UST's Pierre Abellana ready for greater heights

HIGH leaper Pierre Abellana made an impressive performance after topping anthropometry and fitness tests in the first-ever Premier Volleyball League (PVL) 2024 rookie draft combine.

Abellana, who played for University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP, decided to leave the Golden Tigresses and turn professional. "I still have three playing years for UST, but I decided to go pro," Abellana said.

"I want to earn and support my family financially, and there are a lot of young talents in UST already, and I want to allow the rookies to have the opportunity."

Abellana said that it was a very difficult decision for her to leave UST but told herself that she needs to grow and step outside her comfort zone.

"It was difficult (to leave), but it was not painful. As I said I want the younger players to excel and take the spotlight for UST," she said. "The whole community is supportive, most especially coach (Kung Fu Reyes). He motivated and pushed me to join the draft since he believed that I am capable."

The five-foot-six open hitter showed her reach at the combine after registering 299 centimeters in the vertical jump approach, 222 centimeters in the standing broad jump, and 63.50 centimeters in the standing vertical jump. "I did not expect to reach the highest bar. But while I was waiting in line, I told myself to go for the highest meter," she said. Abellana also proved her endurance after making 43 repetitions in a one-minute push-up challenge and clocking at 14.35 seconds in the 60-meter shuttle run. Abellana said that she looks forward to show her untapped potentials if she will be given the playing time in the PVL.

"I really want to show to everyone what I am capable of, they have not witnessed how I really play," she said.

The first ever PVL rookie draft is on July 8.