DLSU rookie Thea Gagate stands out in UAAP 82 debut

A new kid on the block stood out during De La Salle University's win against Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday. Her name is Thea Gagate, a six-foot-two middle blocker who looks to prove herself in the big league.

Gagate registered 10 points on 5 attacks and 5 blocks in her debut in the seniors league.

Coming into the game, the rookie admitted feeling the pressure coming from a big game such as Ateneo-La Salle.

"Hearing from the dugout pa lang, 'yung drums and puro sigaw, nakakakaba po talaga siya. Pero I just relaxed myself. 'Di masyado isipin 'yung crowd kasi ako naman 'yung naglalaro," she said in an interview.

It was her seniors who helped her to be calm before and during the game.

"Gina-guide po ako ng ates namin na kalma lang, pati 'yung coaches, since sila mas may experience kesa sa amin," she added.

Gagate was recruited by La Salle from National University, where she played with rookies from opposing team, Faith Nisperos and Roma Mae Doromal.

"Nakita ko 'yung tension namin," she shared. "Kasi tinitignan ko sila tapos sila nakatingin din sakin."

Despite the tension on the court, going against her former teammate somehow helped her in accomplishing the task.

"Siyempre naging teammates kami for three years din, so parang medyo alam ko na 'yung galaw ni Faith," she added.

Overall, Gagate was just amazed with their win over the defending champs.

READ: La Salle dominates Ateneo to open UAAP 82 road to redemption

"Matagal na pong rivalry 'yung [Ateneo-La Salle] and matagal na naming pinaghandaan po talaga. It's just an amazing feeling na na-accomplish namin ang goal namin," the rookie said.

Gagate and the rest of the Lady Spikers will see action again on Tuesday against UP. —KG, GMA News