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Tag: 2026 PVL Rookie Draft

  • Joan Monares completes PLDT’s final recruitment piece ahead of 2026 PVL on Tour

    Joan Monares completes PLDT’s final recruitment piece ahead of 2026 PVL on Tour

    After going undrafted in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft, University of the Philippines standout Joan Monares has quickly found a new chapter in her volleyball journey, this time at the professional level with the PLDT High Speed Hitters.

     

    PLDT officially introduced Monares on Friday through a social media announcement, marking her as the final addition to complete the team’s roster build ahead of the 2026-2027 PVL season.

     

    “We all want more of Joan Monares so here we go! The outside hitter from UP becomes the final piece of PLDT’s recruitment before the start of the 2026-2027 PVL season!” the team said.

     

    Her arrival adds depth to an already stacked wing rotation that includes Savi Davison, Alleiah Malaluan, Kiesha Bedonia, Shiela Kiseo, and Jovie Prado, giving PLDT multiple attacking options heading into a crucial campaign.

     

    Monares’ collegiate career with the UP Fighting Maroons was defined by steady offensive production and leadership in a rebuilding program that often relied on her consistency against top UAAP contenders.

     

    At UP, she developed into one of the team’s primary scoring options, carrying a heavy offensive load while competing against some of the strongest collegiate programs in the country.

     

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    Her experience in the UAAP not only tested her scoring ability but also shaped her into a more composed presence in high-pressure situations—something PLDT will look to maximize in the pro ranks.

     

    PLDT, meanwhile, is entering the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference with heightened expectations after an up-and-down run in previous seasons, where flashes of brilliance were often tempered by inconsistency in closing out tight matches.

     

    The High Speed Hitters have been steadily building chemistry under a balanced core, but the addition of Monares gives them another dynamic scoring option who can relieve pressure from their established wing attackers.

     

    Their campaign in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference showed both promise and growing pains, as PLDT pushed several top-tier squads to the limit but struggled to sustain momentum across full matches.

     

    With Monares now in the fold alongside setter Fianne Ariola of Perpetual Help, PLDT’s roster gains both youth and versatility as they continue refining their system for a deeper playoff push in the upcoming season.

     

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  • Detdet Pepito ready for next chapter with Capital1 after lifelong PVL dream comes true

    Detdet Pepito ready for next chapter with Capital1 after lifelong PVL dream comes true

    Long before Detdet Pepito became one of the most decorated liberos in UAAP history, she was simply a young girl sitting on the sidelines, watching her older sisters play the sport she would eventually make her own.

     

    Years before the bright lights of the Premier Volleyball League and long before she became a household name at the University of Santo Tomas, Pepito’s first connection to volleyball came through family.

     

    Her sisters, Marge and MJ, were already competing at a high level for San Sebastian College in the NCAA during the late 2000s. While they battled on the court, their youngest sibling watched from afar, unknowingly planting the seeds for a journey that would one day bring her to the professional ranks.

     

    That dream officially became reality on draft night.

     

    Selected by Capital1 as one of the top picks in the 2026 PVL Draft, Pepito now finds herself stepping into the very league she once only imagined reaching.

     

    “I’m really grateful because this is a huge opportunity. During my final playing year, making it to the PVL was one of my main goals. That’s why I gave my best every game to prepare for this draft,” said Pepito.

     

    The road to that moment was anything but easy.

     

    Pepito built her reputation through years of consistency, discipline, and relentless defensive work. From her days representing UST in high school to becoming the heart of the Golden Tigresses’ floor defense in college, she established herself as one of the country’s premier liberos.

     

    Her collection of individual awards only reinforced that status, but behind every accolade was a dream that remained unchanged since childhood — earning a place in the country’s top professional league.

     

    For Marge, seeing her younger sister reach that milestone carried special meaning.

     

    “She grew up watching us play and saw our journey in the sport. She got inspired by what we were doing, and from there, volleyball became a big part of her life. I’m very happy that she has made it all the way to the PVL,” Marge said.

     

    Now Pepito joins a Capital1 team that suddenly finds itself among the most intriguing squads in the league.

     

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    The Solar Spikers already feature reigning Rookie of the Year Bella Belen, one of Pepito’s closest friends dating back to their elementary school days. The franchise also strengthened its roster by adding former Cignal stars Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, creating a core filled with proven winners and award-winning talents.

