ZUS Coffee has announced the acquisition of Danivah Aying from free agency.
The Thunderbelles publicized the development on Saturday.
Aying, a 5-foot-6 spiker from University of San Jose-Recoletos, originally entered the professional scene as the 23rd overall pick by Galeries Tower during the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft on July 8.
Despite the initial excitement, Aying was unable to finalize her contract terms with the Highrisers within the league’s stipulated 15-day signing window.
Galeries eventually waived their rights on her.
(C) PVL Images
“Nasa draft rules natin na each team is given 15 days to offer a contract, so after 15 days kapag hindi sila nakapag-offer, so nag-lapse na. Kaya a few days later, cinollate lang namin lahat kung sinong ‘di na-sign, apparently it was only Aying,” said league commissioner Sherwin Malonzo.
Per league regulations, unsigned draftees are subject to a “special draft” that follows the original draft order.
“So ayun, we needed to arrange a special draft for miss Aying. Ang rules naman for the special draft, you just follow the team standings. We started with ZUS and then Capital1. Si Galeries lang ang hindi kasali kasi hindi nga nila sinign,” Malonzo explained.
“Since isa lang siya, instead of organizing a closed door meeting with the teams, tinawagan na lang namin isa-isa. Sa unang tawag pa lang, nag-go na si ZUS. We just informed the other teams that ZUS Coffee acquired miss Aying.”
ZUS Coffee recognized Aying’s untapped potential and signed her to the Thunderbelles.
“Danivah’s potential and passion for playing volleyball are truly inspiring,” remarked Kiara Cruz, Thunderbelles team manager.
“Her eagerness to compete here in Manila and her dedication to the sport led us to sign her and give her this opportunity.”
She is set to make her first appearance for the Thunderbelles on Tuesday against the Capital1 Solar Spikers at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
