As expected, ZUS Coffee officially chose Thea Gagate as its No. 1 pick as De La Salle University and Adamson players bannered the first-round selections in the Premier Volleyball League Draft on Monday night, July 8, at Novotel in Quezon City.

The 6-foot-2 Cebuana middle blocker is expected to fuel the Thunderbelles in their bid to boost their title campaign this season, not only from her impressive collegiate stint with the Lady Spikers but also with the Alas Pilipinas in the last two international events.

“I’m very excited of what I could offer sa team. Hopefully makabuo kami ng magandang energy together sa court,” said Gagate, who won the first Middle Blocker Award in the UAAP Seasons 84 to 86.

Gagate’s teammate Leila Cruz, meanwhile, was selected No. 2 for Capital1, Lady Spikers setter Julia Coronel was picked third for Galeries Tower, and another La Salle standout in outside hitter Maicah Larozza was selected fourth for Farm Fresh.

“We’re very happy to select Leila. She’s a force to be reckon with. She’s everything we’ve been looking for and we’re very excited for this conference,” said Capital1 owner Mandy Romero.

Adamson opposite hitter Lucille Almonte was selected fifth for Nxled, while Akari chose University of the Philippines outside hitter Stephanie Bustrillo for its No. 6 pick.

Other Adamson players selected in the first round were outshide hitter Ma. Rochelle Lalongisip for Cignal (No. 7), setter Angelica Alcantara for PLDT Home Fibr (No. 8), libero Karen Verdeflor for Chery Tiggo (No. 9) and opposite spiker Antonette Adolfo for Petro Gazz (No. 10).

Lorraine Pecaña, a middle blocker from Arellano, was the lone NCAA plyer selected in the first round but went to a powerhouse team in Choco Mucho.

“Sobrang excited po ako dahil dati, pinapangarap ko lang na makalaro sila pero ngayon, magkakatotoo na,” said Pecaña.

Defending champion Creamline, meanwhile, selected Brock University opposite spiker Aleiah Torres as its No. 12 pick.