     

    For Pepito, joining such a loaded lineup only added to the excitement.

     

    “When I heard there were already three MVPs on the team, I thought, ‘Wow, this team is really strong.’ When my name was called, it definitely added some pressure, but I’m more excited than anything,” Pepito said.

     

    “I know I’ll learn a lot from them, and hopefully we can build chemistry quickly since PVL On Tour is coming up. I’ll just keep giving my best.”

     

    While individual recognition helped define her collegiate career, Pepito enters the professional ranks with a different challenge ahead.

     

    Instead of carrying the expectations of being UST’s defensive anchor, she now joins a team with championship aspirations and a roster full of players expected to compete immediately.

     

    Her role may be different, but the approach remains the same.

     

    Pepito plans to bring the leadership, composure, and defensive stability that made her one of the UAAP’s most reliable players while adapting quickly to the system of head coach Jorge Souza de Brito.

     

    And just like the young girl who once watched her sisters chase their volleyball dreams, she is allowing herself to dream again.

     

    “Mangangarap kami, siyempre, na hopefully, sa amin din mapunta ‘yung championship,” Pepito said.

     

    This time, however, the dream is no longer about simply reaching the PVL.

     

    It’s about helping bring a title to Capital1 and writing the next chapter of a volleyball journey that started years ago on the sidelines.

     

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  • Khy Cepada’s PVL dream continues with powerhouse Capital1 squad 

    Khy Cepada’s PVL dream continues with powerhouse Capital1 squad 

    For years, Khy Cepada watched Bella Belen from afar as one of the PVL stars she admired most. Now, the former University of the East standout is preparing to share the same court and team with her idol after being selected by Capital1 in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft.


    In a draft class where only 11 aspirants heard their names called, Cepada emerged as one of the fortunate few, going ninth overall to the Solar Spikers in the second round.

     

    What made the moment unforgettable was realizing she would be joining a franchise that has quickly transformed itself into one of the league’s most talent-loaded teams.

     

    “Yung PVL idol ko po ngayon is si Ate Bella po, so parang sabi ko po, hala, nung shine-shake ko po yung hand niya doon sa stage, parang sabi ko, ‘Oh my God, totoo ba ’to?’ So yun po, parang na-shock po talaga ako. Parang nothing but gratitude po sa Capital1 kasi na-pick po nila ako,” Cepada said.

     

    For the 22-year-old outside hitter, draft day was filled with uncertainty. Despite an impressive showing during the Draft Combine, she admitted she did not expect her name to be called as early as the second round.

     

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    Instead, she found herself becoming part of a franchise that has been one of the busiest teams in the offseason.

     

    “Very excited po na maka-training po sa kanila, makalaro yung ibang teams and ma-represent po yung Capital1, kasi hindi ko po talaga ini-expect na matatawag po talaga yung pangalan ko agad this second round. Very happy po sobra,” she said.

     

    Capital1’s roster makeover has positioned the team as one of the league’s emerging contenders. Alongside Cepada, the Solar Spikers selected former University of Santo Tomas libero Detdet Pepito with the second overall pick. 

     

    The team also strengthened its core by acquiring former league MVPs Erika Santos and Vanie Gandler from the now-defunct Cignal squad.

     

    Veterans Pauline Gaston, Pia Abbu, and Roma Mae Doromal further bolster a lineup that suddenly boasts experience and star power.

     

    For Cepada, however, the challenge is not getting overwhelmed by the names around her but finding ways to contribute.

     

    “Palagi ko pong sinasabi lalaban po ako, magiging mas palaban pa po ako, kasi sila ‘yung kasama ko pa sa lineup si Ate Belle, ate Vanie (Gandler), so laban pa rin.”

     

    That fighting mindset has defined much of her volleyball journey. Before entering the professional ranks, Cepada carried the responsibility of leading the UE Lady Warriors through one of the program’s most difficult stretches. 

     

    While the team endured back-to-back winless UAAP campaigns to close her collegiate career, Cepada continued to produce individually, finishing as Season 88’s 12th Best Scorer with 171 points built on 153 attacks, 14 aces, and four blocks.

     

    Those numbers may not have translated into victories, but they showcased the resilience that kept her among the league’s most productive hitters despite difficult circumstances.

