Tag: PVL

PVL aspirants Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel focused on Alas stint

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Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel and Alas Pilipinas during a VNL meet and greet at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel politely declined to talk about their entry to the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft as their main focus is representing Alas Pilipinas’ upcoming FIVB Championship Challenger Cup campaign from July 4 to 7 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Gagate and Coronel, who are among the 47 rookie aspirants, are part of the Alas training pool anew after helping the team earn a historic bronze medal in the AVC Challenge Cup last month.

“Tuloy tuloy pa rin po yung training namin. Non-stop kasi ibang level of competition na ito so kailangang tiyagain,” said Gagate, who is the starting middle blocker of the nationals.

READ: Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel lead first PVL rookie draft aspirants

Like the La Salle tandem, National University MVPs Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon, who didn’t enter the draft after the June 12 deadline, also respectfully refused to comment about their decision not to go pro in the PVL, choosing to focus with Alas.

Two-time UAAP MVP Belen said she’s slowly improving her jelling with the team, while Solomon still has a check-up on a nagging injury.

Coronel, the backup setter of Jia De Guzman, said the team is preparing well for AVC champion Vietnam, which they will face in a do-or-die game in the Challenger Cup with the winner advancing to the next round against the triumphant squad between Argentina and Czech Republic.

READ: Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon skip PVL Draft, stay with NU Lady Bulldogs

Also vying for the lone VNL spot are Belgium, Sweden, Puerto Rico, and Kenya.

“We already know who we’re going to be up against, which is Vietnam so as early as now we’re already making adjustments in training,” she said.

The Lady Spikers also relished their fan meet before the VNL games on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

“Of course, very happy kami na at least sa ganitong paraan, mapapasaya namin yung mga Filipino fans so we hope to meet a lot of them,” Gagate said.



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PVL: Cloanne Mondoñedo banks on familiarity with ZUS Coffee

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St. Benilde Blazers star Cloanne Mondoñedo during Collegiate Press Coprs Awards. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — After steering the College of Saint Benilde to an unbeaten ‘three-peat’ in the NCAA, Cloanne Mondoñedo prepares for the next chapter of her career with ZUS Coffee in the PVL Reinforced Conference starting in July.

Mondoñedo, the Collegiate Press Corps’ NCAA Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year, is tempering her expectations heading to the pros although she and some of her fellow Lady Blazers already experienced playing in the PVL as guest players for Farm Fresh.

“We will just show what we’re capable of and perform [our roles],” the NCAA Season 99 MVP and Best Setter.

READ: PH women’s basketball, men’s volleyball standouts feted

“It’s gonna be like big adjustments for us not. It’s a huge job for us,” she added.

Mondoñedo won’t need to undergo the PVL Rookie Draft as she and her St. Benilde teammates Gayle Pascual, Michelle Gamit, and Jade Gentapa already played for Farm Fresh last year.

As she runs the plays for ZUS Coffee, formerly Strong Group Athletics, the young setter is grateful to have her coach Jerry Yee and fellow Lady Blazers leading a rebuilding team.

“Our familiarity is a big factor for us. It will be easier for us to bond and communicate,” she said.

ZUS Coffee has a 40% chance of getting the top pick in the draft lottery on Monday.



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PVL draft quality takes hit with Belen

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Bella Belen, left, and Alyssa Solomon during Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The absence of National University’s (NU) Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon has left the PVL draft pool rather shallow when it comes to talent, team officials told the Inquirer on Saturday after names of the applying rookies were made available to the public.

“It’s not as deep as hoped,” a team official said, a sentiment echoed by several others regarding the pool that will be spearheaded by Alas Pilipinas players Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel of La Salle and dependable Adamson outside spikers Lucille Almonte and Ishie Lalongisip.

Turnout high

But some PVL coaches are positive that the number of players who applied for the draft is something that could make an impact for teams.

“We’re happy because at least the turnout of applicants was high,” PLDT coach Rald Ricafort said. “We hope more will apply next time.”

PLDT will pick eighth in the draft, with Ricafort looking more at a player’s behavior to help a roster hit by injuries. “When it comes to qualities of players, we’re looking for those who are coachable and have good attitudes,” Ricafort said. “We’re trying to fill in positions where we are lacking. We have a lot of players who are injured or in recovery.”

“The 47 draftees are good and it all depends on the needs of the team,” said Creamline tactician Sherwin Meneses. “For our choice, it will all depend on whoever is still available for the 12th pick.”

