Despite her limited playing time in UAAP Season 86, several teams will be keeping their eyes on outside hitter Lucille Almonte.
Lucille Almonte's final year at Adamson University wasn’t the UAAP ending she hoped for. But as the saying goes, when one door closes, another one opens.
After playing limited minutes for the Lady Falcons in UAAP Season 86, Almonte decided it was time to step out of her comfort zone and apply for the inaugural PVL Draft—a decision backed by her coaches.
“Nung sinabihan na ako ng coaches ko na, 'Ikaw, kailangan mo na i-spread 'yung wings mo para sa PVL.' Kailangan na din mag-out sa comfort zone,” Almonte told reporters after Day 1 of the PVL Draft Combine in Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong.
Unlike her batchmates Louie Romero, Rizza Cruz, Kate Santiago, and Trisha Tubu, Almonte decided to stay with Adamson for one more year.
However, after their bronze medal finish in Season 85, the Lady Falcons struggled to find their form as they finished in 7th place with a 3-11 record.
Now, Almonte is moving on to the pros with fellow teammates AA Adolfo, Angelica Alcantara, Ishie Lalongisip, Karen Verdeflor, Nikka Yandoc, and Sharya Ancheta.
Hoping to have a fresh start, the 23-year-old outside spiker from Davao City is ready to do whatever her team will need from her.
“Siguro 'yung mindset is to work hard, kasi iba na 'yung intensity pagdating sa paglalaro sa PVL and kailangan talaga pagsikapan and sacrifice nanaman,” said Almonte.
Having that positive attitude in mind, Almonte is hoping that all 47 PVL draftees can have a shot at proving themselves in the professional league.
“Personally, isa talaga ito sa dapat pag-boost sa amin ng confidence lalo na ako tsaka sa mga ibang players kasi ito 'yung isa sa pinaka-malaking league sa volleyball sa pro na terms, so I hope lahat kami mabigyan ng chance at opportunity na makapag-play sa mga malalakas na team,” Almonte ended.
The PVL Draft will take place on July 8.