By: Ernest Tuazon
Pierre Abellana is poised to pave the way for incoming University of Santo Tomas rookies while aiming to support her family financially by signing up for the inaugural PVL Draft scheduled for July 8, Monday.
Abellana, who decided to forego her remaining three playing years with UST in the UAAP, was one of the 47 applicants who participated in the first-ever PVL Draft Combine on Tuesday at Gameville Ballpark in Sheridan, Mandaluyong.
“Ngayon po, gusto ko na po mag-earn and mags-upport sa family ko. Sa team po [ng UST], ako lang po yung umalis, and ang dami po pumasok na rookie, gusto ko rin po bigyan yung opportunity na ‘yon sa kanila,” Abellana said.
Although leaving the Tigers’ Lair was difficult for Abellana, she revealed that going pro was the most sensible decision for her career and the incoming UST rookies for UAAP Season 87.
Five prospects from UST’s girls’ volleyball program have opted to join the Golden Tigresses, including Margaret Altea, Bien Arasan, Ysa Chua, Abi Sinson, and Sandrine Escober, along with securing the commitment of former NU Lady Bulldog Francine Osis.
(C) PVL Images
“Mahirap iwanan ang UST pero hindi ganon kasakit kasi parang ginawa ko naman po lahat and gusto ko rin po yung mga bata po sa UST na sila po ma-expose and mag-excel sa field na ito,” she expresed.
Another factor influencing Abellana’s decision to apply for the PVL Draft was to find a platform where she could fully showcase her abilities without being restricted by playing time.
In UAAP Season 86, Abellana scored 11 points, with 10 attacks and an ace, along with nine digs and six excellent receptions, contributing to UST’s silver-medal finish in the women’s volleyball tournament.
“Super gusto ko po siya ipakita kasi feel ko, alam ko sa sarili ko, hindi pa nila nakikita kung paano ako maglaro,” she said.
Abellana also expressed her anticipation of facing her former teammates and coaching personnel who now represent various clubs in the PVL.
Among those mentioned by Abellana were UST and Chery Tiggo head coach Kungfu Reyes, Galeries lead tactician Lerma Giron, Cignal mentor Shaq Delos Santos, and Crossovers open hitter Eya Laure.
“Yung mga previous coaches ko po, sila coach Kungfu, coach Lerma, and coach Shaq. Sila Ate Eya [Laure] kasi sila po yung nagguide sakin, kaya gusto ko rin po ma-experience na sila naman po makaharap,” she said.
