PVL Rookie Draft applicant pool cut to 38 player

The list of applicants for the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft on Wednesday night has been reduced to 38 after four players officially withdrew their names from the pool ahead of the selection process.

Among those who pulled out were National University star Alyssa Solomon, University of the Philippines middle blocker Niña Ytang, and Letran standouts Natalie Estreller and Lara Mae Silva.

Despite the changes, the draft pool remains loaded with collegiate talent from both the UAAP and NCAA, along with a lone Filipino-foreign prospect.

Leading the remaining UAAP contingent are National University setter Camilla Lamina, University of Santo Tomas libero Bernadett “Detdet” Pepito, and former Golden Tigresses hitters Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula.

Also included are UP players Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Heart Magsombol, and Jum Gayo; Far Eastern University’s Tin Ubaldo, Ann Asis, and Florize Papa; De La Salle University’s Ela Raagas, Michelle Beterina, and Sophia Sindayen; University of the East standouts KC Cepada, Tin Ecalla, and Kayce Balingit; Adamson’s Barbie Jamili; and Ateneo setter Taks Fujimoto.

Adding international experience to the draft is Jade Fuentes of Cal State Dominguez Hills. The 6-foot outside hitter previously played for La Salle before continuing her collegiate career in the United States.

The NCAA is likewise well represented, with Julienne Castro leading the remaining Letran applicants. San Sebastian College-Recoletos has Katherine Santos, Christina Marasigan, and Kristine Dionisio in the pool, while Jose Rizal University is represented by Marianne Alona and Gayle Batara.

Lyceum of the Philippines University has Johna Dolorito, Jericha Lopez, and Janeth Tulang among the aspirants. Also seeking spots in the professional ranks are Grace Cabadin and Alyanna Ong of Mapua, Erin Navarro of San Beda University, and Fianne Ariola of the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.

Provincial standouts Kirsty Destajo of the University of Nueva Caceres-Sorsogon and Angel Galinato of the University of San Carlos are also among the hopefuls.

Completing the list of applicants are Jesska Sacay and Marjorie Orpilla of Immaculada Concepcion College and Lyca Dela Peña of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

Set to select first is Galeries Tower Highrisers, followed by Capital1 Solar Energy Solar Spikers, ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, Choco Mucho Flying Titans, Akari Power Chargers, Nxled Chameleons, Farm Fresh Foxies, PLDT High Speed Hitters, and Creamline Cool Smashers.

The post PVL Rookie Draft applicant pool cut to 38 player first appeared on Fastbreak.

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Alex Eala, Czech partner exit Birmingham doubles

Filipina tennis standout Alex Eala and Czech partner Nikola Bartunkova bowed out of the doubles competition of the WTA 125 Birmingham Open on Monday night.

Eala and Bartunkova fell short to British duo Harriet Dart and Maia Lumsden , 4-6, 6-2, 9-11, in a match that lasted through a deciding match tiebreak.

The Filipina-Czech tandem appeared headed for a strong start after building a commanding 4-0 advantage in the opening set. However, Dart and Lumsden recovered in dramatic fashion, winning the next six games to take the set.

Eala and Bartunkova quickly regrouped in the second frame, dominating the British pair, 6-2, to force a winner-take-all tiebreak.

Match statistics showed just how closely contested the encounter was. Eala and Bartunkova finished with 62 total points won compared to 59 by Dart and Lumsden. They also won more service points, 37-35, and held a slight edge in receiving points, 25-24.

The pair converted four of six break-point opportunities, while their opponents capitalized on three of six chances. Eala and Bartunkova also performed better on second serve, winning 64 percent of those points compared to 33 percent for Dart and Lumsden.

Despite the defeat, the numbers reflected a tightly fought battle. Dart and Lumsden posted a higher first-serve percentage at 87 percent against 82 percent and won the lone tiebreak of the match. The British pair also put together a six-game winning streak during their comeback in the opening set.

With her doubles run over, Eala will now concentrate on the singles draw, where the tournament’s top seed is scheduled to face Australia’s Priscilla Hon in the Round of 32.

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