Judith Abil during the PVL Rookie Draft combine in Mandaluyong. PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Judith Abil is grateful to be given another shot to return to the pros through the PVL’s invitation to the free agents in the Rookie Draft Combine on Tuesday at GameVille Ball Park in Mandaluyong.
Abil was among the 11 free agents who underwent the combine’s anthropometry — the height, weight, vertical, and other skill measurements — hoping to be directly hired by one of the 12 PVL teams.
“Sobrang laking opportunity siya para sa aming mga free agents na walang manager na humahawak sa amin para maipakita kung anong meron kaming skills talaga like wala kaming backup na tumutulong sa min, yung skills lang talaga maiooffer namin,” said the veteran wing spiker.
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Free agent Judith Abil hopes to return to the pros through the #PVLDraft2024
She last played for the Nxled Chameleons last year. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/nENh0mROzK
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 25, 2024
“Sana po sa all teams ng PVL, sana may makuha kahit isa.”
Fourteen free agents were listed for the combine including former Strong Group Athletics players Sheeka Espinosa, Angeli Cane, Mer Jauculan, Jana Sta. Maria, Souzan Raslan, and Chumcee Caole; Former Capital1 players Dana Del Rosario and Cathrina Dizon; and Pia Sarmiento, Menchie Tubiera, Lhara Clavano, Bien Juanillo, and AJ Jingco.
Petro Gazz coach Koji Tsuzurabara and representatives from Choco Mucho and Cignal, PLDT, and Farm Fresh attended the morning session for free agents. The afternoon session will feature the 47 rookies, led by Alas Pilipinas players Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel.
Abil, the University of the East product, last played for Nxled in last year’s second All-Filipino Conference but her contract wasn’t renewed after it expired last December.
“Siguro may rason kung bakit hindi ako na-renew sa Nxled, may reason siguro lahat. Pray lang kung anong resulta nitong lahat,” said Abil.
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“Sobrang thankful din po. Nung naglabas PVL sa free agent, maraming nag-message, maraming nag-comment. Parang naglakas loob din na what if magpasa ako sa PVL sa free agent.”
Abil was supposed to quit volleyball but she earned an opportunity to play for Comelec in the UNTV Cup, keeping her passion for the sport alive.
“Magwo-work na dapat talaga ako like change career, hindi na magvo-volleyball, but nag-open ‘yung door ni Comelec, so work and then sa pagvo-volleyball.. Tatalikuran ko sana this year si volleyball pero nag-open pa rin ‘yung door parang sige volleyball ulit,” she said.
Abil is keeping an optimistic mindset that she’ll find a team through the second opportunity given by PVL as they play scrimmage on Wednesday.
“Kailangan ibigay talaga ang lahat para at least last chance na makapaglaro ulit sa PVL,” Abil said. “Doon lang tayo sa positive. Para sa akin meron naman pong [chance].”