Capital1 selects Roma Mae Doromal as the 14th overall pick of the first-ever PVL Rookie Draft at Novotel Manila Araneta City on July 8, 2024. PVL Media Group
MANILA – Former Ateneo captain Roma Mae Doromal expressed excitement as she got the privilege to be mentored by her alma mater's legendary coach, Roger Gorayeb.
Doromal was picked 14th overall by the Capital1 Solar Spikers during the inaugural Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft on Monday at Novotel Manila Araneta City.
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"Excited ako to be under coach Roger [Gorayeb] and I’ve heard a lot of good feedbacks talaga from him and super open talaga ako na matuto sa kaniya under sa system niya," the ace libero told reporters.
Doromal said she might be nervous, but is still thankful to be selected by Capital1 as she turns pro in the upcoming Reinforced Conference.
"Siyempre, sobrang nakakakaba talaga siya and very happy talaga ako na nakuha ako and very thankful talaga ako sa Capital1 for having me and welcoming me," she said.
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Meanwhile, Gorayeb said Doromal is his team's missing link as she would fill up the much-needed defensive specialist spot in the Solar Spikers.
"Kasi talagang plano ko na yung second pick ko, talagang libero yung hinahanap ko kasi para meron naman kaming kaunting choice sa libero kasi da-dalawa yung libero namin. Sa tingin namin si Doromal yung makakapuno doon sa gap na yun," said Gorayeb.
Capital1 looks to overcome its 11th-place finish in the 2024 All-Filipino Conference.
But Doromal won't be alone in helping that cause as she will be joined by second overall pick Leila Cruz.
"Ie-embrace ko siya kung paano ko in-embrace yung role ko sa Ateneo. This time, I hope na makapag-lead pa talaga ako, kami ni Leila [Cruz] and super excited talaga to play with her inside the court," she said.
She also talked about facing her sister, Roma Joy, who is suiting up for Galeries Tower.
"Exciting talaga, alam kong hindi yun magpapatalo. Siyempre, hindi din ako papatalo and really ano talaga happy ako na this time nasa isang league na kami."
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