The first week of the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference saw several rookies stand out, while new signings also made their mark in their new squads.
The 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference has kicked off with a bang, and several new faces have already made their presence felt on the court.
From powerful spikes to impeccable receptions, these five rookies and new transfers have stood out in the first week of competition.
1. Karen Verdeflor (Chery Tiggo Crossovers)
Karen Verdeflor, who was selected as the 9th overall pick in the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft, has quickly proven herself as a reliable presence in Chery Tiggo's backline.
The rookie libero's performance was particularly impressive in her first two matches against the Farm Fresh Foxies and Nxled Chameleons, earning the praise of import Khat Bell immediately.
[ALSO READ: “She is such a dog” | Khat Bell heaps praise on rookie Karen Verdeflor after winning PVL debut for Chery Tiggo
Verdeflor's ability to handle powerful serves and make precise receptions has been a crucial asset for the Crossovers, contributing significantly to their defensive stability for a 2-0 start in the conference.
2. Judith Abil (Cignal HD Spikers)
Despite adjusting to a new role as a libero, Judith Abil has shown that she is not just a defensive powerhouse but also a versatile player capable of impacting multiple areas of the game.
In Cignal’s lone game so far against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, Abil's agility and quick reflexes were on full display as she thwarted numerous attacks from Choco Mucho, helping Cignal secure a crucial win.
Abil was even hailed the Player of the Game after finishing with 15 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions.
3. Roma Mae Doromal (Capital1 Solar Spikers)
Roma Mae Doromal has been a revelation for Capital1, demonstrating exceptional defensive skills in her debut match against Akari.
The former Ateneo Blue Eagles team captain had 13 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions in the Solar Spikers’ close four-set defeat to the Chargers.
Still, Doromal's defensive prowess was a key factor in her team's competitive performance, making her one of the standout rookies in the league.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Roma Mae Doromal happy to see bright spots with Capital1 despite less than a week of training]
4. Ivy Lacsina (Akari Chargers)
After switching from Nxled, Ivy Lacsina's offensive firepower was on full display in Akari's match against Capital1, finishing with 20 points to lead all scorers.
Lacsina’s ability to score points consistently makes her a valuable asset to her team. With a loaded lineup this time around, the 6-foot-1 outside hitter will definitely be a player to watch in the Reinforced Conference.
[ALSO READ: PVL: 'Game captain' Ivy Lacsina relishes new role in winning debut with Akari Chargers]
5. Jaja Maraguinot (Nxled Chameleons)
Jaja Maraguinot, who was part of the Nxled-Akari swap, has shown her versatility as a setter and scorer for Nxled.
Maraguinot’s performances in the first week have been instrumental in her team's strategy for a 1-1 record so far in the conference.
In their first match against the Galeries Tower Highrisers, Maraguinot finished with 17 excellent sets to go along with two points. She then followed that up with six excellent sets and four points against the Chery Tiggo Crossovers.
The Nxled team captain will look for an even better performance in the coming week.
The first week of the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference has already highlighted several promising talents who are set to make significant contributions to their teams.
As the season progresses, fans can look forward to seeing more from these impressive rookies and signings, who have already shown that they are ready to leave their mark on the league.