ZUS Espresso Thunderbelles rookie Thea Gagate throughout her PVL All-Filipino Convention debut. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — With a chip on her shoulder as the highest general decide of the first-ever PVL Rookie Draft, Thea Gagate made her a lot anticipated professional debut and was instantly welcomed by a battle towards her former La Salle teammates.
Gagate was good as marketed as she delivered a team-high 13 factors constructed on 11 assaults, one block, and an ace just for her debut to be spoiled by a 14-25, 21-25, 25-19, 23-25 loss to early chief Akari within the 2024-25 All-Filipino Convention on Thursday evening at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan Metropolis.
Article continues after this commercial
Admitting she had bodily struggles earlier than her debut, the 6-foot-2 center blocker was happy together with her efficiency, taking the excessive expectations in stride to assist the winless Thunderbelles enter the win column this season.
SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Convention 2024-2025
“Actually, there’s some weight to it, however I strive to take a look at it positively so I don’t really feel pressured. I do know my skills, and I belief my staff—we all know we are able to win video games,” mentioned Gagate.
Article continues after this commercial
“I’m grateful. Actually, I didn’t count on to attain in double digits as a result of I’m going by some issues on the facet, however on the identical time, I’m pleased with the results of our sport. You may see the combat in us, regardless that we’re a brand new staff.”
Gagate, who missed the Strengthened Convention on account of her Alas Pilipinas stint, was elated to tackle her ex-La Salle teammates Fifi Sharma and Mich Cobb.
READ: PVL: Thea Gagate large assist, actually, for ZUS however successful nonetheless a course of
“After all, it’s a bit unusual as a result of we have been collectively for thus lengthy, even again in our La Salle days, so it’s uncommon now that we’re on reverse sides. However on the identical time, we’re excited as a result of that is one thing new for us,” she mentioned. “You may actually see that RDJ’s (Ramil De Jesus) system remains to be there, and that’s positively an element. You understand how to learn them, and that’s a bonus since you each grew up with the identical system.”
The 24-year-old rookie is simply grateful for all of the blessings she acquired this yr regardless of lacking the UAAP finals in her last yr with the Girl Spikers. She was a part of Alas Pilipinas’ three bronze medals and have become the first-ever high decide of the professional volleyball league.
“I simply trusted no matter Lord has deliberate for me. I didn’t count on that the consequence can be pretty much as good because it was, however on the identical time, I’m glad as a result of I realized a lot from the nationwide staff, and that’s a giant factor for me, particularly now coming into the PVL,” Gagate mentioned.
READ: PVL: Thea Gagate hopes to construct ‘synergy’ with new teammates
Gagate’s private targets are proceed to scratch the floor of her full potential, assist the Thunderbelles set up a successful tradition, and be taught from the highest professional groups within the nation.
“As a rookie, after all, I simply wish to present what I’m able to. Though I’ve already proven it in my collegiate days, this can be a complete new degree, so I simply wish to hold bettering myself, particularly in all facets of my abilities, since I’m one of many tallest gamers right here,” mentioned Gagate.
“We didn’t get the consequence we needed immediately, which was a win. However we’re grateful that this convention is lengthy, so we are able to work extra on our relationship each on and off the court docket.”
