GALERIES Tower has addressed its setter rotation by acquiring Alas Pilipinas playmaker Julia Coronel as it tries to improve its standing in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference.

The spotlight is on Coronel, who is expected to become the Highrisers’ starting setter role from Fhen Emnas once the former La Salle Lady Spiker finishes her commitments with the national team.
Galeries Tower has struggled in its first two conferences in the league.

The Highrisers have already accomplished its mission with key acquisitions in the recent Rookie Draft. But forming a formidable squad is one thing, collecting victories in a highly competitive league is another.

Former University of the Philippines standout Jewel Encarnacion, Arellano University stalwart Dodee Batindaan and University of San Jose-Recoletos product Danivah Aying are Galeries Tower’s draft haul.

The 5-foot-9 setter expressed her utmost gratitude to the Highrisers for taking a chance on her as the third overall pick in the draft.

She also vowed to contribute to the Galeries Tower’s efforts as its looks to climb out of the basement this conference.

“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,” said Coronel.

After losing veteran outside hitter Shola Alvarez and middle blocker Norielle Ipac to the Capital1 Solar Spikers during the off-season, the Highrisers filled the void by selecting Encarnacion and Batindaan.

The Highrisers also pulled off one of the biggest surprises in the historic draft by nabbing Aying with the 23rd overall pick – the final selection of the night.

Aying, the daughter of former PBA player Danny, was the only player drafted from outside the UAAP and NCAA leagues.

“Promise ko lang sa team ay mabibigay ko lang talaga lahat ng makakaya ko. Alam ko naman na medyo behind ako sa mga skills, siyempre galing akong local, meaning po may mai-a-add pa po yung coaches para sakin at mas mai-improve ko pa yung sarili ko,” Aying said.

“Also, alam ng mga coaches na as long as may mai-improve sila sa akin, na may mai-a-add na skills at talents sa akin, makakatulong talaga ako sa team,” she added.

Galeries Tower will open its campaign is against Nxled in the 2 p.m. opener of a triple-bill, kicking off the mid-season conference of the league on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena.

Chery Tiggo tests Farm Fresh’s mettle at 4 p.m. while Creamline and PLDT tangle in an early showdown of the heavyweights at 6 p.m.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado