Tag: Roma

PVL team that drafts Roma Mae gets a determined, title-hungry libero

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Roma Mae Doromal–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

As former Ateneo skipper and libero Roma Mae Doromal makes the jump to the pros by joining the PVL Draft, she’s making it clear that she just wants to achieve something in the pro league that has eluded her in the UAAP.

“I never experienced [winning] a championship,” Doromal said in Filipino as she and 46 others in the aspirants pool await their respective fates in the July 8 Draft. “I am really hopeful that in the PVL [when I am drafted] I can do something about it.”

In her three years with the Blue Eagles, Doromal only reached the Final Four once and capped off her UAAP stint just short of the semifinals of Season 86.

Under coach Sergio Veloso, the 5-foot-4 skipper helped Ateneo finish fifth with a 5-9 record, but what she learned from the Brazilian mentor will be her main weapon if she gets picked in the historic, first-ever Draft.

“I feel like other than the skills I’ve accumulated, my leadership inside the court [is my biggest takeaway from Ateneo],” Doromal said. “This time, I want to, even as a rookie, lead the team that I will go to.

Showing loyalty

“Coach Sergio has helped me to really become a leader, so for sure, I will be able to bring that as well as the skills in terms of technicalities.”

The 23-year-old defensive stalwart showed her loyalty to her alma mater after staying for one last run with the Blue Eagles even after already finishing her communications degree last year, where Ateneo ended up sixth with a 4-10 record to miss the Final Four for the first time in 15 years.

Now, despite being among the young bloods trying her luck in the pros, Doromal wants to apply everything she’s learned as a UAAP star and help the team that will take a chance on her on Monday where former La Salle star Thea Gagate will be made the first-ever No. 1 pick by rebuilding Zus Coffee under Jerry Yee.

And her sister, Galeries Tower mainstay Roma Joy, will be guiding her as she embarks on this journey.

“She told me to just enjoy the journey,” the younger Doromal said. “It’s actually scary feeling, a lot of emotions, but at the same time even if I am scared, I will continue fighting and let things happen as long as I give my best.” INQ



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Roma Mae Doromal brings leadership to her future PVL team

On: By: admin


Former Ateneo captain Roma Mae Doromal during the PVL Draft Combine. – MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Former Ateneo captain Roma Mae Doromal offers her floor defense and leadership skills as she turns pro in the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft on July 8 at Novotel.

Doromal is among the top in this year’s Draft and she showcased her abilities in a two-day Draft Combine at the GameVille Ball Park, where coaches and scouts of the 12 PVL teams had a chance to scout for players who can level up their respective rosters.

“I think besides the skills I’ve gathered, leadership on the court is really important to me. I want this time to lead the team wherever I end up even though I’m still a rookie,” Doromal told reporters as she also seeks for redemption with just one Final Four appearance with the Blue Eagles throughout her collegiate career.

LIST: Applicants for the first ever PVL Rookie Draft

“Of course, that’s what I’m really holding on to this time. I haven’t won a championship yet. Hopefully, in the PVL, I can find a way to achieve that championship,” she added.

Despite falling short of the Final Four in her last playing year in Season 86, the young libero is still grateful for all the learnings and the maturity she earned under Brazilian coach Sergio Velos. 

“Coach Sergio helped me a lot to become a true leader. That’s something I’ll definitely bring with me. He also taught me skills, especially the technical aspects. Hopefully, I can teach my other teammates as well, even those new skills they don’t know yet,” she said.

READ: UAAP: Roma Doromal leaves Ateneo happy with young team’s growth

Doromal relished her experience playing with her former UAAP rivals, NCAA players, and aspirants from different places during the two-day Draft combine.

“We had a great experience, especially because there were so many talented players from different schools and provinces. I’m really happy to get to know them and play with them on the court,” she said. “They also became my friends outside of volleyball, so it wasn’t hard to adjust to playing with them on the court. It was just really fun because we’re all close friends.”

As she awaits the draft day, Doromal keeps her determination to improve her decision-making, digging skills, and whatever her future team wants her to develop.

Thanks to her elder sister, Roma Joy of Galeries, who has been supporting her and giving her bits of advice in her chase to make it to the pros. 



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“She just told me to enjoy the journey. Actually, it’s really scary because you feel a lot of emotions, but at the same time, you just have to keep fighting even if you’re scared. She told me to just enjoy and whatever happens, give my best,” the younger Doromal said.