DLSU and Alas Pilpinas stalwarts Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel are set to enter the highly-anticipated PVL draft.
The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) has announced the inaugural class of aspirants for the league’s first Rookie Draft, scheduled for July 8, 2024.
Out of 50 applicants, 47 were selected after thorough screening and evaluation, marking a pivotal moment for the PVL.
The applicants met the June 12 deadline, securing their places in what is expected to be a highly competitive draft.
[ALSO READ: PVL's first-ever rookie draft set for July 6]
Leading the class are De La Salle University’s middle blocker Thea Gagate, setter Julia Coronel, outside hitter Maicah Larroza, and middle blocker Leila Cruz.
University of Santo Tomas (UST) opposite spiker Pierre Abellana, a standout from the UAAP women’s volleyball runner-up team, is also registered for the draft.
Adamson University will have seven athletes entering the draft: outside hitters Lucille Almonte and Ishie Lalongisip, opposite spiker AA Adolfo, setters Nikka Yandoc and Angge Alcantara, libero Karen Verdeflor, and middle blocker Sharya Ancheta.
University of the Philippines (UP) graduates Abi Goc (outside hitter), Jewel Encarnacion (outside hitter), and Stephanie Bustrillo (opposite spiker) are also contenders, along with University of the East’s (UE) Dara Nieva (opposite spiker) and liberos Jenina Zeta and Dea Villamor, and Ateneo libero Roma Mae Doromal.
The draft also includes internationally based Filipinos, such as Aleiah Torres from Brock University and Nathalie Ramacula from Red River College Polytechnic.
Participants from across the country have also registered for the draft.
These include Letran’s Daisy Melendres and Bay Anne de Leon, Arellano’s Dodee Batindaan, Robbie Mae Matawaran, Lorraine Pecana, Donnalyn Paralejas, and Charmina Dino, EAC’s Cathrine Almanzan, Lyceum’s Camille Belaro, San Beda’s Maxinne Tayag and Lalaine Arizapa, San Sebastian’s Jewelle Bermillo, and Perpetual Help’s Razel Aldea and Sandra Dayao, who are NCAA alumna.
Additionally, the draft includes Lovely Zapf and Lian Macasiray from DLSU-Dasmarinas, Andre Jardio of Lyceum-Alabang, Jamie Solina from Marinduque State, Danya Casino of Trinity, and Danivah Aying from USJ-R.
Rounding out the hopefuls are La Salle training pool players Caroline Santos, Ysabela Bakabak, and Giliana Torres, former UST Tigress Mary Grace Vernaiz, former NU Lady Bulldog CJ Evangelista, and former UE Lady Warrior Remcel Santos.
The highly-anticipated two-day Draft Combine will take place on June 25-26 at Gameville Ballpark in Sheridan, Mandaluyong, and will also feature the league’s free agents.