PVL: Roma Mae Doromal excited to play for Gorayeb, face older sister

Capital1’s Roma Mae Doromal during the PVL Rookie Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — As promised, Roma Mae Doromal is eager to bring the leadership skills she honed with the Ateneo Blue Eagles when she plays for Capital1 beginning in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference, which kicks off next week at Philsports Arena.

Doromal, the former Ateneo captain, was thrilled to be selected by the Solar Spikers in the second round as the 14th overall pick on Monday night at Novotel.

“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. [Nafeel ko na] gustong gusto nila ko sa team nila,” said the ace libero.

Although she’s just a rookie, Doromal and second-overall pick Leila Cruz have huge responsibilities for the Solar Spikers, who are hopeful that this PVL Draft will help them improve from a one-win debut in the All-Filipino Conference. 

“Ie-embrace ko siya kung paano ko inembrace yung [challenge] sa Ateneo. This time, I hope na makapaglead pa talaga ako, kami ni Leila and super excited talaga to play with her inside the court,” she said.

READ: Roma Mae Doromal brings leadership to her future PVL team

Roma Mae Doromal on joining Capital1. #PVLDraft2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/LDfOzFCduq

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) July 8, 2024

Capital1 coach Roger Gorayeb was pleased to select Doromal in the second round, where they had planned to draft a libero.

“Talagang libero yung hinahanap ko kasi para meron naman kaming kaunting choice sa libero kasi dadalawa yung libero namin. Sa tingin namin si Doromal yung makaka-puno doon sa gap na yun,” Gorayeb said.

And Doromal, who played for coach Oliver Almadro and Brazilian coach Sergio Veloso in the UAAP, is excited to learn new things from another ex-Ateneo tactician in Gorayeb.

“Excited ako to be under coach Roger and I’ve heard a lot of good feedbacks talaga from him and super open talaga ako na matuto sa kanya under sa system niya,” she said.

READ: Roma Mae Doromal leaves Ateneo happy with young team’s growth

Roma Mae is also looking forward to going up against her older sister Roma Joy, who is playing for Galeries Tower and supported her during draft night.

“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,” the younger Doromal said.

In the second round, ZUS Coffee drafted Sharya Ancheta before Doromal was selected by Capital1. Galeries picked Jewel Encarnacion as the 15th overall, followed by Farm Fresh’s selection of Pierre Abellana (16th), Nxled’s Razel Aldea (17th), and Petro Gazz’s Donnalyn Paralejas (18th) as the six other teams passed.

The third-round draftees were Nikka Yandoc (ZUS Coffee), Gilliana Torres (Capital1), and Dodee Batindaan (Galeries). The fourth round featured two more players with Jenina Zeta heading to ZUS Coffee and Danivah Aying landing with the Highrisers.