Belen and Solomon, sources told the Inquirer, are running it back with the Lady Bulldogs next UAAP season, where NU will go after its third crown in four years.

The Inquirer reached out to Belen and NU coach Norman Miguel for comments but they have not responded as of press time.

The PVL will be holding its first Rookie Draft in history with the league’s 12 teams hoping to fill roster spots from among the 47 players that signed up for selection.

Apart from Gagate and Coronel, fellow Lady Spikers Maicah Larroza and Leila Cruz also applied for the draft, along with Adamson opposite spiker AA Adolfo. Ateneo libero Roma Mae Doromal and Santo Tomas’ Pierre Abellana also threw their names in the pool.



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Applicants for the first ever PVL Rookie Draft

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Close to 50 players have signed up for the first ever PVL Rookie Draft set for July 8.

Alas Pilipinas players Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel are among the headliners for the inaugural draft, which drew 47 applicants.

The live draft lottery determining the order of the first four picks between Zus Coffee, Farm Fresh, Capital1, and Galeries Tower will be held on the June 24 episode of The Starting Lineup, which airs on RPTV and Pilipinas Live.

The 47 aspirants will participate in two-day Draft Combine from June 25 to 26 at Gameville Ballpark in Sheridan, Mandaluyong.

2024 PVL Rookie Draft applicants list

2024 PVL Rookie Draft applicants list

  1. Pierre Abellana – University of Sto. Tomas
  2. AA Adolfo- Adamson University
  3. Angelica Alcantara – Adamson University
  4. Razel Aldea – University of Perpetual Help System – DALTA
  5. Catherine Almazan- Emilio Aguinaldo College
  6. Lucille Almonte – Adamson University
  7. Sharya Ancheta – Adamson University
  8. Lalaine Arizapa – San Beda University
  9. Danivah Aying – University of San Jose – Recoletos
  10. Ysabela Bakabak- De La Salle University
  11. Dodee Batindaan – Arellano University
  12. Camille Belaro – Lyceum of the Philippines University
  13. Jewelle Bermillo – San Sebastian College – Recoletos
  14. Steph Bustrillo – University of the Philippines
  15. Danya Casiño – Trinity University of Asia
  16. Julia Coronel – De La Salle University
  17. Leila Cruz – De La Salle University
  18. Sandra Dayao – University of Perpetual Help System – DALTA
  19. Bay Anne De Leon- Colegio de San Juan de Letran
  20. Charmina Diño – Arellano University
  21. Roma Mae Doromal – Ateneo de Manila University
  22. Jewel Encarnacion – University of the Philippines
  23. Lalaine Evangelista – National University
  24. Thea Gagate – De La Salle University
  25. Abi Goc – University of the Philippines
  26. Andrea Jardio – Lyceum of Alabang
  27. Ishie Lalongisip – Adamson University
  28. Maicah Larroza – De La Salle University
  29. Lian Macasiray – De La Salle University – Dasmariñas
  30. Robbie Mae Matawaran – Arellano University
  31. Daisy Melendres – Colegio de San Juan de Letran
  32. Dara Nieva – University of the East
  33. Donnalyn Paralejas,- Arellano University
  34. Lorraine Pecaña – Arellano University
  35. Nathalie Nicole Ramacula – Red River College of Polytechnic
  36. Caroline Santos- De La Salle University
  37. Remcel Santos – University of the East
  38. Jamie Solina – Marinduque State College
  39. Maxinne Tayag – San Beda University
  40. Aleiah Torres- Brock University
  41. Gilliana Jenya Torres – De La Salle University
  42. Karen Verdeflor – Adamson University
  43. Mary Grace Vernaiz – University of Sto. Tomas
  44. Dea Villamor – University of the East
  45. Nikka Yandoc – Adamson University
  46. Lovely Zapf – De La Salle University – Dasmariñas
  47. Jenina Zeta – University of the East


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Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon skip PVL Draft, stay with NU

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Alyssa Solomon and Bella Belen. UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — National University’s hard-hitting pair Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon are running it back with the Lady Bulldogs next UAAP season after skipping the inaugural 2024 PVL Rookie Draft.

Amid the high interest for Belen and Solomon, both NU stars didn’t throw their names in the first-ever PVL draft during the deadline on Wednesday. Alas Pilipinas players Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel headline the 47 aspirants.

Inquirer sources bared that Belen and Solomon have decided to play one more year with the Lady Bulldogs, eyeing a second straight championship in Season 87 — their third in four years.

