From nearly going undrafted to rising as one of the league’s top middle blockers, ZUS Coffee rookie Riza Nogales capped her second stint with the team by claiming the Best Middle Blocker award at the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Invitational.
The 25th overall pick in the 2025 PVL Draft admitted she felt genuinely surprised by the recognition, saying the award would serve as a huge motivation for her to keep improving and proving herself at the professional level.
“Actually, ngayong umaga ko lang po nalaman. Hindi ko inexpect,” Nogales said last Sunday, moments after receiving her award.
“Malaking bagay ‘to sa’kin na makakuha ng award. Siyempre isang malaking bagay ‘to para ma-boost ‘yung confidence ko pa. Para mas maging hungry pa na mag-work hard at more trabaho pa para sa mga susunod na laro,” she added.
The former University of the East standout finished as the second-best blocker of the tournament behind fellow awardee Jeanette Panaga of Creamline, averaging 0.59 blocks per set and recording a total of 10 blocks.
Nogales edged seasoned middle blockers such as Majoy Baron and Mika Reyes of PLDT, and Rose Doria-Aquino, to secure her first-ever major individual award in just her second conference with the Thunderbelles.
(C) PVL Images
It was a remarkable turnaround for Nogales, who entered the draft clouded by uncertainty. Once projected as a first-round pick, she slid all the way to the third round — fifth-to-last overall — after concerns over her right knee, which had suffered a partial ACL tear during her final UAAP season with the Lady Warriors.
“Ano, hindi ko inexpect, sobrang happy and thankful kasi before ‘yung draft night na muntik na parang hindi pa ako mada-draft, pero ayun nandito ako ngayon. Hindi ko inexpect na makukuha ko pa ‘yung award,” said Nogales.
“Nung una, siyempre knowing na I have [an] injury, ‘yung focus muna namin is magpagaling para makabalik agad, para makatulong. Super thankful talaga ako sa ZUS kasi inalagaan nila ako para mas makabalik ng mas maaga,” she added.
Nogales was quick to credit ZUS Coffee for taking a chance on her. She emphasized that the team’s trust and support were instrumental not only in her recovery but also in achieving this milestone.
“So thankful ako sa teammates ko, kila Coach Jerry [Yee], sa coaches, and of course sa management na nagtiwala sa akin at binigyan nila ako ng opportunity. Super thankful sa ZUS fam and lalo na kay Tito Frank [Lao].”
