Save for a mishap in the decider, Capital1 head coach Roger Gorayeb was full of praise for rookie libero Roma Mae Doromal following her stellar performance in their thrilling five-set win over Choco Mucho last Thursday.
Doromal anchored the Solar Spikers’ defense in their five-set victory over the Flying Titans, 13-25, 25-21, 18-25, 25-20, 15-13, securing their second win in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference.
The 5-foot-7 libero from Ateneo finished with 16 excellent receptions and 12 excellent digs, supporting Russian import Marina Tushova’s record-setting performance.
And their performances helped Capital1 surpass its single-win output in the All-Filipino Conference earlier this year.
“Napakaganda ni Roma na addition to our team. Very stable on defense, very good on reception, hindi ko nga alam bakit – buti na lang walang nagpick sa kanya, ako ang nakaisip magpick sa kanya,” said Gorayeb after the victory.
Doromal, one of the top liberos in the draft, fell to the second round as the 14th overall pick of the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft last July.
(C) PVL Images
The decorated head coach remains puzzled as to why the defensive ace from Ateneo slipped to the second round, but is very grateful to have the promising young talent on his team.
“Hindi ko alam kung bakit [walang pumick sa kanya] or baka nailabas ko lang yung laro ni Roma siguro. Mas kalma siya, mas relaxed siyang naglalaro I do not know. Ask her na lang,” he added.
Gorayeb praised Doromal’s composure as a valuable asset to the squad but noted that her inexperience occasionally shows. He believes this is an area the young libero can improve over time.
“Si Roma naman, napakastable ni Roma pero natawa ako nung fifth set eh. Pinaka-simpleng bola, diba, meron siyang hindi nakuha. Sabi ko jusko, ano yun? Basta [palamang] kami noon eh, simpleng bola,” said Gorayeb.
“Sabi ko nga kay Roma, ano ka ba, sa galing mo dumepensa yung pinaka-simple doon ka pa nag-error. Tatawanan na lang naman namin.”