READ: Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel lead first PVL rookie draft aspirants

Belen and NU coach Norman Miguel were sought for comments but they have yet to respond as of posting time.

NU remains a formidable  side with the two MVPs staying put along with key players Lams Lamina, Sheena Toring, Vange Alinsug, Erin Pangilinan, and Shaira Jardio as well as Arah Panique and Nathasza Bombita.

Belen and Solomon, the UAAP Season and Finals MVP, respectively, are currently training with Alas Pilipinas, which is preparing for its FIVB Challenger Cup hosting next month at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

READ: NU stars, Jema Galanza join Alas Pilipinas training

Among the 47 aspirants are La Salle’s Maicah Larroza and Leila Cruz, Ateneo libero Roma Mae Doromal, UST’s Pierre Abellana, Adamson’s Lucille Almonte, Ishie Lalongisip, and AA Adolfo, UP scorer Stephanie Bustrillo.

The live draft lottery determining the order of the first four picks will take place on June 24 with ZUS Coffee having the highest chance of getting the top pick with 40 percent, followed by Capital1 (30%), Galeries Tower (20%), and Farm Fresh (10%).

Nxled holds the fifth pick, followed by Akari, Cignal, PLDT, Chery Tiggo, Petro Gazz, runner-up Choco Mucho, and All-Filipino Conference champion Creamline.



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The 47 aspirants will have a two-day Draft Combine from June 25 to 26 at Gameville Ballpark in Sheridan, Mandaluyong.

Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel headline PVL rookie draft aspirants

On: By: admin


FILE – Alas Pilipinas stars and La Salle standouts Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel (left and second to left) join the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Alas Pilipinas players Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel were among the 47 aspirants — mostly composed of UAAP and NCAA student-athletes — joining the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft on July 8.

The La Salle pair, who were part of the Philippines’ historic bronze medal in the AVC Challenge Cup, will be part of the league’s historic Rookie Draft with their fellow Lady Spikers Maicah Larroza and Leila Cruz.

The PVL trimmed the total number of applicants from 50 to 47 after the June 12 deadline.

Gagate is a three-time 1st Best Middle Blocker in the UAAP and won the Season 85 title last year before settling for a bronze this season. Cruz, who suffered an ACL injury in 2023, has thrown her name to the draft after sitting out in Season 86 and is also listed as a middle blocker from playing as an opposite spiker.

READ: How the rise of PVL, PH volleyball has put the sport on a pedestal

Ateneo libero Roma Mae Doromal is also part of the historic draft with Pierre Abellana of the University of Santo Tomas, the runner-up of the UAAP as the 47 aspirants will have a two-day Draft Combine from June 25-26 at Gameville Ballpark in Sheridan, Mandaluyong.

Adamson has seven aspirants in outside spikers 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 has three players in Abi Goc (outside hitter), Jewel Encarnacion (outside hitter), and Stephanie Bustrillo (opposite spiker), while University of the East has three aspirants Dara Nieva (opposite spiker) and liberos Jenina Zeta and Dea Villamor.

NU stars stay put

Alyssa Solomon Bella Belen Alas Pilipinas

FILE–National University’s Alyssa Solomon and Bella Belen during the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon, who drew huge interest after leading National University to its second UAAP title in three years and winning the Season and Finals MVP, respectively, didn’t apply for the PVL draft. Inquirer sources bared that they decided to stay for another title defense.

Training pool players from NU, CJ Evangelista, La Salle’s Caroline Santos, Ysabela Bakabak, and Giliana Torres, former UST Tigress Mary Grace Vernaiz, and former UE Lady Warrior Remcel Santos also entered the draft.

The draft will also feature Filipino-Foreign players with Aleiah Torres of Brock University and Nathalie Ramacula of Red River College Polytechnic as well as other players nationwide, Lovely Zapf and Lian Macasiray from DLSU-Dasmarinas, Andrea Jardio of Lyceum-Alabang, Jamie Solina from Marinduque State, Danya Casino of Trinity, and Danivah Aying from USJ-R.

READ: UAAP: Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon take their time to enjoy NU title

NCAA players are also joining with 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 Catherine 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.



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The live draft lottery determining the order of the first four picks between Zus Coffee, Farm Fresh, Capital1, and Galeries Tower will be held on the June 24 episode of The Starting Lineup, which airs on RPTV and Pilipinas Live.