MANILA, Philippines —La Salle dominated last year’s inaugural PVL Rookie Draft with four Lady Spikers going in the top four, led by No. 1 pick Thea Gagate, who turned heads by steering ZUS Coffee to a surprise playoff run and earning Rookie of the Year honors.

Capital1’s second pick Leila Cruz, Galeries’ setter Julia Coronel, and Farm Fresh’s Maicah Larroza also made immediate impacts for their respective squads after headlining last year’s class.

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This year, four more Lady Spikers — Alleiah Malaluan, Jyne Soreño, Julyana Tolentino, and Jessa Ordiales — are hoping to follow in their footsteps. But rather than feeling pressure from La Salle’s recent draft dominance, they’re using it as motivation ahead of Draft Night on Sunday at Novotel.

“It just shows how successful Coach Ramil’s system is, and we’re really proud to be part of it,” said Tolentino in Filipino. “For us, it’s also a challenge to live up to that standard. We’re hoping to get picked in the draft and show what we can do.”

Tolentino, one of the few setters in this year’s class, draws inspiration from former La Salle standouts who’ve become top PVL playmakers including Chie Saet (Petro Gazz), Kim Fajardo (PLDT), Mich Cobb (Akari), Mars Alba (Choco Mucho), and Coronel.

PVL Rookie Draft aspirant Jyne Soreño. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“Our ates have been really successful. I don’t see it as pressure — it’s more of a challenge. I’m also excited to go up against them. Off the court, I’m close to them too, and they always give me advice,” she said. “Hopefully, I can make a name for myself in the PVL just like they did.”

Soreño is also determined to add herself to the growing list of La Salle alumnae in the PVL, bringing with her the discipline she developed under Coach Ramil de Jesus.

“We’re really looking forward to playing in the PVL, especially because our ates from La Salle like Ate Ara [Galang] and Ate Joy [Baron] are there now,” said Soreño. “Back in senior high, we used to train with them, so it’s exciting that they’re already in the league. If we end up on the same team, that would be great. But if not, that’s okay too.”

Ordiales, for her part, is eager to grow under different coaching systems and bring the La Salle brand of volleyball to whichever team selects her.

“We’re excited to learn from other coaches since we’ve spent a long time under Coach Ramil at La Salle. It’ll be a different experience in the PVL with new coaching styles,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of her fellow Lady Spikers, Tolentino expressed excitement about stepping into a new chapter.

“I’m really looking forward to our growth this coming season. I think I speak for all three of us when I say we’re stepping out of our comfort zones and into a completely new system. Hopefully, this is where we can really unlock our full potential,” she said.

“Under Coach Ramil’s system, we were trained to play multiple positions. So wherever we end up, I think we’ll really be able to grow and show what we can do.”