After the first four picks in the inaugural Premier Volleyball League Draft were De La Salle University products, the dominoes started falling for Adamson University.
UAAP Season 86 Lady Falcons captain Lucille Almonte was the first to be called from the Adamson nest, selected fifth overall by Nxled.
Akari chose University of the Philippines’ Steph Bustrillo with the sixth pick, followed by four more Lady Falcons: Ishie Lalongisip (Cignal), Angge Alcantara (PLDT), Karen Verdeflor (Chery Tiggo), and AA Adolfo (Petro Gazz) in that order.
At the end of the first-ever PVL rookie draft, Adamson achieved a perfect seven out of seven – a testament to their program in San Marcelino.
Shar Ancheta and Nikka Yandoc were subsequently selected by ZUS Coffee in the next rounds.
“Sobrang happy kasi sabay-sabay kami umaangat sa propesyonal, sabay-sabay din kami nag-grow. Yun lang, sobrang happy ako sa kanila,” Verdeflor said on Monday after being drafted at the Novotel.
(C) Roman Prospero/SSL
“Sobrang excited ako at proud sa mga dating teammates ko dahil pangarap namin ito. Gustong-gusto talaga naming ma-draft at mapunta sa mga teams sa PVL,” shared Alcantara, the newest High Speed Hitter.
As the fifth overall pick, Almonte is eager to start this new chapter after receiving minimal playing time in her final collegiate season.
Almonte, an outside hitter who is also dependable on defense, will join May Luna, Chiara Permentilla, and Jho Maraguinot in the spiker position.
(C) Nicks Hernandez/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Sa ngayon, sobrang saya talaga ako dahil may team na talaga akong mapupuntahan at alam niyo, konti lang din yung oras na nabigay ko noong UAAP, kaya ngayon gusto kong ibigay yung 100 percent ko para sa team talaga,” said Almonte.
Meanwhile, Adolfo will join the reigning Reinforced Conference champion, Petro Gazz.
After going title-less in her collegiate days, the 5-foot-6 opposite spiker hopes to experience winning a championship with the loaded Angels led by reigning MVP Brooke Van Sickle and Japanese head coach Koji Tsuzurabara.
“Para sa akin, nakaka-motivate siya dahil simula college days ko, hindi pa ako nakaka-feel ng championship. Kaya baka dito sa field na ito, doon ko na ma-experience yung championship,” said Adolfo.
Verdeflor, on the other hand, will have an instant connection in Chery Tiggo with another former Adamsonian, Mylene Paat.
She is expected to step up alongside Buding Duremdes, especially with Jen Nierva’s status still unclear due to Alas Pilipinas duties and the ensuing confusion after their absence in the FIVB Challenger Cup on July 5.
“Super happy ako dahil kasama ko na si Ate Mylene Paat, malaking opportunity at privilege ito. At nagpapasalamat ako sa pagkakataon na napili nila ako,” said the defensive specialist.