     

    The transition from collegiate leader to rookie role player will not be easy, but the former Lady Warrior believes the lessons learned during UE’s toughest years have prepared her for the next challenge.

     

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  • Joan Monares stays the course after PVL Draft snub, trusts UP-built resilience 

    Joan Monares stays the course after PVL Draft snub, trusts UP-built resilience 

    For many aspiring professional volleyball players, draft night serves as the finish line of years of sacrifice.

     

    For Joan Monares, it may simply be another chapter in a journey that has rarely followed the easiest path.

     

    The former University of the Philippines captain left the 2026 PVL Draft without hearing her name called among the 38 hopefuls gathered at Novotel Manila in Cubao. While 11 players officially began their professional careers, Monares found herself in unfamiliar territory — not selected, but far from defeated.

     

    If there was one athlete in the draft pool equipped to handle disappointment, it was the player whose entire collegiate career was built on enduring uncertainty.

     

    Representing UP in the UAAP meant surviving years of rebuilding, adapting to multiple coaching changes, and continuing to believe even when victories were difficult to come by. Those experiences shaped Monares into more than just a volleyball player. They taught her how to stay grounded when things did not go according to plan.

     

    “If yung goal mo is to gain more experience, wala ka talagang talo. For UP, I am just really grateful and thankful that I got to experience everything. UP made me really strong, patient, and very resilient,” Monares told Tiebreaker Times.

     

    “I know there’s still hope for all of us, for all of us na hindi na-draft tonight.”

     

    The statement reflected the perspective of someone who understands that progress is not always measured by immediate rewards.

     

    During her years with the Fighting Maroons, Monares witnessed the program gradually climb from the lower half of the standings into a team capable of threatening for a Final Four spot. After combined seven-win campaigns from Seasons 84 to 86, UP steadily improved, finishing sixth in Seasons 87 and 88 and proving it could compete with the league’s established contenders.

     

    Those experiences taught Monares that setbacks rarely tell the whole story.

     

    “I feel like UP made me really strong to a point, na I can handle everything. Kung ano man mangyari sa akin, kung saan man mapunta, or whatever challenges it may be, I am just really grateful na I get to have this chance, and I am not closing any doors. I am really open to any opportunities — may it be volleyball or outside that,” the pride of Bacolod shared.

     

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    Unlike many draft hopefuls who spent the past months attending team workouts and preparing for the Draft Combine, Monares was balancing a different challenge.

     

    The 24-year-old outside hitter continued rehabilitation for a lingering back injury that limited her throughout most of UAAP Season 88 while simultaneously completing her undergraduate thesis at UP. Graduation remained a priority, and it required sacrifices.

     

    Now that both responsibilities are behind her, Monares believes she can fully dedicate herself to whatever opportunity comes next.

     

    “I think as a free agent, it does not matter if you get drafted tonight or mag-free agent ka. I think hindi ‘yon yung magde-define sa kanila [na] if na-draft ka sa event or not. There is still hope and many chances to get to do kasi pwede ka ring mag-tryout and explore teams,” Monares said.

     

    “For me, lang kasi I was not able to train as much as other teams kasi mas nag-focus ako sa academics ko kasi I am graduating. I am just looking at the brighter side na after this draft, I have more time to try out and play with teams, kasi I am finished with school.”

     

    Rather than dwelling on what did not happen, Monares spent draft night celebrating those who reached the milestone she continues to pursue.

     

    Among them was former UP teammate Irah Jaboneta, who was selected fifth overall by Nxled, as well as her younger sister Ann Monares, who completed her rookie season with Farm Fresh after being drafted last year.

     

    “I am just really proud of them kasi they get to play — that’s their dream, and that’s their passion. I support them no matter what.”

     

    For now, Monares enters free agency carrying no bitterness and very little regret.

     

    The dream of playing in the PVL remains alive. More importantly, she believes the years she spent wearing maroon prepared her for moments exactly like this.

     

    After all, resilience was never something she learned after missing the draft.

     

    It was something she developed long before draft night ever arrived.

     

    “For me naman, I am not really closing all doors, may it be in volleyball or outside that. Just volleyball is a really big part of my life. I am just shooting my shot na makakalaro pa ba ako for PVL,” she said.

     

    “I am just grateful.” 

