THEA Gagate and Julia Coronel both gew under the watchful eyes of La Salle champion coach Ramil de Jesus and competed overseas side by side with Alas Pilipinas.
After being drafted as first-rounders, their PVL debuts had to wait for about four months upon the completion of their national team duties. And it was Gagate who emerged triumphant in ZUS Coffee's 25-22, 25-16, 25-19 sweep of Coronel’s Galeries Tower.
The match-up was a dream come true for the former teammates who had talked about often.
“Exciting lang din kasi pinag-usapan namin ito before. Happy lang din ako sa na-improve ni Julia [Coronel] so far and excited lang din ako sa upcoming transition namin sa pro league,” said Gagate.
Exceeding expectations
As the No. 1 overall draft pick, Gagate knew she had to deal with sky-high expectations to deliver instant impact for whichever team she lands on.
Three matches in, ZUS Coffee head coach Jerry Yee has no doubt Gagate already reached the goals set for her by both the team and its fans.
“She is living up to the expectations. Siyempre, she is. Actually, in and out of the court kasi, masaya ‘pag meron kang ganyang teammate. Hopeful ka kumbaga na may chance kang manalo agad so excited ka mag-practice,” said Yee.
“‘Yung potential, nakikita and somehow naa-achieve […] Kita mo na may materyales, kita mo na may direksyon. ‘Pag aayusin ‘yung trabaho, talagang meron pang mapupuntahan.
“With Thea, we’re very happy.”
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