Capital1 head coach Roger Gorayeb showered praise on rookie libero Roma Mae Doromal for her standout performance against Choco Mucho last Thursday.
Doromal played a pivotal role in Capital1’s hard-fought 13-25, 25-21, 18-25, 25-20, 15-13 victory over the Flying Titans. Her exceptional defensive efforts, including 16 excellent receptions and 12 excellent digs, were instrumental in securing their second win in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference.
The win was a significant milestone for Capital1, surpassing their single-win record from the All-Filipino Conference earlier this year. Doromal's impressive performance, supporting Russian import Marina Tushova’s record-setting display, was a key factor in the team’s success.
“Napakaganda ni Roma na addition to our team. Very stable on defense, very good on reception. Hindi ko nga alam bakit – buti na lang walang nagpick sa kanya, ako ang nakaisip magpick sa kanya,” Gorayeb remarked after the victory, .
Doromal, who was one of the top liberos in the draft, was selected as the 14th overall pick in the second round of the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft last July. Gorayeb remains puzzled as to why such a talented defensive player fell to the second round but is grateful for the opportunity to coach her.
“Hindi ko alam kung bakit [walang pumick sa kanya] or baka nailabas ko lang yung laro ni Roma siguro. Mas kalma siya, mas relaxed siyang naglalaro. I do not know. Ask her na lang,” Gorayeb added.
Despite Doromal’s overall strong performance, Gorayeb noted that her inexperience occasionally showed. He believes this is an area where the young libero can continue to grow.
“Si Roma naman, napakastable ni Roma pero natawa ako nung fifth set eh. Pinaka-simpleng bola, diba, meron siyang hindi nakuha. Sabi ko, ‘Jusko, ano yun? Basta [palamang] kami noon eh, simpleng bola,’” Gorayeb said with a chuckle.
“Sabi ko nga kay Roma, ‘Ano ka ba, sa galing mo dumepensa, yung pinaka-simple doon ka pa nag-error. Tatawanan na lang naman namin.’”
