PVL Draft Aspirant Riza Nogales during the Draft Combine. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Riza Nogales embarks on a new journey in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft after four seasons with the University of the East.

Nogales is determined to prove her worth in a talent-rich draft class as the lone UE Lady Warrior, following her “personal choice” to skip her final year of eligibility and take her talents to the pros.

FULL LIST: 2025 PVL Rookie Draft Aspirants 

“I’m really excited. It’s a new journey again. I’m looking forward to helping whatever new team I’ll end up with,” Nogales told reporters in Filipino during the Draft Combine at Paco Arena.

Standing at 184.3 centimeters, Nogales emerged as the tallest prospect among the aspirants at the combine.

More than just standing out in a stacked class, the UE product is vying for a spot alongside fellow promising middle blockers AC Miner (Ateneo), Erin Pangilinan and Sheena Toring (National University), Jean Asis (Far Eastern University), and Pia Abbu (University of Santo Tomas).

“A lot of middles are entering the draft, but I decided to take the risk anyway. For me, everyone’s talented—it’s really up to the coaches and how they make their picks,” she said.

Nogales believes her edge lies in the character she built during her time with UE, which endured a winless UAAP Season 87 following the exodus of key players led by Casiey Dongallo, who transferred to the University of the Philippines.

“Probably my leadership and game experience from the UAAP and other leagues. I’m excited to join a new team in the PVL,” she said.

Nogales led the UAAP in blocks last season with 0.92 kill blocks per set.