PVL: Jaja Maraguinot grateful for fresh start with Capital1

Jaja Maraguinot, Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos are the newest Capital1 Solar Spikers in the PVL. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Jaja Maraguinot is eager to contribute to Capital1 after receiving a chance to play again in the Premier Volleyball League after missing the All-Filipino Conference.

The veteran setter didn’t have a team after parting ways with Nxled last January, when the Chameleons signed the core of the defunct Petro Gazz Angels.

After six months, Maraguinot found a home at Capital1, where she joins PVL MVPs from Cignal, Vanie Gandler, and Erika Santos as the newest Solar Spikers ahead of the new season. 

“It wasn’t easy, but I’m really thankful to everyone at Capital1 for giving me this opportunity. It’s really a process because I’ve been away from volleyball for a long time, so I can’t just immediately come back to [my best condition]. Right now, we’re taking the proper steps,” said Maraguinot in Filipino.

“I’m very thankful because they’re giving me the time I need. It’s not going to be easy, but I’m ready to face the challenges because it’s not only for myself, but also for the team.”

Maraguinot is reunited with her fellow Ateneo teammates Gandler, Pauline Gaston, and Roma Mae Doromal.

Running the offense for MVPs Gandler and Santos and top rookie Bella Belen, the newest Capital1 playmaker vows to scatter the offensive wealth while maximizing the hot hands.

“What I’ll probably focus on is figuring out who has the “hot hands” during the game. And honestly, I know all of my teammates are capable of getting hot offensively, so hopefully we can all click together at the same time. That’s probably the only “problem,” but it’s really not a bad problem at all because I know everyone on the team can contribute. That’s actually a very good thing,” she said.