Galeries Tower rookie Jewel Encarnacion saved her best for last, but it was not enough as the Highrisers bowed out of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference winless on Tuesday.
Encarnacion, the 15th overall pick of the PVL Draft, was one of the few bright spots in Galeries’ four-set, 23-25, 28-25, 22-25, 21-25 loss to Capital1 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The former University of the Philippines team captain capped off her first conference with an all-around performance, scoring 19 points, including 18 attacks, and adding 17 excellent receptions.
Despite her efforts, though, the Highrisers finished winless for the first time since joining the league.
Though the tournament ended bitterly for her debut, Encarnacion expressed gratitude to the coaching staff, led by head tactician Lerma Giron, for giving her the opportunity to showcase her skills and prove her worth.
Encarnacion also thanked her coaches for creating a pressure-free environment where she could make mistakes and learn from them along the way.
(c) PVL Images
“Very thankful ako na nabigyan ako ng chance ng coaches na makapaglaro at binigyan ako ng signal na laruin mo lang ‘yung laro mo. So although there’s pressure na mag-deliver, tinatanggalan nila ako ng pressure na wag magkamali,” said Encarnacion, who averaged just 2.6 points heading into their final match.
“There are times na nagkakamali talaga ako, nagkakaroon ako ng mga very crucial errors, pero andoon ‘yung buong team to catch me. Andoon sila para kalmahin ako, para iangat lalo ‘yung nararamdaman ko, i-lift up ‘yung nararamdaman ko,” she added.
“So parang ang galing lang nila i-handle ako kapag nage-error ako. Very kind sila, very generous sila magbigay ng compliments if I’m doing a good job. Ayun. Very happy na kahit rookie ako, nakapag-contribute ako sa team, and nakikita ko na nakakabuo na ako ng chemistry with the players at nakakapag-adjust na rin ako sa system.”
Encarnacion also cherished the chance to learn from veteran spiker Sutadta Chuewulim, noting that playing alongside the 31-year-old Thai star helped ease her transition into the professional scene.
According to Giron, when the De La Salle Zobel product first joined the Highrisers, she lacked variety in her attacking skills and focused mainly on hitting the ball hard.
“Nung dumating siya sa amin, lahat ng bola gusto niya putukin eh,” the UST assistant coach quipped.
However, observing Sutadta during practice and actual games gave Encarnacion a broader perspective. And that helped her realize that there is more to volleyball than just hitting the ball with brute force.
(C) PVL Images
“Ang dami kong natutunan sa kanya (Sutadta), like you don’t have to be strong all the time. You don’t have to be giving ‘yung bubutasin mo ‘yung bola. Sabi nga ni coach, kasi laging parang gusto kong butasin ‘yung bola pag pinapalo,” the 23-year-old spiker out of Laurel, Batangas admitted.
“Watching [Sutadta], sobrang natuwa ako kasi she’s very smart. Alam mo ‘yung, sometimes she wouldn’t even jump high, but daanin lang niya sa kamay ng blockers. Sobrang na-amaze ako.”
As she looks ahead to her second conference, Encarnacion feels determined to apply everything she learned from Sutadta and continue improving as a player.
“I hope that ma-retain ko lahat ng natutunan ko from her and makuha din ‘yun ng teammates ko. So, we’re up for the challenge and very motivated to grow and fulfill kung ano ‘man ‘yung maiiwan sa team namin,” she closed.
