ZUS Coffee picks up Danivah Aying from free agency

ZUS Coffee picked up Danivah Aying from free agency, the Thunderbelles announced on Saturday.

Aying, a 5-foot-6 spiker from the University of San Jose-Recoletos, was initially drafted as the 23rd overall pick by Galeries Tower during the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft held on July 8.

However, Aying was unable to finalize terms with the Highrisers within the 15-day signing window.

Aying's rights were eventually released by Galeries, leading her to free agent status.

“Nasa draft rules natin na each team is given 15 days to offer a contract so after 15 days kapag hindi sila nakapag-offer, so nag-lapse na. Kaya a few days later, we collated lahat kung sinong ‘di na-sign, apparently it was only Aying,” said league commissioner Sherwin Malonzo.

According to league rules, unsigned draftees are placed in a “special draft” following the original draft order.

“So ayun, we needed to arrange a special draft for miss Aying. Ang rules naman for the special draft, you just follow the team standings. We started with ZUS and then Capital1. Si Galeries lang ang hindi kasali kasi hindi nga nila sinign,” Malonzo explained.

“Since isa lang siya, instead of organizing a closed door meeting with the teams, tinawagan na lang namin isa isa. Sa unang tawag pa lang, nag-go na si ZUS. we just informed the other teams that ZUS Coffee acquired Ms. Aying.”

ZUS Coffee decided to sign Aying.

"Danivah's potential and passion for playing volleyball are truly inspiring," said Thunderbelles team manager Kiara Cruz. "Her eagerness to compete here in Manila and her dedication to the sport led us to sign her and give her this opportunity."

Aying’s debut for the Thunderbelles is set for Tuesday, when they face off against the Capital1 Solar Spikers at Philsports Arena in Pasig.

ZUS Coffee is currently 0-4 record in Pool B.