After the first four picks in the inaugural Premier Volleyball League Draft were De La Salle University products, the spotlight shifted to Adamson University, highlighting their robust volleyball program.
UAAP Season 86 Lady Falcons captain Lucille Almonte was the first Adamson player selected, going fifth overall to Nxled.
Following her, Akari chose University of the Philippines’ Steph Bustrillo with the sixth pick. Then came a cascade of Adamson Lady Falcons: Ishie Lalongisip to Cignal, Angge Alcantara to PLDT, Karen Verdeflor to Chery Tiggo, and AA Adolfo to Petro Gazz.
In total, seven Adamson players were drafted, a testament to the strength and quality of their volleyball program in San Marcelino. Additional selections included Shar Ancheta and Nikka Yandoc, who were picked by ZUS Coffee in the subsequent rounds.
“Sobrang happy kasi sabay-sabay kami umaangat sa propesyonal, sabay-sabay din kami nag-grow. Yun lang, sobrang happy ako sa kanila,” Verdeflor said after being drafted at the Novotel.
Alcantara, the newest High Speed Hitter, shared her excitement and pride for her former teammates: “Sobrang excited ako at proud sa mga dating teammates ko dahil pangarap namin ito. Gustong-gusto talaga naming ma-draft at mapunta sa mga teams sa PVL.”
As the fifth overall pick, Almonte is eager to start this new chapter after receiving minimal playing time in her final collegiate season.
An outside hitter who excels on defense, she will join May Luna, Chiara Permentilla, and Jho Maraguinot in the spiker position at Nxled.
“Sa ngayon, sobrang saya talaga ako dahil may team na talaga akong mapupuntahan at alam niyo, konti lang din yung oras na nabigay ko noong UAAP, kaya ngayon gusto kong ibigay yung 100 percent ko para sa team talaga,” said Almonte.
Adolfo, on the other hand, will join the reigning Reinforced Conference champion, Petro Gazz. After a collegiate career without a title, the 5-foot-6 opposite spiker hopes to taste victory with the Angels, led by reigning MVP Brooke Van Sickle and Japanese head coach Koji Tsuzurabara.
“Para sa akin, nakaka-motivate siya dahil simula college days ko, hindi pa ako nakaka-feel ng championship. Kaya baka dito sa field na ito, doon ko na ma-experience yung championship,” said Adolfo.
Verdeflor will have an instant connection in Chery Tiggo, joining former Adamsonian Mylene Paat. She is expected to step up alongside Buding Duremdes, especially with Jen Nierva’s status still unclear due to Alas Pilipinas duties and the confusion following their absence in the FIVB Challenger Cup on July 5.
“Super happy ako dahil kasama ko na si Ate Mylene Paat, malaking opportunity at privilege ito. At nagpapasalamat ako sa pagkakataon na napili nila ako,” said Verdeflor.
