PVL: Young Galeries aims for better showing in All-Filipino

Galeries’ Jewel Encarncion in the PVL Reinforced Conference.–PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Thai import Sutadta Chuewulim has passed the torch to rookie Jewel Encarnacion and the young Galeries Tower HighRisers after playing her final PVL game in the 2024 Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Despite ending up winless in eight games, Chuewulim led Galeries Tower’s gallant stand in every match, proving to be a great example to her young teammates with her smart offense and consistent floor defense. 

The Thai veteran, a last-minute import replacement for first choice Monique Helena of Brazil, is planning to hang up her volleyball jersey after her third PVL stint. Chuewulim also led Cagayan to a runner-up finish in the Shakey’s V-League in 2012 and suited for the Perlas Spikers in 2019.

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Galeries coach Lerma Giron, Jewel Encarnacion, and Sutadta Cheuwulim after wrapping up their #PVL2024 Reinforced Conference. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/BLLCU3Lhza

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) August 20, 2024

“I just wanna say thank you to [my] teammates, coaches, staff. They were too kind for me. We had a short time, but we tried our best,” said Chuewulim after delivering 22 points and 14 excellent receptions in the 13-25, 28-26, 22-25, 21-25 loss to Capital1.

The former Thailand national team member, who finished with 133 points built on 125 attacks, four aces, and four blocks in the tournament and emerged a top 3 receiver and No.9 digger, hopes that the HighRisers learned from her in her short but fulfilling stint. 

“I think they are good on skills and personal skills. But if we have combination or some talk or communication, then we are [good],” she said.

Encarnacion, who had a breakout game with 19 points and 17 receptions, was emotional after the game as their Thai teammate has been very close to her. 

“Watching [Sutadta], sobrang natuwa ako kasi she’s very smart. Sometimes she wouldn’t even jump high, but daanin lang niya sa kamay ng blockers, sobrang na-amaze ako. And I hope that ma-retain ko lahat ng natutunan ko from her and makuha din yun ng teammates ko,” said the Galeries’ second round pick. “We’re up for the challenge and very motivated to grow and fulfill kung ano man yung maiiwan sa team namin.”

The University of the Philippines product vows to step up in the All-Filipino Conference, seeking to apply all the learnings she got from Chuewulim.

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“Very thankful ako na nabigyan ako ng chance ng coaches na makapaglaro at binigyan ako ng signal na laruin mo lang yung laro mo. So although there’s pressure na magdeliver, tinatanggalan nila ako ng pressure na wag magkamali. There are times na nagkakamali talaga ako nagkakaron ako ng mga very crucial errors, pero, andoon yung buong team to catch me. Andoon sila para kalmahin ako, para iangat lalo yung nararamdaman ko,” said Encarnacion.

“Very generous sila magbigay ng compliments if I’m doing a good job. Ayun. Very happy na kahit rookie ako, nakapag-contribute ako sa team and nakikita ko na nakakabuo na ko ng chemistry with the players and nakakapagadjust na rin ako sa system. 

Galeries, which will have No. 3 pick Julia Coronel next tournament, hopes its almost-but-not-quite games will fuel its players to be stronger in the longer All-Filipino Conference starting in November. 

“I’m a person who believes in growth. Handa akong harapin kung ano mang hirap ng training, kung ano mang criticisms na matanggap ko, from my coaches, from my teammates just to improve my skills. I don’t wanna settle for less, parang yun nga, sabi ko nung draft night, I want to make history with this team. I can see that we have really really big potential and as you all saw, we have so many five sets that we could’ve won,” Encarnacion said.