Free agents Xyza Gula and Joan Monares are getting another shot at their Premier Volleyball League dream.
Gula, a standout from the University of Santo Tomas, and Monares, the former team captain of the University of the Philippines, are both vying for roster spots with reigning PVL On Tour and Invitational champions PLDT.
Also joining the tryouts for the High Speed Hitters is Johna Dolorito from Lyceum of the Philippines University.
PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort told Tiebreaker Times that all three players were already on the team’s shortlist but were unable to work out with the squad prior to the PVL Draft Combine.
(C) PVL Images
After going undrafted last Wednesday, the High Speed Hitters quickly invited them for a closer look, giving the coaching staff a better opportunity to evaluate their potential fit with the team.
Ricafort said there was no specific positional need, as the team is simply looking to add depth while several players are recovering from injury.
“Nothing specific naman (ang hanap namin), dagdag players lang while nagre-recover yung ibang players. And hindi kasi sila nakapunta sa amin prior to the Combine, so bigay lang rin ng opportunity na makita sila up close,” said the three-time PVL champion coach.
Monares had already attended two training sessions, joining the team immediately after draft night, while Gula and Dolorito only reported to camp today.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, other teams are also keeping tabs on the invited players.
Gula, Tiebreaker Times has learned, is also trying out for another squad as competition for roster spots heats up ahead of the PVL On Tour.
“Pero tryouts pa lang. No decision yet,” he said.
The High Speed Hitters selected only one player in the draft, taking setter Fianne Ariola of Perpetual at seventh overall.
