Choco Mucho rookie Ayesha Juegos during a PVL preseason game against Galeries in Batangas.–PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Ayesha Juegos proved that she belongs in the PVL after the undrafted spiker helped Choco Mucho post a winning start in the preseason.
Juegos, who was left undrafted in the 2025 rookie class early this month, showed what she’s capable of as she and fellow Adamson product Jen Villegas played the role of game changers in a 25-19, 13-25, 25-22, 25-20 win over Galeries Tower in the PVL on Tour on Saturday at Batangas City Sports Center.
READ: PVL: Team effort carries Choco Mucho past Galeries Tower
The 22-year-old opposite spiker conspired with Villegas after the tough second set loss and provided the much-needed spark off the bench to finish with seven points, including the last two game-winning attacks.
“I just stayed calm and focused on doing my job. I tried to apply everything I’ve learned from training into the game, because how you train really reflects in how you play,” said Juegos in Filipino.
“At first, I was really nervous, but there was also excitement since it was my first game. The PVL feels so different from the UAAP, and I expected it to be on another level. Even though I’ve only been with Choco Mucho for a few weeks, I’ve already learned so much. I’m slowly adapting to the system.”
Juegos admitted she was ready to move on after not getting drafted, but a call from Choco Mucho kept her pro dreams going.
“I’m already at the acceptance stage, but a new opportunity opened up,” the former Lady Falcon said. “I’m the type of person whose motto is ‘life goes on no matter what,’ because I believe God has a purpose for everything that happens in life.”
READ: PVL: Des Cheng, short-handed Choco Mucho show grit in victory
“I’m really, really grateful to Choco Mucho for giving me the opportunity to play in the PVL. I’m also so grateful to God for using Choco Mucho as a way for me to have this chance to play,” she added.
Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin lauded his rookies after delivering beyond expectations, hoping for their continuous learning and readiness as the team continues to miss the services of Sisi Rondina, Maddie Madayag, Mars Alba, and first-round pick Tia Andaya.
Rondina is back with the national beach volleyball team while Madayag, Alba and Andaya are with Alas Pilipinas in Vietnam for the VTV Cup.
The Flying Titans are also without injured cogs Kat Tolentino and Dindin Santiago-Manabat.
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The 5-foot-7 spiker promises to keep stepping up for Choco Mucho, which seeks to sweep the Batangas preseason stop on Sunday against Nxled.
