In a historic encounter at the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, the first overall draft pick, Thea Gagate, squared off against her former De La Salle University teammate, Leila Cruz.
The two rookies, who shared a collegiate journey, now found themselves on opposing sides, with Gagate’s ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles dominating the match in straight sets, 31-29, 25-15, 25-15, over Cruz’s Capital1.
The stakes were high, not only because it was a matchup between the top two draft selections but also because of the shared history between the two players.
Despite not having any pre-game conversations, their connection on the court was unmistakable.
Throughout the match, there were moments of eye contact and silent communication between the two former Lady Spikers.
Their bond from their college days at La Salle seemed to transcend the professional arena.
"Before this game, wala naman kami napag-usapan ni Thea. Pero 'yung kanina during the game, parang nagkaka-eye contact kami," Cruz shared after the game.
She added, “Super grateful na nakakalaro ko pa rin si Thea and happy na kahit sa other side na siya, at least we still have that connection namin sa La Salle.”
On the court, Gagate played a crucial role in the Thunderbelles’ victory, contributing eight points.
But it was her teammates, Chinnie Arroyo, Chai Troncoso, and Mich Gamit, who led the charge. Arroyo, in particular, was unstoppable, registering 15 points to spearhead the offense. Troncoso and Gamit each added 12 points, showing the depth and firepower of the Thunderbelles.
Cruz, despite being sidelined during the first set, played her part by scoring four points for Capital1.
Jorelle Singh, who also carried the offensive load for Capital1, tallied 10 points, but it was not enough to stop Gagate and the Thunderbelles.
For Gagate, the match was filled with mixed emotions. It was her first professional encounter with Cruz, and the experience brought back memories of their time together as teammates.
“Exciting lang kasi first time nga namin and medyo naninibago pa kami sa ganitong set-up since matagal kaming magkasama nung college. Parang excited lang kami sa experience sa PVL,” the 6-foot-2 middle blocker reflected.
Despite the competition, the two remained supportive of each other, exchanging words of encouragement.
“Happy lang din kami kung saan kami ngayon and nagkakamustahan and nagwi-wish kami ng best of luck sa isa’t isa.”
