After Adamson University’s historic showing in the inaugural Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Draft, Mayang Nuique and Ayesha Juegos are eager to carry the torch for the Lady Falcons as they prepare for the 2025 edition of the draft.
Adamson had a perfect 7-for-7 draft record last year, headlined by first-round selections Lucille Almonte (5th overall, Nxled), Ishie Lalongisip (7th, Cignal), Angge Alcantara (8th, PLDT), Karen Verdeflor (9th, Chery Tiggo), and AA Adolfo (10th, Petro Gazz).
The momentum continued in the later rounds, with Sharya Ancheta going 13th overall to ZUS Coffee in the second round and Nikka Yandoc joining her at the same team as the 19th overall pick in the third round.
Nuique, listed as both a middle blocker and opposite spiker, is hopeful that this year’s Adamson hopefuls can replicate that remarkable draft success. The program also boasts PVL alumni such as May Roque, Julea Dawn Lopena, Aliah Marce, and Kylene Villegas.
“Ano po, since last year kumpleto po silang na-draft, gusto lang po namin sumunod sa yapak ng Ates namin. Hopefully po lahat po kami na nandito na taga Adamson, makuha po,” said the 22-year-old versatile spiker.
Juegos, a 5-foot-3 opposite spiker, shared how last year’s draft results continue to serve as inspiration for them.
(C) PVL Images
“Na-inspire po kami sa kanila kasi nakuha po sila lahat, parang nakaka-boost po siya. Kami din na lahat ng Adamson na nag-try ngayon, na i-reach yung goal namin na same ng mga Ates namin — sana makuha namin,” she said.
The 2024 draftees didn’t just get picked — they made an immediate impact in their respective teams.
Ancheta and Lalongisip earned Rookie of the Conference honors in the 2024 Reinforced and 2024-25 All-Filipino Conferences, respectively.
Almonte, Alcantara, and Verdeflor also quickly became key contributors to their squads. Meanwhile, Adolfo played a pivotal role in Petro Gazz’s championship run that ended Creamline’s reign in the recent all-local tournament.
But for Nuique and Juegos, it’s not just about hearing their names called on draft night. It’s about stepping into a new chapter with the same heart and hustle that defined their seniors’ professional debuts.
“Gusto namin mag-grow pa sa ibang environment, at sa parehong panahon, may lakas ng loob na kaming tahakin ang ibang bahagi ng buhay namin outside sa collegiate career namin,” said Nuique.
“Gusto na po namin lumabas sa comfort zone namin at mag-grow bilang mga manlalaro, kasi mula pa noong high school sa Adamson kami. Gusto na po talaga namin lumabas sa comfort zone para ma-improve ang sarili namin at ang aming skills,” added Juegos.
#WATCH: Adamson’s Mayang Nuique and Ayesha Juegos share how last year’s PVL draftees from their squad fueled their motivation to join the #PVLDraft this year 🏐
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/vE0NnOkAyL
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) May 30, 2025
