Undaunted by a loaded field of contenders at her position, University of the East standout Riza Nogales took the leap to the next level — declaring for the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Draft with confidence in her game and readiness to compete.
Set to enter one of the deepest middle blocker classes in recent years, Nogales is joining a pool that includes high-profile names like National University’s Sheena Toring and Erin Pangilinan, Far Eastern University’s Jean Asis, and Ateneo de Manila University’s AC Miner.
Also declaring are promising talents Pia Abbu from UST, Nica Celis from UP, and Mayang Nuique from Adamson.
Still, the 6-foot Nogales isn’t backing down from the challenge.
(C) PVL Images
“Yun nga, actually ‘yung pagpapa-draft [ko ngayon], sabi ko mukhang madaming magpapa-draft na middle pero sabi ko i-take risk ko na,” said Nogales, acknowledging the stiff competition but choosing to bet on herself.
“Sa’kin lang is lahat naman magagaling, so siguro nasa mga coaches na yan ng mga teams kung paano sila pipili,” she added, putting her trust in team scouts and coaches to see her value.
Nogales turned heads during the PVL Draft Combine, emerging as the tallest middle blocker in the field — a key physical asset that could give her an edge. But height alone isn’t what she’s banking on.
The 22-year-old former Lady Warrior brings with her a solid resume, having competed in the UAAP and represented the Philippines in the 2023 AVC Challenge Cup. For her, it’s the combination of leadership and high-level experience that makes her ready for the pros.
“Siguro po ‘yung leadership and ‘yung experience po sa games sa UAAP and sa ibang leagues din po. Excited na maka-join sa new team dito sa PVL,” Nogales shared.
“Excited, excited kasi new journey na naman. Excited na makatulong sa new team na mapupuntahan.”
#WATCH: UE’s Riza Nogales shares why she took the risk to join the #PVLDraft — even with a stacked field of middle blockers 🏐
📹 @jonashdcd/ Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/UB54HZFoXj
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) May 30, 2025
