Lorraine Pecaña hopes to make an immediate impact for Choco Mucho in the upcoming 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference, following her selection as the 11th overall pick in the inaugural PVL Draft held at Novotel in Quezon City.
Standing tall at 5 feet 10 inches, Pecaña emerged as one of the tallest prospects among the 47 candidates. Only Leila Cruz, chosen second overall by Capital1, matched her height, with Thea Gagate, the top pick for ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, being the tallest.
“Ano po sobrang kinakabahan ako tapos sobrang happy ko rin po sa tiwalang binigay sa akin ng Choco Mucho. Pinapangako ko sa kanila na hindi ko po yun sasayangin,” said a visibly surprised Pecaña moments after being drafted. “Actually di ko po ine-expect yung first round, na ako yung nasa first choice nila."
Choco Mucho sought to bolster its middle blocker position due to Cherry Nunag's expected absence for Alas Pilipinas duties and Aduke Ogunsanya's ongoing ACL rehabilitation, making Pecaña a crucial addition alongside veterans Maddie Madayag and Maika Ortiz.
“Actually, sila po yung mga tinitingala ko na middle, sila yung iniidilo ko since nung nag-start ako ng volleyball. Sila na po yung pinapangarap ko na maka-team o makalaban yun na po yung mga middle na yun,” Pecaña shared.
A standout from Arellano University, Pecaña became the first NCAA player selected after the initial dominance of picks from De La Salle University and Adamson University. Other NCAA players drafted included Razel Aldea from Perpetual Help, and Donnalyn Paralejas and Dodee Batindaan, also from Arellano.
Pecaña eagerly looks forward to learning under the guidance of head coach Dante Alinsunurin, renowned for his transformative leadership that propelled the Flying Titans to consecutive Finals appearances.
“Gusto ko po matutunan kay Coach Dante kung paano niya po binibigyan ng chance yung mga players niya and kung paano po siya magtiwala sa mga players,,” she added, expressing her readiness to contribute to Choco Mucho's pursuit of PVL success.
