MANILA – Galeries Towers is optimistic that it can rise to the challenge in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference with the inclusion of four rookies.
The Highrisers have acquired former La Salle standout and now Alas Pilipinas member Julia Coronel, former University of the Philippines player Jewel Encarnacion, Arellano University's Dodee Batindaan, and University of San Jose-Recoletos player Danivah Aying.
Eyes will be on Coronel, who will join the Galeries Towers only after her commitments with the national team.
“I’m really hoping to prioritize my duties as a national team player,” said the 5-foot-9 setter.
Coronel thanked Galeries Tower for chosing her. “I would say I’m extremely thankful because coming into this draft, I really didn’t know who would pick me. And now that I know, I’m just really happy with the team I’m in, and as I said, I’m willing to contribute to the team’s success."
Encarnacion and Batindaan will take over from outside hitter Shola Alvarez and middle blocker Julia Ipac, who moved to the Capital1 Solar Spikers during the off-season.
Aying, chosen as the 23rd overall pick, is the only player drafted from outside the UAAP and NCAA. Her father is former PBA player Danilo Aying.
The PVL Reinforced Conference will kick off on July 16 with Galeries Tower and Nxled squaring off at 2 p.m. Chery Tiggo will face Farm Fresh at 4 p.m. followed by the Creamline-PLDT match at 6 p.m. (PNA)
