ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles rookie Thea Gagate during her PVL All-Filipino Conference debut. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — With a chip on her shoulder as the top overall pick of the first-ever PVL Rookie Draft, Thea Gagate made her much anticipated pro debut and was immediately welcomed by a battle against her former La Salle teammates.

Gagate was good as advertised as she delivered a team-high 13 points built on 11 attacks, one block, and an ace only for her debut to be spoiled by a 14-25, 21-25, 25-19, 23-25 loss to early leader Akari in the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference on Thursday night at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

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Admitting she had physical struggles before her debut, the 6-foot-2 middle blocker was pleased with her performance, taking the high expectations in stride to help the winless Thunderbelles enter the win column this season.

SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024-2025

“Honestly, there is some weight to it, but I try to look at it positively so I don’t feel pressured. I know my abilities, and I trust my team—we know we can win games,” said Gagate.

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“I’m thankful. Honestly, I didn’t expect to score in double digits because I’m going through some things on the side, but at the same time, I’m happy with the result of our game. You can see the fight in us, even though we’re a new team.”

Gagate, who missed the Reinforced Conference due to her Alas Pilipinas stint, was elated to take on her ex-La Salle teammates Fifi Sharma and Mich Cobb.

READ: PVL: Thea Gagate big help, literally, for ZUS but winning still a process

“Of course, it’s a bit strange because we were together for so long, even back in our La Salle days, so it’s unusual now that we’re on opposite sides. But at the same time, we’re excited because this is something new for us,” she said. “You can really see that RDJ’s (Ramil De Jesus) system is still there, and that’s definitely a factor. You know how to read them, and that’s an advantage because you both grew up with the same system.”

The 24-year-old rookie is just grateful for all the blessings she received this year despite missing the UAAP finals in her final year with the Lady Spikers. She was part of Alas Pilipinas’ three bronze medals and became the first-ever top pick of the pro volleyball league. 

“I just trusted whatever Lord has planned for me. I didn’t expect that the result would be as good as it was, but at the same time, I’m happy because I learned so much from the national team, and that’s a big thing for me, especially now coming into the PVL,” Gagate said.

READ: PVL: Thea Gagate hopes to build ‘synergy’ with new teammates

Gagate’s personal goals are continue to scratch the surface of her full potential, help the Thunderbelles establish a winning culture, and learn from the top pro teams in the country. 

“As a rookie, of course, I just want to show what I’m capable of. Although I’ve already shown it in my collegiate days, this is a whole new level, so I just want to keep improving myself, especially in all aspects of my skills, since I’m one of the tallest players here,” said Gagate.

“We didn’t get the result we wanted today, which was a win. But we’re thankful that this conference is long, so we can work more on our relationship both on and off the court.”