Pierre Abellana all smiles after being selected by the Farm Fresh Foxies in the PVL Rookie Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Pierre Abellana is eager to prove her worth at Farm Fresh as the rookie spiker embarks on a new journey in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
The University of Santo Tomas graduate, who turned heads in the two-day combine, was selected by Farm Fresh in the second round as the 16th overall pick during Monday’s PVL Rookie Draft.
Abellana, who was a second-stringer for the Tigresses when they reached the UAAP Season 86 finals, has no shortage of motivation as she joins a loaded wing spiker rotation of the Foxies composed of Trisha Tubu, Caitlin Viray, Kate Santiago, Chinnie Arroyo, Alyssa Bertolano, Pia Ildefonso, Ypril Tapia, and fourth overall pick Maicah Larroza.
READ: PVL Draft aspirant Pierre Abellana impresses with her athleticism
Pierre Abellana on being selected by Farm Fresh. #PVLDraft2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/QRiXF90Wqa
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“I have to be super motivated kasi in order for me to play with the Foxies. Hindi naman po agad ganoon mabibigay ‘yung playing time ko, sa ayun kailangan ko magsipag,” she told reporters.
She is grateful for Farm Fresh’s trust in drafting her in the second round.
“Hindi ko po in-expect na makukuha ako ng Farm Fresh. Like, wala po talaga siya sa radar namin. During po noong time na nag-training kami hindi rin po ako nakasali doon, so super unexpected and thankful,” Abellana said. “Kahit hindi po nila ako nakita or nakasama mag-training nandoon ‘yung trust nila sa akin.”
READ: PVL: Ex-UST spiker Pierre Abellana wants to show people she can play
The 5-foot-4 spiker is looking forward to learning from Japanese coaches, led by Shota Sato, and facing her former UST teammates and stars, who have been thriving in the pros.
“There won’t be adjustment for me, kasi sila din po ‘yung team kung saan kami (UST) nag-training camp last year. It is an advantage for me, kasi na-experience ko na kung paano sila magpa-training,” Abellana said.
“It’s a new page, lalo na after noong collegiate career ko eto na, super excited po ako na maglaro against sa kanila,” she added.
Farm Fresh seeks to improve from a 3-8 record in the All-Filipino Conference as it is grouped with Creamline, PLDT, Chery Tiggo, Nxled, and Galeries Tower in Pool A of the Reinforced Conference starting next week.