Thea Gagate’s Success in International Volleyball
La Salle star Thea Gagate, a UAAP champion and three-time Best Middle Blocker, proves her worth in the international volleyball stage.
Fulfilling a Dream
With two national team games under her belt, Thea Gagate already feels proud to have fulfilled her dream of carrying the Philippine flag – and winning. A UAAP Best Middle Blocker for three consecutive seasons, Gagate has proven her worth even in the international stage in the ongoing AVC Challenge Cup.
Challenges and Victories
Gagate faced taller Indian counterparts but still delivered impressive performances, scoring 12 points against their opponents. Her strong play contributed to Alas Pilipinas’ victories against India and Australia in the AVC Challenge Cup.
Key Team Dynamics
Gagate highlighted the importance of her connection with libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig, emphasizing the strong communication and relationship on the court. She also praised the playmaking skills of skipper Jia de Guzman, noting her crucial role as the team’s setter despite limited preparation.
“I’m very grateful since I finally am realizing my dream as an athlete, and I vow to do my best to showcase my very best,” said Gagate.
“For me, [facing] international players is a challenge since they are taller, and I’m not that used to it since in the UAAP, I am the tallest one. So this is a huge experience,” she added.
“The sisterhood is a given, and even though me and ate Dawn did not play together [in La Salle], we trained with [PVL team] F2, so the communication is there, and the relationship inside the court [is already there],” Gagate mentioned.
“[Jia] knows what she does inside the court, so we’re very grateful that she is our setter,” she continued. “And even though we lack in preparation, she still does her best in communicating with everyone.”