions, providing much-needed versatility. Nxled's pick Lucille Almonte aims to bring defensive strength and a willingness to learn from her veteran teammates. Rounding out the first-round picks, Akari chose UP’s Steph Bustrillo, Cignal picked Adamson’s Rochelle Lalongisip, PLDT selected defensive setter Angelica Alcantara from Adamson, Chery Tiggo tapped Adamson’s Karen Verdeflor, Petro Gazz went for opposite spiker Antonette Adolfo, Choco Mucho selected middle blocker Lorraine Pecaña from Arellano University, and multi-titled Creamline chose libero Aleiah Torres from Brock University in Canada. In the latter rounds, ZUS Coffee also added Sharya Ancheta, Nikka Yandoc, and Jen Zeta. Capital1 selected Roma Mae Doromal and Gilliana Torres while Galeries picked Jewel Encarnacion, Dodee Batindaan, and Danivah Aying. Pierre Abellana went to Farm Fresh, Razel Aldea was selected by Nxled, and Donnalyn Paralejas was picked by Petro Gazz.
Meanwhile, in a heartening display of camaraderie and encouragement, undrafted players from the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft found solace and inspiration from key figures within the league, setting the tone for future aspirations. Following the draft proceedings, where only 23 out of 47 hopefuls were selected across four rounds, multiple-time PVL MVP Alyssa Valdez took to consoling the undrafted players. Positioned at the edge of the venue, she offered words of reassurance and motivation, emphasizing that this moment was merely a stepping stone in their careers. Valdez shared warmly, “Oo nga, well I said, alam mo yun, we all want them to be part of the community. They're still part of the community, free agent sila ngayon. I told them this is just a stepping stone for them para abutin yung mga dreams nila to be a part of any teams in the PVL." Amidst the undrafted players' disappointment, PVL President Ricky Palou and Commissioner Sherwin Malonzo stepped in to bolster their spirits. Palou highlighted that the undrafted players are now free agents, empowered to try out for any team in the league, underscoring that their journeys were far from over. “We’re happy for everybody, we’re just sorry for those who were not drafted. After the draft, I went to talk to the players who are not drafted and I told them that this is not the end. Pwede pa naman kayong maglaro sa PVL, ngayon you are free to try out for any team since free agent kayo,” affirmed Palou, urging resilience and optimism.
Valdez reflected on the growth of volleyball in the Philippines and expressed pride in the league’s successful inaugural draft. She emphasized that the undrafted players should hold their heads high, knowing they are part of the evolving volleyball community, with opportunities yet to unfold. The undrafted players include notable talents like UP’s Abi Goc, UE’s Dara Nierva, and Dea Villamor alongside La Salle products Caroline Santos and Ysabela Bakabak. Their inclusion in the free agent pool speaks to the depth of talent aspiring to make their mark in professional volleyball. “Finally we're all here. Who would've thought na aabot tayo sa ganitong point in our lives also. Being part of the volleyball community, akala natin, maglalaro lang tayo until college, but now, we're really legit na pro with all this drafting,” remarked Valdez with a sense of fulfillment. As the dust settles on the first-ever PVL Draft, the undrafted players remain determined with their sights set on future opportunities to showcase their skills and prove their worth in the competitive landscape of Philippine volleyball. The journey continues, promising new chapters and aspirations in their pursuit of excellence.
Catch the historic PVL Rookie Draft on-demand on Pilipinas Live and PVL's official YouTube channel. Plus, watch out for the newest faces of Philippine professional volleyball in action on the PVL Reinforced Conference 2024 starting July 16, 2024.
