The Capital1 Solar Spikers have positioned themselves for another significant roster upgrade ahead of the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season after securing the second overall pick in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft during the lottery held on Monday, May 25, at the TV5 Media Center.
Despite entering the lottery with the highest probability of landing the top selection at 40 percent, the Solar Spikers ultimately fell just short as the Galeries Tower Highrisers claimed the first overall pick. Still, Capital1 remains firmly in an advantageous position heading into the draft, holding a high-value selection that could further accelerate the franchise’s rapid rise in the PVL.
The result, however, did little to dampen the optimism within the Capital1 camp, as co-owner Mandy Romero expressed confidence that the organization is steadily entering what she described as a “new era” for the franchise.
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Romero pointed to the team’s aggressive off-season moves as evidence of its evolving identity, highlighted by the addition of PVL star power in former Most Valuable Player winners Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, who are set to join emerging cornerstone Bella Belen in a rapidly reshaped roster.
“We are very, very happy. I think it’s really meant to be that we are entering this new year of Capital1, and we really hope that everyone joins us in all of our ride. We have had a lot of changes in the off-season, and hopefully, this next draft will bring together all the passion, the grit, and the fire that we need to be a champion contender. That’s our dream,” Romero said.
Even with the No. 2 pick, Capital1 is widely expected to target another impact player capable of immediately contributing to a roster that is increasingly being built for championship contention. While Romero did not disclose specific names, she emphasized that the franchise is prioritizing a player who can provide both leadership and offensive firepower.
Capital1 owner Mandy Romero on drafting second overall pick. #PVL2026 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/Q6UFpGLAfQ
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 25, 2026
“We are looking for someone who will play in the court, they are ready to be part of this team, they are ready and very determined to achieve our new heights together. On behalf of my sister and I, we are praying that we enter this 2026 as a completely ‘new era,’” she added.
Capital1’s trajectory has been one of the most closely watched developments in recent PVL seasons. The franchise previously held the first overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, selecting Belen, who was widely regarded as one of the most promising talents in Philippine volleyball history. The former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standout quickly validated that reputation, delivering a standout rookie campaign capped by Rookie of the Year honors and a Best Outside Spiker award.
With Belen continuing to anchor the team’s core and the arrivals of Gandler and Santos significantly strengthening the supporting cast, Capital1 is beginning to form a more balanced and competitive lineup. The added depth is expected to reduce pressure on Belen while giving the Solar Spikers multiple scoring options as they aim to transition from rebuilding side to legitimate title contender.
Romero emphasized that beyond talent acquisition, the organization’s growth has also been driven by culture-building and continuity within the locker room. She noted that the team’s young core has embraced the franchise’s long-term vision and is committed to developing together as a cohesive unit.
“It’s all a matter of, again, prayers, chance, but at the same time having the culture that we are building here at Capital1. I’m very proud, my sister is very proud to say that the players we have feel like they are part of the team here, feeling like we are building a franchise together, and they are excited to be part of the still the youngest team here in the PVL. We hope to sustain that and that we will continue to again reach this new chapter together,” Romero concluded.
With the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, at the Novotel Manila Araneta City, Capital1 now enters the event with high expectations and a clear direction—armed with a strong young core, veteran reinforcements, and another opportunity to secure a player who could shape the next phase of the franchise’s rise in the PVL.
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