Donnalyn Paralejas hopes to use all the lessons from the 2025 AVC Women's Champions League in Petro Gazz's upcoming PVL campaigns.
Donnalyn Paralejas made her case for more minutes in the PVL after impressing many during Petro Gazz’s 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League campaign.
The 24-year-old setter had her best outing during the Angels’ five-set defeat to China's Beijing BAIC Motor, 29-31, 25-19, 25-20, 20-25, 12-15, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Friday, April 25.
Thrown into action in place of veteran Chie Saet, Paralejas held her own on the international stage, helping orchestrate the offense against one of the tournament’s tallest and most experienced teams.
“In the first place po, alam namin na malakas ‘yung makakalaban namin,” Paralejas told reporters after the match. “Sabi rin ng coaches at ni Ate Remy [Palma], ilaro lang namin ‘yung laro namin. Wala namang mawawala kung ibibigay namin lahat. So ayun po, kinulang lang kami pero masaya kami kasi maganda ‘yung nilaro namin.”
Paralejas admitted that her confidence grew immensely throughout the tournament, especially as she relished the unexpected opportunity to contribute on such a big stage.
“Sobrang laki po ng opportunity na naibigay sa akin na makapaglaro dito. Marami po akong natutunan na madadala ko sa mga susunod na laro sa PVL,” she shared.
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The 18th overall pick in the 2024 PVL Draft didn’t hide her gratitude either, recalling how she wasn’t even sure she’d be part of the final 14-player lineup for the continental meet.
“Hindi ko po in-expect na makakalaro ako dito kasi mga ates usually ‘yung naglalaro. Kaya nagulat po ako nung sinabi ni coach na kasama ako sa 14,” she said. “Sobrang happy po ako. Gusto ko rin po talaga makakuha ng experience.”
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With her confidence now surging and valuable experience under her belt, Paralejas is determined to keep building on her breakout showing as she returns to domestic play in the PVL.