     

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  • Lams Lamina and Julia Coronel give Galeries Tower a good problem at setter 

    Lams Lamina and Julia Coronel give Galeries Tower a good problem at setter 

    For years, Galeries Tower searched for the pieces that could elevate the franchise from hopeful contender to legitimate threat. Now, after selecting Lams Lamina with the first overall pick in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft, the Highrisers may have stumbled upon a different kind of challenge — having too many capable hands running the offense.

     

    Most teams enter a season worrying about who will fill the setter position. Galeries Tower enters this one wondering how to divide it.

     

    The arrival of Lamina instantly strengthens what was already one of the team’s most stable positions. The former National University star brings championship experience, elite decision-making, and a winning culture forged during the Lady Bulldogs’ dynastic run in the UAAP.

     

    Yet the rookie is stepping into a team that already has a proven floor general in Julia Coronel.

     

    Since being selected third overall in the 2024 PVL Draft, Coronel has steadily grown into one of the franchise’s most important building blocks. Her ability to orchestrate the offense helped Galeries Tower take meaningful strides in recent seasons, making her emergence one of the club’s biggest success stories.

     

    Rather than viewing Lamina’s arrival as a threat, however, Coronel sees it as another opportunity for the team to evolve.

     

    “We have a very talented set of spikers din naman and obviously right now, we really need more help in terms of, I would say, also playmaking,” Coronel said.

     

    “I’m very excited to see our dynamic moving forward; kung paano kami magtutulungan, knowing the set of skills and talents that we already have in the team. That is something that we will have to see pa moving forward in practice on how the coaches will be able to instill new systems with our new additions to the team.”

     

    The situation becomes even more intriguing considering that Coronel and Lamina already share a history through Alas Pilipinas, where both earned opportunities to quarterback the national team’s offense. Instead of competing across the net, they now find themselves working toward the same objective.

     

    For head coach Aying Esteban, though, the decision to draft Lamina was never about creating a controversy.

     

    It was about creating security.

     

    In a position where injuries, fatigue, or unexpected circumstances can drastically alter a season, Esteban viewed depth as a necessity rather than a luxury. 

     

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    “Sa posisyon namin, hindi kami pwedeng sumugal na dalawa lang ‘yung setters namin. Hindi namin alam kung ano ‘yung pwedeng mangyari minsan. At least, may pang-fill in pa rin kami at makukumpleto ‘yung lineup namin, at sa roster namin ay magiging ok pa rin kami,” he said.

     

    That mindset has suddenly transformed Galeries Tower into one of the deepest teams at the setter position, especially with veteran Maji Mangulabnan also remaining in the mix.

     

    For Lamina, meanwhile, the focus is not on claiming a starting spot immediately but on proving she belongs.

     

    The former Lady Bulldog arrives carrying the expectations that come with being a No. 1 overall pick, yet she remains intent on bringing the same habits that helped make NU a perennial champion.

     

    “Healthy competition po ‘yun sa amin ng mga ates ko. Ako, as a rookie, ipapakita ko lang po talaga ‘yung best ko, kung ano po mga natutunan ko sa NU ay bibit ko talaga sa team at maishe-share ko rin po sa mga ates ko,” she said.

     

    “Rookie pa lang po ako dito sa PVL, pero same naman po na I will work professionally, with my 100-percent effort, discipline, and work ethic ko po.”

     

    Whether Lamina ultimately wins the starting role is a question that may take weeks or even months to answer.

     

    What is already clear, however, is that Galeries Tower’s biggest gain from draft night may not have been landing the top overall pick itself.

     

    It may have been creating a setter room strong enough to shape the franchise’s future for years to come. 

     

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  • Thirty-eight aspirants await their moment at 2026 PVL Draft 

    Thirty-eight aspirants await their moment at 2026 PVL Draft 

    As the 2026 PVL Draft finally arrives, the conversation is no longer about who is missing. It is about who is ready to seize the opportunity left behind.

     

    What once appeared to be a draft class headlined by consensus top prospects Alyssa Solomon and Niña Ytang has transformed into one of the most unpredictable talent pools in recent memory. With both stars opting out before draft night, a new generation of hopefuls now steps into the spotlight, each carrying a legitimate case to become the first name called when teams gather at Novotel Manila Araneta City on Wednesday evening.

     

    At the center of that conversation are National University playmaker Camilla Lamina and University of Santo Tomas defensive anchor Bernadett Pepito.

