PVL: Riza Nogales thankful to ZUS after draft fall because of harm

MANILA, Philippines — After two rounds, the volleyball group was once questioning why Riza Nogales’ identify had’t been known as within the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft on Sunday night time at Novotel.

The wait in any case got here to an finish when PVL Control Committee Chairman Sherwin Malonzo known as her identify as ZUS Coffee’s third-round select.

READ: PVL: Riza Nogales eyes contemporary get started after UE run

Riza Nogales on being ZUS Coffee’s third-round select. #PVLDraft2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/p7Wx0ZKElo

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 9, 2025

Nogales, one of the crucial best center blockers within the draft elegance, took the danger in turning professional, revealing she’s been enjoying via a partial ACL tear on her proper knee since her ultimate enjoying 12 months for the University of the East within the UAAP Season 87 ladies’s volleyball match the place they ended up winless in 14 video games.

“I had a partial ACL tear in my right knee. That was even before the UAAP season started. I actually played the whole season with the injury, but thankfully it didn’t get worse. I was able to finish the season healthy,” stated Nogales in Filipino in a while after you have drafted.

Nogales, who ignored the second one day of the mix, knew that her harm would impact her inventory within the draft and he or she’s thankful to ZUS Coffee for giving her an opportunity.

“I’m really happy and thankful and also excited even if I was picked in the third round,” stated Nogales. “I understand why, since I’m dealing with an injury. But I’m looking forward to learning from the veterans and growing more with the team.”

READ: No wonder as Bella Belen picked first in PVL Draft 2025

ZUS Coffee, which drafted first total select and Rookie of the Year Thea Gagate remaining season, added extra top with the 6-foot Nogales becoming a member of 5th variety AC Miner because the squad hopes to proceed its upward thrust after a step forward playoff look within the All-Filipino Conference.

Despite her harm, Nogales stated she’s in a position to play and end up her value to pay off the accept as true with of trainer Jerry Yee, who as soon as treated the UE program two years in the past.

“I was able to finish the UAAP season in good condition, and I’ve been cleared to play. I’m really hoping to join the upcoming PVL games and play alongside the team,” Nogales stated. “It means a lot. I really look up to Coach Jerry—he’s Coach Jerry, after all. I’m excited to improve more under his system and learn from my older teammates.”