After her draft stock took a significant hit due to a partial tear in her ACL, former University of the East standout Riza Nogales expressed her gratitude to ZUS Coffee for taking a chance on her during the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Draft last Sunday.
Once projected as a first-rounder — or at worst, an early second-round pick — Nogales slid to the third round before finally hearing her name called. The Thunderbelles selected her with the 25th overall pick.
The 6-foot middle blocker knew her value would drop due to her injury, but chose to take the leap anyway.
“I’m very happy and grateful, and at the same time, excited, even though third round nila ako napili,” said Nogales. “Aminado naman ako kasi may injury po kasi ako. But I’m looking forward to learning from the veterans and growing more with the team.”
(C) PVL Images
Nogales revealed she sustained the injury even before the start of the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament. Despite the setback, she played through the entire season, where the Lady Warriors finished winless in 14 games following the departure of key players Casiey Dongallo and Kizzie Madriaga.
“Partial ACL tear, right knee. Before [the UAAP] season pa yun. Actually, this kakatapos na season, naglaro ako even with my injury. Pero yun, thankful naman kasi kinaya naman at hindi naman lumala o nadagdagan pa. Naraos naman yung season na healthy,” said the 22-year-old blocker.
“Actually, natapos ko naman yung season na all goods naman po, so hoping na makapaglaro this coming PVL kasi cleared to play naman. Okay naman. Looking forward na makapaglaro with the players,” she added.
Despite the challenges, Nogales is eager to contribute to ZUS Coffee’s campaign in the PVL — and even more thrilled to reunite with her former UE head coach Jerry Yee.
“Malaking bagay kasi knowing Coach Jerry, siyempre Coach Jerry na yan. Yung program niya rin, nilu-look forward ko na mas mag-improve sa system at sa mga Ates.”