     

    Lamina enters the draft as one of the most decorated setters in collegiate volleyball, having established herself as the steady hand behind NU’s championship success. Pepito, meanwhile, built her reputation as one of the country’s premier defensive specialists, earning multiple UAAP Best Libero honors while serving as the backbone of UST’s floor defense.

     

    But unlike previous drafts that featured a clear-cut favorite, this year’s selection process feels far more fluid.

     

    The absence of Solomon and Ytang has opened the door for several prospects to significantly boost their stock, including athletes who impressed scouts and coaches during the recent Draft Combine conducted by Valor Performance Institute.

     

    Among the biggest risers was Adamson speedster Barbie Jamili, who showcased elite athleticism by topping several testing categories. Jamili recorded the fastest 10-meter sprint time at 1.759 seconds, dominated the pro agility 5-10-5 test with a 5.109-second mark, and led the hop test reactive strength index with 3.36 meters per second.

     

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    University of the East standout Khy Cepada likewise strengthened her case as one of the most intriguing prospects in the class. She finished near the top of multiple combine categories, placing second in both the 10-meter sprint and countermovement jump while also ranking among the leaders in agility and vertical explosion drills.

     

    The draft pool remains rich with established collegiate names despite the high-profile withdrawals.

     

    Among those hoping to hear their names called are UST’s Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula; UP standouts Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Heart Magsombol, and Jum Gayo; FEU’s Ann Asis and Florize Papa; La Salle’s Ela Raagas, Michelle Beterina, and Sophia Sindayen; UE’s Tin Ecalla and Kayce Balingit; and former Ateneo setter Taks Fujimoto.

     

    Adding an international flavor to the proceedings is Jade Fuentes of Cal State Dominguez Hills, the lone Filipino-foreign applicant in the draft class.

     

    Notably absent from the event itself will be FEU setter Tin Ubaldo, who remains committed to the Alas Pilipinas Women program as preparations continue for the upcoming AVC Women’s Cup in Candon City.

     

    Beyond the individual names, Wednesday’s draft represents another important chapter in the league’s continued growth. The PVL has increasingly become the primary bridge between collegiate stardom and professional volleyball, forcing teams to balance immediate needs with long-term roster building.

     

    That challenge begins with Galeries Tower, which secured the coveted No. 1 overall pick after winning the draft lottery despite long odds. Capital1 follows at No. 2, while Choco Mucho and Akari complete the top four selections.

     

    Nxled, Farm Fresh, PLDT, and Creamline round out the remainder of the first-round order.

     

    By the end of the night, careers will change, franchises will reshape their futures, and one prospect will walk away as the newest face of the league’s next generation. The only certainty heading into draft night is that no one truly knows how the board will fall.

     

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  • PVL Rookie Draft Chaos: Alyssa Solomon, Nina Ytang withdraw as Alas pulls talent away from pros 

    PVL Rookie Draft Chaos: Alyssa Solomon, Nina Ytang withdraw as Alas pulls talent away from pros 

    The 2026 PVL Rookie Draft was supposed to arrive with a clear storyline.

     

    Alyssa Solomon at the top. Niña Ytang not far behind. A loaded class ready to redefine the league.

    Instead, the draft board looks nothing like the one teams were preparing for just days ago.

     

    In a stunning late shift before the withdrawal deadline, consensus No. 1 pick Solomon pulled out of the draft entirely. And before teams could even adjust their plans, another major name followed.

     

    Niña Ytang — one of the fastest-rising prospects in the class and a near-lock to challenge for the top selection — also withdrew her application, choosing to remain committed to Alas Pilipinas Women instead of entering the professional ranks.

     

    The moves instantly changed the complexion of what had once looked like a draft with a clear pecking order.

     

    For Solomon, sources pointed to a decision that went beyond overseas opportunities.

    There had reportedly been discussions surrounding her continued involvement in the national team program — enough to keep the decorated former NU star from immediately taking the professional route.

     

    Then came Ytang’s turn.

     

    After her stock surged following Solomon’s withdrawal, the UP standout looked poised to become one of the strongest candidates for Galeries Tower’s top selection. But rather than capitalize on her rising draft value, Ytang chose to stay with the national setup.

     

    Her decision also comes at a complicated moment for Philippine volleyball, with uncertainty surrounding the national federation and preparations for upcoming international commitments.

