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When discussing the inaugural Premier Volleyball League Draft, three names consistently stand out: Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel, and Leila Cruz – all standout players from De La Salle University in the UAAP.
Gagate, a formidable 6-foot-2 middle blocker, is widely anticipated to be the first overall pick by ZUS Coffee, as confirmed by head coach Jerry Yee.
Coronel, with her impressive resume as a backup setter for Alas Pilipinas, has honed her skills under the tutelage of eight-time PVL Best Setter Jia De Guzman.
Cruz, who had to sit out the past UAAP season due to a torn ACL, has fully recovered and entered the draft as an opposite spiker. Standing at 6 feet, she is the third-tallest applicant in the draft.
With these three names frequently mentioned on social media ahead of the draft, their La Salle teammate Maicah Larroza feels a surge of motivation to excel during the two-day PVL Draft Combine held on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Gameville Ball Park.
“Added motivation yun siyempre as teammates ko sila, parang gusto ko rin makalaro sa level of play nila,” said Larroza, who stands at 5-foot-3 without shoes.
Larroza was a spark plug during her days as a Lady Spiker, always delivering when called upon.
During the last UAAP season, when La Salle faced lineup challenges due to ace spiker Angel Canino's injury, Larroza particularly shone in their game against the University of the Philippines, achieving a triple-double with 12 points, 14 digs, and 10 receptions.
With her versatility on both ends of the court, Larroza is willing to play either libero or spiker, depending on the needs of the team that selects her in the draft.
“Depende po sa team na maka-pick sa akin kung outside hitter or libero. Kahit anong role naman po yung ibigay sa akin ie-embrace ko naman po siya,” she said.
“Mao-offer ko sa kanila, sa magiging teammates ko... Siguro they can depend on me every time na ipapasok ako sa court ,and kaya kong mag-lead offensively man or defensively inside the court."
