At just 24, Capital1 sophomore libero Roma Mae Doromal is stepping up to the challenge of leading her team as its newest captain in the 2025 PVL On Tour.
Despite only being in her second year as a pro, Doromal said her appointment as team captain serves as a major source of motivation — both on and off the court. She’s eager to push her teammates and bring out the best in everyone this season.
“Tinitignan ko siya as something na mas ma-motivate pa ako inside the court and outside the court,” said the 5-foot-7 defensive ace.
“I feel like there’s a purpose talaga bakit ako ‘yung napiling captain, and I super appreciate lang din na nakikita nila ‘yung leadership ko inside the court. Really excited lang talaga to help the team and to push them kung paano ko sila ma-push pa,” she added.
A former team captain for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, Doromal knows that leading a professional squad at a young age brings a whole new set of challenges. Still, she’s fully embracing the opportunity.
“Actually, it’s a new challenge talaga for me. Super malaking challenge siya, pressure also, but inaano ko na good pressure siya,” she said.
“Kasi mag-grow pa ako as a player, and mas matatanda na kasi ‘yung nile-lead ko now. So I think ‘yun din siguro reason din para mag-grow pa talaga ako, kasi I’m looking for growth. Super up lang ako talaga sa challenge,” she added.
Her stint as captain, however, didn’t get off to the ideal start.
The Solar Spikers dropped back-to-back straight-set losses to Creamline and Cignal in the opening leg of the PVL On Tour in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
(C) PVL Images
Selected 14th overall in the 2024 PVL Draft, Doromal acknowledged that the team still has a lot of work to do. However, she emphasized their full commitment to the system introduced by new head coach Jorge Souza de Brito.
“Actually, madami talaga kaming lapses na nangyari, but at the same time, we’re positive and very eager kami to do a lot of things pa na kailangan namin i-improve sa training,” she said following their loss to Akari last Monday.
“Sobrang nagta-trust lang kami talaga sa bagong system, and all of us are adjusting also sa new system. So it’s a challenge talaga for us, pero we’re very up to the challenge. It’s actually challenging kasi matagal din kami with Coach Roger. But with the new system now, parang positive lang kami and tinatrust lang namin siya with everything that we do pa rin,” she added.
Capital1 will have to navigate most of the PVL On Tour without key pieces — head coach Jorge Souza de Brito, outside spiker Leila Cruz, and top overall draft pick Bella Belen — but Doromal remains optimistic that the team can stay competitive and continue developing.
She noted that the On Tour experience has already helped build stronger chemistry among the Solar Spikers, especially as they adjust to their evolving lineup and new system.
“So far, super happy kami and happy kami na madami kaming nakita na kailangan i-improve. And super optimistic lang din kami in the future games, na we know na ‘yung system ni Coach Jorge naging effective for us,” said Doromal.
“So we have to trust lang the process, and super happy na dito kami nakalaro sa On Tour kasi we get the chance na magkasama kami every day. Parang team building na din namin.”
#WATCH: “IT’S CHALLENGING”
Roma Mae Doromal and Capital1 embrace the growing pains as they adjust to Coach Jorge De Brito’s system 🏐
🎥 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/kTQwwtFteV
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) June 23, 2025