     

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    And the reshuffling did not stop there.

     

    Sources revealed that Letran standouts Lara Mae Silva and Natalie Estreller also withdrew from the draft to continue prioritizing national team duties after being part of the expanded Alas Pilipinas pool.

     

    Suddenly, what looked like a draft class centered around a handful of elite names has become one of the most unpredictable in recent PVL memory.

     

    The departures remove players widely expected to reshape the opening selections — forcing teams to go back to the drawing board.

     

    National University setter Lams Lamina now emerges as one of the strongest names entering the conversation for the top pick, while other prospects such as Nicole Ong, Detdet Pepito, and several rising wing spikers could see their draft value climb overnight.

     

    What was once shaping up as a race dominated by familiar names has turned into something far more open.

     

    And in the middle of all that uncertainty, the PVL draft may end up becoming less about who leaves college for the pros — and more about who stays behind to carry the country’s colors.

     

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  • Sports PH News’ 2026 PVL Rookie Draft Mock Picks: Predicting the Future of the League 

    Sports PH News’ 2026 PVL Rookie Draft Mock Picks: Predicting the Future of the League 

    The 2026 PVL Rookie Draft may not have the deepest pool in league history, but it could still shape the future of several franchises.

     

    With proven collegiate stars, championship-tested leaders, and position-changing talents entering the pros, teams at the top of the draft board have a chance to accelerate rebuilds or strengthen already competitive cores.

     

    Here’s how the first nine picks could unfold.

    1. Galeries Tower Highrisers — Alyssa Solomon (Opposite Hitter, National University)

    This feels like the easiest pick on the board.

     

    Alyssa Solomon enters the draft as the most polished scorer available after a decorated UAAP career and a strong stint in Japan’s SV.League with Osaka Marvelous. At 6-foot-1, she gives Galeries Tower an instant franchise centerpiece capable of carrying the offense from Day 1.

     

    The Highrisers badly need a reliable go-to scorer against the league’s elite clubs, and Solomon checks every box: size, experience, composure, and winning pedigree.

     

    If Galeries wants a player to build around for years, Solomon is the clear answer.

    1. Capital1 Solar Spikers — Camille Lamina (Setter, National University)

    Capital1 already has attacking weapons, but what it lacks is a true floor general who can stabilize the offense consistently.

     

    That makes Camille Lamina a perfect fit.

     

    The two-time UAAP Best Setter has proven she can orchestrate a championship-level system while maximizing multiple scorers around her. Her decision-making, tempo control, and leadership immediately address one of Capital1’s biggest needs.

     

    Pairing Lamina with the Solar Spikers’ growing offensive core could finally unlock the team’s full potential.

    1. Choco Mucho Flying Titans — Nina Ytang (Middle Blocker, UP)

    Choco Mucho has plenty of firepower on the wings, but adding a dominant middle blocker could elevate the Flying Titans into a more complete championship contender.

     

    Enter Nina Ytang.

     

    The four-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker brings elite timing, length, and defensive instincts at the net. More importantly, she fits the identity Choco Mucho has slowly tried to build — faster, more physical, and tougher defensively.

     

    With veterans already carrying the scoring load, Ytang can thrive early without the pressure of becoming the team’s primary option immediately.

    1. ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles — KC Cepada (Outside Hitter, UE)

    ZUS Coffee continues searching for young foundational talent, and KC Cepada could become exactly that.

     

    Cepada quietly developed into one of the UAAP’s most dynamic scorers despite playing for a rebuilding UE program. Her ability to generate offense even in difficult situations makes her valuable for a Thunderbelles squad still trying to establish consistency.

     

    She brings energy, confidence, and shot-making ability — all traits ZUS badly needs moving forward.

     

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    1. Akari Chargers — Tin Ubaldo (Setter, FEU)

    Akari’s system thrives when the ball moves quickly and efficiently, which makes Tin Ubaldo an intriguing fit.

     

    One of the smartest setters in this class, Ubaldo impressed in FEU’s structured offense with her calm decision-making and ability to keep hitters involved. She may not arrive with the same hype as Lamina, but her ceiling as a long-term playmaker remains high.

     

    The Chargers could use another steady organizer to strengthen their depth at setter while preparing for the future.

    1. Nxled Chameleons — Bernadette Pepito (Libero, UST)

    Nxled already showed flashes of competitiveness last season, but improving its floor defense remains a priority.

