With key players leaving her team, Galeries Tower head coach Lerma Giron breathed a sigh of relief after landing the second overall pick in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft.
The Highrisers, who made a breakthrough quarterfinals appearance in the PVL All-Filipino Conference, had to part ways in the offseason with several core players: Best Libero Alyssa Eroa, setter Renee Mabilangan, and spikers Jho Maraguinot and RJ Doromal.
That’s why Giron felt especially thrilled to secure the second pick — despite having the lowest odds during the Draft Lottery.
“Siyempre nung time na ‘yon, actually nanonood lang ako live. Sobrang masaya kami dun sa team, saka ‘yung management, kumbaga ‘di naman lingid, medyo nagkaroon kami ng… Hindi medyo e, nagkaroon kami talaga ng adjustment and revamp,” said Giron on Saturday during Day 2 of the PVL Draft Combine.
“So mapalad kami at napunta kami doon sa second pick, at least kung ano ‘yung need talaga ng team, matutugunan,” she added.
(C) PVL Images
While the most glaring void lies in the position vacated by Eroa — who has since signed with ZUS Coffee — Giron revealed that they have already addressed that need internally. Instead, the Highrisers will prioritize selecting a serviceable middle blocker in the draft.
The PVL Rookie Draft, which has drawn 60 applicants, is set for Sunday, June 8, at the Novotel Hotel.
“Hindi libero kukunin ko muna. Hindi libero. Kasi nagawan na namin ng paraan ‘yon. So priority namin ngayon — kasi may injured na middle player eh, major role ‘yon. So priority namin ngayon,” Giron emphasized.
“Siyempre gusto natin, primary role ng middle is — kaya nga middle blocker, depensa, blockings. Mas gusto rin natin siyempre combine ng blockings saka offensive player.”
Among the middle blockers who submitted their applications for the draft are Ateneo de Manila’s AC Miner, Far Eastern University’s Jean Asis, University of the East’s Riza Nogales, and National University standouts Erin Pangilinan and Sheena Toring.
Giron shared that they’ve already created a shortlist of their preferred prospects, but added that the performances in the Draft Combine could still influence their final decision.
“Oo, nag-rank na kami from the list na nilabas ng PVL, nag-rank na kami. Pero ngayon, thankful dahil merong Combine, kasi UAAP pamilyar kami diyan, pero may nakita kami, I think from NCAA ‘yon na mukhang kalidad din,” she said.
Still, all their plans could shift if Capital1, which owns the first pick, decides to pass on one name in particular — Bella Belen.
“Kung hindi kukunin ni Capital1 si siyempre, first pick, eventually siguro si Belen ‘yon — aba’y kukunin namin. Pero if ever, priyoridad namin is middle.”
