Foton Tornadoes’ Mary Rhose Dapol. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Mary Rhose Dapol is thrilled to prove that the NCAA players can shine in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) after leading the Foton Tornadoes to their first win in the 2023 Invitational Conference.
Often overshadowed by the UAAP standouts, the reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player from University of Perpetual Help proved her worth with a 28-point explosion in Foton’s come-from-behind 18-25, 23-25, 31-29, 25-20, 18-16 win over fellow newcomer Farm Fresh on Saturday at Philsports Arena.
“It’s really a good experience at the same time I’m happy to be part of this PVL conference,” said Dapol, who also tallied 16 digs and seven excellent receptions, in Filipino.
“I am bringing all my learning from the NCAA. I will continue to learn from Foton until the end of this league,” she added.
Dapol, who has a special guest player permit to see action in the pros and return to the next collegiate season, didn’t only give Foton its first win in Pool B but she also took down her NCAA rival and two-time champion College of Saint Benilde, which banners Farm Fresh’s maiden pro campaign.
In the process, the Tornadoes ended a three-game skid and qualified for the classification round.
“I’m very happy. I take pride that I got back at Benilde. I know some of Benilde’s players that’s why it wasn’t hard to read them on the court,” she said.
Foton coach Brian Esquibel wasn’t surprised with Dapol’s breakthrough performance as she has been doing well in practice.
“We’ve seen her perform well during practice, that’s why I didn’t hesitate to use her in this match because I also know she has an advantage knowing our opponents,” Esquibel said. “She didn’t have a hard time with her attack and floor defense.”
The Tornadoes, who improved to 1-3 in Pool B, will wrap up the group stage against the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers (3-1) on Tuesday before playing in the classification round.
Dapol seeks to continue helping Foton for the remainder of their Invitational Conference and learn from the pros to bring the gained knowledge and experience to the Lady Altas next NCAA season.
“This is a big league so I hope to adapt and help my team rise when I return to the NCAA,” she said.