     

    Bernadette Pepito instantly helps in that area.

     

    Widely considered one of the best liberos in the collegiate ranks as being a two-time UAAP best libero, Pepito brings elite anticipation, consistency in serve receive, and relentless energy defensively. She may not always appear on highlight reels, but her impact can completely stabilize a team’s system.

     

    For a young Nxled squad still finding its identity, Pepito could become a culture-setting piece.

    1. Farm Fresh Foxies — Jonna Perdido (Outside Hitter, UST)

    Farm Fresh needs more offensive punch beside Trisha Tubu, and Jonna Perdido offers exactly that.

     

    A proven scorer with strong attacking instincts, Perdido has shown she can handle pressure moments and carry heavy offensive responsibilities. Her aggressive style fits well with the Foxies’ fast-improving roster.

     

    Adding another legitimate scoring option would also prevent opposing defenses from focusing entirely on Tubu moving forward.

    1. PLDT High Speed Hitters — Joan Monares (Outside Hitter, UP)

    PLDT remains one of the league’s deepest veteran teams, which gives them the luxury of selecting upside over immediate need.

     

    Joan Monares fits that approach perfectly.

     

    The UP winger has steadily improved as a two-way player capable of contributing both offensively and defensively. Learning behind PLDT’s experienced core could accelerate her development without forcing her into a major role too early.

     

    In the long run, Monares has the tools to become one of the steals of this draft.

    1. Creamline Cool Smashers — Barbie Jamili (Outside Hitter, Adamson)

    The rich getting richer feels very possible here.

     

    Creamline rarely drafts out of desperation, which allows the Cool Smashers to simply take the best talent available. Barbie Jamili’s athleticism, upside, and versatility, as well as being one of the PVL Draft Combine’s best performers it will make her an ideal developmental piece behind the league’s most established core.

     

    Jamili may not need to contribute immediately, but under Creamline’s veteran system, she could slowly evolve into another dangerous weapon for the dynasty.

     

    And that’s exactly what makes this potential pairing scary for the rest of the PVL.

     

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  • “I will just give everything”: Alyssa Solomon embraces next chapter amid PVL Draft buzz and overseas offers 

    “I will just give everything”: Alyssa Solomon embraces next chapter amid PVL Draft buzz and overseas offers 

    The Galeries Tower Highrisers have positioned themselves for a potential franchise-altering selection after securing the first overall pick in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft during the lottery held on Monday, May 25, at the TV5 Media Center.

     

    With the top selection now in their possession, the Highrisers hold the rights to one of the most highly anticipated prospects in recent Philippine volleyball history, as former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standout and current Alas Pilipinas mainstay Alyssa Solomon emerges as the overwhelming frontrunner to be taken first overall.

     

    Solomon’s rise to prominence has been fueled by her consistent performances at multiple levels of competition. From her dominant UAAP stint to her continued growth with the national team, she has evolved into one of the most promising young attackers in the region. Her development has been further sharpened through her stint with Japan’s Osaka Marvelous in the SV.League, where she has gained valuable experience competing against some of the world’s top professional talents.

     

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    Her blend of power, athleticism, and composure in high-pressure moments has made her a centerpiece of early draft conversations, with many analysts projecting her as a potential franchise cornerstone for Galeries Tower as they continue to build a competitive core for the future.

     

    Despite formally declaring for the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft, Solomon remains non-committal about her immediate professional path, with overseas opportunities reportedly still on the table. While she has chosen not to publicly address international offers, she made it clear that her commitment—if she does enter the draft—will be fully given to whichever club selects her.

    “Honestly, winning feels even more fulfilling when you’re in that kind of situation (rebuilding) because you know the whole team really worked hard for it. I will just give everything including the things I learned in Japan, and hopefully help the team however I can while also enjoying the experience,” Solomon said in a media interaction.

     

    Her presence alone has already generated significant buzz around Galeries Tower, as she was recently seen training with the Highrisers squad and attending the PVL Draft Combine alongside several of the country’s top collegiate talents, including Lams Lamina, Detdet Pepito, Nina Ytang, Tin Ubaldo, Jade Fuentes, Khy Cepada, Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Jonna Perdido, and Xyza Gula.

