The historic PVL Rookie Draft saw teams come away with several talented players, boosting their chances for the upcoming Reinforced Conference.
The first-ever PVL Rookie Draft is officially over.
After Monday’s draft, fresh faces are set to enter the league ahead of the upcoming Reinforced Conference, which is set to begin on July 16.
In the wake of the PVL’s successful rookie draft, there are definitely several winners after making the right selections during the event.
Winner: ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles
Any time you have the first overall pick, the team is instantly a winner—and ZUS Coffee just improved its chances in the league after making the obvious choice and selecting Thea Gagate out of De La Salle University.
[ALSO READ: PVL: No. 1 Pick Thea Gagate excited to team up with CSB core in ZUS Coffee]
But aside from Gagate, ZUS Coffee also loaded with several talented players in the draft. The Thunderbelles also selected middle blocker Sharya Ancheta (no. 13) and setter Nikka Yandoc (no. 19) of Adamson University, as well as libero Jenina Zeta (no. 22) from the University of the East.
With the College of Saint Benilde core already part of coach Jerry Yee’s squad, expect ZUS Coffee to get even more competitive in the upcoming conferences.
Winner: Capital1 Solar Spikers
Like ZUS Coffee, Capital1 likewise improved greatly after the Rookie Draft, selecting Leila Cruz (no. 2), Roma Mae Doromal (no. 14), and Giliana Torres (no. 20).
Cruz, who is coming off her knee injury, should play a big role for the Solar Spikers from the frontline, while Doromal is expected to bring her leadership to the squad coached by Roger Gorayeb.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Leila Cruz hopes to repay Capital1's trust after being picked second in PVL Rookie Draft]
Torres, meanwhile, will have a chance to shine and bring her defensive prowess to the team.
From a 1-10 record in the All-Filipino Conference, things are looking brighter than ever for the Solar Spikers.
Winner: Farm Fresh Foxies
Farm Fresh surprised many with the selection of De La Salle University’s Maicah Larroza as the team’s 4th pick in the Rookie Draft.
That selection, though, garnered a lot of support from fans, given Larroza’s talent when given enough playing time.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Maicah Larroza thrilled to be teammates once more with Jolina Dela Cruz in Farm Fresh]
The Foxies then sealed their draft night after picking Pierre Abellana from the University of Santo Tomas with the 16th pick.
Larroza and Abellana are expected to boost Farm Fresh, which is eager to finally get over the hump and challenge for a semifinal slot in the PVL.
Biggest winners: La Salle, Adamson, and Arellano
De La Salle University, Adamson University, and Arellano University all came out as big winners for the simple fact that most, if not all, of their players were selected in the PVL Draft.
La Salle started the draft with the top four picks as Lady Spikers were certainly of high demand. Adamson then followed suit, accounting for the 7th to 10th pick selections.
[ALSO READ: La Salle, Adamson dominate 1st round of 2024 PVL Rookie Draft]
Middle blocker Lorraine Pecaña started show for Arellano after being selected 11th overall by the Choco Mucho Flying Titans. Joining her is Donnalyn Paralejas as the 18th pick, and Dodee Batindaan as the 22nd selection.
The night was definitely a win for the programs of coaches Ramil de Jesus, JP Yude, and Obet Javier.