MANILA – Zus Coffee is looking forward to a better campaign in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference after picking four players from the recent Rookie Draft.
The Thunderbelles, formerly known as the Strong Group Athletics, will be bannered by middle blocker Thea Gagate, a former La Salle standout now playing for the Alas Pilipinas.
Adamson standouts Shar Ancheta and Nikka Yandoc were selected in the second and third rounds, respectively, while University of the East’s Jenina Zeta was chosen in the fourth round as the second-to-last pick in the draft.
“We hope to maximize our picks and make the most of the talents we’ve acquired. We are very happy with our selections, and we have filled the positions we needed with the available players who meet our requirements,” head coach Jerry Yee said on Wednesday.
He noted the important role of Gagate for the Thunderbelles, who will be up against tall and talented imports.
“Height is crucial, especially when competing against imports in the Reinforced and All-Filipino Conferences,” said Yee, the former coach of Farm Fresh.
“Thea’s height is a significant advantage. If we can get a good pass, her height makes it difficult for opponents to stop us. Her blocking is also a considerable asset. Any team in the PVL would be fortunate to have her.”
Gagate will join Zus Coffee after her commitments with the Alas Pilipinas, including a training camp in Japan.
In the meantime, the Thunderbelles will bank on Gayle Pascual, Cloanne Mondoñedo, Jade Gentapa, Michelle Gamit, Dolly Verzosa, MJ Onofre, and Japanese import Asaka Tamaru.
Yee said the team would keep a winning mindset every game.
“We will fight, of course. Winning is a process, and we hope it doesn’t take us too long to improve to their level. Experience, age, and power all play a role but we are committed to the journey,” he said. (PNA)