     

    The possibility of Solomon joining an already developing Galeries core has only intensified speculation around the franchise’s long-term direction. Coaches and team insiders are reportedly exploring how her skill set could immediately integrate into the system, especially given her versatility and international experience.

     

    “Honestly, I still don’t have any expectations. I talked with coach Kim earlier, and we mostly discussed the plans they’re seeing for the team. We also talked a bit about NU since he’s connected there, too. That was basically our conversation.

     

    Adding further intrigue to the Highrisers’ situation, 2025 PVL Rookie Draft second overall pick Jean Asis expressed enthusiasm at the prospect of potentially sharing the court with Solomon. Asis, who has quickly become one of Galeries Tower’s most promising young building blocks, described Solomon as a “generational talent” and reflected on their brief experience training together in the national team environment.

     

    “I was really happy to train with Aiza. We don’t usually get to interact that much because we often rotate and don’t stay on the same court together, but I was still very happy to share the team environment with her,” she concluded.

     

    As the PVL Draft draws nearer, all eyes remain on Galeries Tower’s decision at No. 1 overall—one that could reshape not only the franchise’s future, but also the balance of power in the league for years to come.

     

     

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  • Smaller pool, bigger names: PVL Draft class still loaded with star power 

    Smaller pool, bigger names: PVL Draft class still loaded with star power 

    The 2026 PVL Rookie Draft may be the smallest in the league’s young history, but it hardly feels lacking in intrigue.

     

    Only 41 players made the final draft list released ahead of the June 3 selection day, a noticeable drop from previous years. But while the numbers dipped, the quality at the top of the class remained impossible to ignore.

     

    At the center of it all stands Alyssa Solomon — the towering National University opposite spiker widely expected to become the top overall pick after finally deciding to bring her game home following a season in Japan’s SV.League with Osaka Marvelous.

     

    Solomon’s arrival instantly gives this year’s draft its marquee attraction. The 6-foot-1 hitter spent the past year sharpening her game overseas, helping Osaka Marvelous reach the finals while producing 147 points across 30 matches against elite international competition.

     

    And yet, even beyond Solomon, this year’s class offers plenty of proven winners, decorated collegiate stars, and intriguing long-term prospects.

     

    National University continues to leave a massive imprint on the local volleyball landscape, with two-time UAAP Best Setter Lams Lamina also entering the draft after helping sustain the Lady Bulldogs’ dynasty run in recent years.

     

    University of the Philippines star Nina Ytang likewise headlines the frontcourt talent pool after carving out a historic collegiate career as the first four-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker. Her dominance at the net made her one of the most feared middle blockers of her generation and now positions her as one of the most coveted names available.

     

    Defense, meanwhile, gets its own headline act through UST libero Detdet Pepito, whose floor coverage and consistency made her one of the most reliable back-row anchors in the collegiate ranks.

     

    Several established scorers are also making the leap to the pros.

     

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    Former UST standouts Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula headline the wing spiker group together with UP’s Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Heart Magsombol, and Jum Gayo. Far Eastern University sends Tin Ubaldo, Ann Asis, and Florize Papa into the draft, while La Salle adds Ela Raagas, Michelle Beterina, and Sophia Sindayen to the mix.

     

    The talent pool stretches beyond the UAAP as well.

     

    Letran’s Lara Mae Silva, Natalie Estreller, and Julienne Castro banner the NCAA hopefuls alongside San Sebastian’s Katherine Santos, Christina Marasigan, and Kristine Dionisio. Other collegiate programs such as JRU, Lyceum, Mapua, San Beda, and Perpetual also have representatives hoping to earn professional opportunities.

     

    One of the more intriguing names in the draft is Fil-foreign hitter Jade Fuentes, who previously suited up for La Salle before continuing her career with Cal State Dominguez Hills in the United States. Fuentes recently expressed excitement about returning to Philippine volleyball and embracing what she called the country’s unmatched competitive atmosphere.

     

    Provincial standouts Kirsty Destajo of UNC-Sorsogon and Angel Galinato of the University of San Carlos also cracked the final list, further highlighting the expanding reach of the PVL talent search beyond Metro Manila’s traditional power schools.

     

    Now, despite having fewer applicants than previous years, the draft still feels capable of reshaping several franchises.

     

    Because while the class may be smaller, the names attached to it carry expectations of becoming the league’s next wave of stars.

     

     

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