Two decades apart, Julyana Tolentino hopes to be the torchbearer as Chie Saet prepares to pass the flame to the next generation.
Tolentino joins reigning Premier Volleyball League champion Petro Gazz as its lone pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft held Sunday at Novotel Manila Araneta City.
From one De La Salle University setter to another, the 22-year-old hopes to soak up every bit of knowledge from the 40-year-old Saet, who remains a reliable presence whenever her number is called.
“Honestly, this team sobrang minanifest ko talaga ito kasi nandoon din po yung ates and also si Ate Chie rin po, minanifest ko rin talaga na maabutan ko siya kasi I really wanted to learn from her talaga,” said Tolentino after being selected.
Saet carved her name in the history of the Lady Spikers as one of their finest playmakers — twice hailed as Best Setter and a three-time UAAP champion. Her longevity and leadership were recently recognized again, being named Miss Quality Minutes at the 2025 PVL Press Corps Awards Night.
It’s no wonder Tolentino is eager to learn under her guidance.
In her final year with La Salle, Tolentino shared playmaking duties with rookie Mikole Kaye Setter, showcasing her adaptability and team-first approach.
Now stepping into the pros, Tolentino feels excited to set up elite talents like two-time PVL MVPs Brooke Van Sickle and Myla Pablo for Petro Gazz.
“Super excited kasi veteran team na ang Petro Gazz and they’re a champion team so grabe rin talaga yung growth talaga ng team na yun, so being able to be in that team, super fulfilling,” she shared.
Aside from Saet, Tolentino joins a deep setter rotation that includes Djanel Cheng and Donnalyn Paralejas — making for a competitive and enriching environment as she begins her professional journey.
#WATCH: Jules Tolentino is thrilled to team up with legendary La Salle setter Chie Saet!
📹 Justin Valencia/Tiebreaker Times #PVLDraft pic.twitter.com/rEOnZc5ASs
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) June 8, 2025
