PVL: Rookie of the Conference Sharya Ancheta looks for improvement with ZUS Coffee

Rookie middle blocker Sharya Ancheta was among the few bright spots for the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles during the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.

Despite going winless in the conference, Ancheta proved she can be a significant part of the team’s future after winning the Rookie of the Conference award.

The former Adamson Lady Falcon found her groove late in the Reinforced Conference for a total of 23 points, which was 74th in scoring and 12th in blocking.

Heading into the new PVL season, the 5-foot-10 middle blocker is focusing on a specific aspect of her game to further contribute to the Thunderbelles.

“Siguro ‘yung inimprove ko is ‘yung offense ko since ‘yun ‘yung self-reflection ko, ‘yun talaga ‘yung kulang ko and of course, mas titibayan ko pa ‘yung net defense ko,” Ancheta told One Sports.

Winning the inaugural Rookie of the Conference award comes with some pressure for Ancheta, but the 13th overall pick in the inaugural PVL Draft is taking it as a challenge as well to do even better.

“More of motivation siya for me kasi given na ‘yun ‘yung first award na napunta sakin so mas dadagdagan and i-improve ka pa ‘yung self ko para maka-help sa team,” said Ancheta.

Luckily for Ancheta, it won’t be just her bringing significant contributions to the team with the arrival of veteran spiker Jovelyn Gonzaga and the anticipated debut of no. 1 pick Thea Gagate.

“I think mas intact ‘yung team since meron si ate Jov, meron si Thea nag magli-lead sa 'min and shine-share sa 'min ‘yung learnings niya from [the] national team and ate Jov as a veteran,” said Ancheta.

[ALSO READ: PVL Team Preview: ZUS Coffee adds vital pieces to storm into the All-Filipino Conference]

ZUS Coffee will open its 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference campaign against the Akari Chargers on Thursday, November 14 at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.

(With reports from Jamie Velasco/One Sports Digital)