When the inaugural Premier Volleyball League Draft is discussed, three names always surface: Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel, and Leila Cruz – all products of De La Salle University in the UAAP.
Gagate, a 6-foot-2 middle blocker, is expected to be the first overall pick by ZUS Coffee, according to head coach Jerry Yee.
Meanwhile, Coronel boasts an impressive resume, having been a backup setter for Alas Pilipinas while learning under the guidance of eight-time PVL Best Setter Jia De Guzman.
Cruz had missed the past UAAP season due to a torn ACL. She has fully recovered and entered the draft as an opposite spiker, being the third-tallest applicant at 6 feet.
With the frequent mentions of these three names on social media for the draft, their La Salle teammate Maicah Larroza feels extra motivated to do well during the two-day PVL Draft Combine on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Gameville Ball Park.
“Added motivation yun siyempre as teammates ko sila, parang gusto ko rin makalaro sa level of play nila,” said Larroza, who stands at 5-foot-3 without shoes.
(C) PVL Images
Larroza was a spark plug during her days as a Lady Spiker, always delivering when her number was called.
During the last UAAP season – when La Salle had lineup issues due to ace spiker Angel Canino being out for several games due to injury – Larroza particularly stood out during their game against the University of the Philippines, tallying a triple-double of 12 points, 14 digs, and 10 receptions.
With her versatility on both ends, Larroza is willing to play libero or spiker, depending on what the team that selects her in the draft asks of her.
“Depende po sa team na maka-pick sa akin kung outside hitter or libero. Kahit anong role naman po yung ibigay sa akin ie-embrace ko naman po siya,” she said.
“Mao-offer ko sa kanila, sa magiging teammates ko… Siguro they can depend on me every time na ipapasok ako sa court ,and kaya kong mag-lead offensively man or defensively inside the court.”
Draft Day is on July 8 at the Novotel in Quezon City.
