Julia Coronel, chosen as the No. 3 pick by Galeries, attributed the success of the Lady Spikers in sweeping the first four overall picks in the inaugural PVL Draft to the systematic coaching of La Salle’s Ramil de Jesus.
Before Coronel’s selection by the Highrisers, her Lady Spikers teammates Thea Gagate and Leila Cruz were picked as the top two selections by ZUS Coffee and Capital1, respectively.
Following them, Maicah Larroza, a key player for the Lady Spikers, was selected with the No. 4 pick by Farm Fresh after being chosen by Galeries.
“Alam naman natin ang system ni Coach Ramil for how many years na, proven and tested na yan, kaya it’s a great feeling,” Coronel told reporters during the inaugural PVL Draft held at the Novotel Manila Araneta City on Monday.
Coronel, who led an injury-plagued Lady Spikers team to the bronze medal in UAAP Season 86, hopes to see her former La Salle teammates excel with their respective PVL clubs.
(C) PVL Images
“It’s a great feeling to see my fellow teammates na mapili right away in this draft and I’m really hoping that they get to shine in the teams we are all in right now,” Coronel added.
Listed as both an opposite spiker and setter in her application, Coronel expressed gratitude and determination to repay Galeries’ trust after initially feeling uncertain about which PVL squad would select her.
“Sobrang thankful ako kasi coming into this draft, hindi ko talaga alam kung sino ang pipili sakin,” she shared.
“And now that I know, I’m just really happy with the team that I’m in and I’m willing to contribute to the success of the team.”
Similar to Gagate, Coronel’s PVL debut will be postponed as she prioritizes Alas Pilipinas’ upcoming Southeast Asian V.League campaign in August.
