As the PVL Reinforced Conference heads deep into the playoffs, let’s take a look at five rookies who have already made their mark with their respective teams.
The 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference has seen several rookies shine and others struggle. Such is the reality of transitioning from college standout to professional player. Some teams already have a system, while others choose to tweak their systems to suit their rookies’ capabilities.
In the case of the newer franchises Capital1 Solar Energy and Galeries Tower, the system allowed some rookies to flourish. For more established squads like Creamline and Choco Mucho, their rookies hardly saw significant playing time.
Those who did get quality minutes on the Taraflex have generally made the most of their exposure. Here are five such rookies who made an immediate impact this conference.
Leila Cruz (OP) – Capital1 Solar Energy (2nd overall Draft selection)
Cruz is the only member of the DLSU triumvirate to make some noise in her entry into the league. After all, college teammates Thea Gagate (1st overall) and Julia Coronel (3rd overall) are with Alas Pilipinas.
Cruz surprised many by declaring for the Draft after skipping UAAP Season 86 to undergoing rehab to for an injury. She was thrust into the starting line-up by Solar Spikers coach Roger Gorayeb and played an integral role in Capital1’s first-ever playoff appearance.
Teaming up with high-scoring Marina Tushova and playmaker Iris Tolenada, Cruz went on to finish 44th in the scoring department—highest among the league’s freshmen.
The 6’1” opposite hitter also came away with eight blocks and helped out on floor defense with 47 digs.
Cruz has established herself as a team cornerstones, and is a prime candidate for Rookie of the Year honors.
Roma Mae Doromal (L) – Capital1 Solar Energy (14th overall Draft selection)
This former Ateneo skipper somehow slipped all the way to the second round. She is quickly showing that she is first-round material.
Finishing the prelims 12th in digging (76 total—off the bench) and among the most efficient in receiving (55 excellent receptions), Doromal’s floor defense helped Tushova score heavily. She has been among the most reliable players of Gorayeb and her combination with veteran libero RJ Rivera has enabled Capital1 to overachieve and enter the playoffs as the seventh seed. However, they lost in heartbreaking fashion by the Cignal HD Spikers in a five-set thriller.
Doromal has proven that her innate abilities and instincts make her perfect for the professional arena. The Solar Spikers have truly turned their sleeper into a bonafide contributor.
Sharya Ancheta (MB) – Zus Coffee (13th overall Draft selection)
Known primarily for her net defense during her short stint with the Adamson University Lady Falcons, Ancheta began getting starter’s minutes toward the latter portion of the preliminary round and has churned out 23 total points to land at 74th in scoring and 12th in blocking.
At 5’10”, Ancheta adds to her ceiling with her wingspan of more than six feet combined with impeccable timing that changes several shots at the net.
The 24-year-old may still pick up additional skills under coach Jerry Yee and fellow Mitch Gamit and Gagate—who will be on the team’s roster during the All-Filipino Conference.
Jewel Encarnacion (OH) – Galeries Tower (15th overall Draft selection)
Another one who slipped all the way to the second round, this former UP captain actually has the distinction of scoring the first point among the rookies when the Highrisers opened the competition against the Nxled Chameleons last month.
Since then, Encarnacion has had a roller-coaster stint. Sometimes she gets benched, other times she’s a starter.
It was in Galeries Tower’s final prelims match where Jewel turned into a gem when she exploded for a PVL career-high 19 points in the loss against Tushova and Capital1.
Encarnacion still has the firepower and volleyball IQ she displayed as a member of the Fighting Maroons. She along with UST ace Ysa Jimenez and NU stalwart France Ronquillo could be the wing trio that will be among the foundational pieces of the squad. Galeries Tower may have gone winless during the Reinforced Conference, but still managed to obtain four points on four defeats in five sets. They’re getting very close and Encarnacion is a huge reason.
Karen Verdeflor (L) – Chery Tiggo (9th overall Draft selection)
The four aforementioned rookies were fortunate to land in fledgling programs. Verdeflor joins a franchise that has already won championships in the PVL and the now defunct Philippine Superliga (PSL).
Drafted more as an insurance policy to Alas’ Jennifer Nierva, Verdeflor had meaningful appearances as the Crossovers’ floor defender. She split time with Buding Duremdes and showed composure while playing with veterans Khat Bell, Aby Maraño and Ara Galang.
The Adamson product was 27th in digging with 55 excellent digs and was among the best receivers with 65.
Questions will arise about her playing time once Nierva returns from national team duty, but Verdeflor has already cemented her place as a solid contributor for Chery Tiggo. She might even be lined up as a potential serve specialist due to her elite floor patrolling skills.
The jury is still out on the highly-touted talents such as Steph Bustrillo, Lorraine Pecaña and Aleiah Torres, but the Reinforced Conference is just the beginning for the Class of 2024. All rookies are expected to see more playing during the upcoming Invitational tournament next month.
For now, these five have been the hands-down rookie standouts in the PVL.
Images from the PVL Media Bureau.