It’s all systems go for the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft, with three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Mhicaela Belen of National University headlining a 57-player pool of draft hopefuls.
The event takes place today, June 8, at the Novotel Manila Araneta City in Cubao.
Belen, widely seen as the consensus No. 1 pick, leads a deep and talented group of collegiate stars, overseas-trained standouts, and rising provincial talents who have completed all documentary requirements to be eligible for the second edition of the PVL Draft.
The 21-year-old standout is expected to be selected first overall by Capital1, which is looking to rebuild after a rough 7-24 record across three conferences in the 2024 season. The Solar Spikers see this as a turning point for the franchise.
“After one year and three months, we’re finally close to completing this team,” said former Capital1 head coach and current team consultant Roger Gorayeb in Pilipino. “When I started, there wasn’t even a full roster. Now, after 15 months, the situation is looking up. That’s why it’s crucial we select the player we really want.”
Under the new leadership of Brazilian Olympic coach Jorge de Brito, Capital1 hopes to form a solid core that can compete with the PVL’s elite. Gorayeb himself admitted that if given the choice, he would lean toward Belen, citing her versatility, championship pedigree, and proven leadership with the NU Lady Bulldogs.
The draft, which kicks off at 7 p.m., follows a two-day Draft Combine where players underwent biometric assessments, skill tests, and scrimmages—offering teams a comprehensive look at the incoming rookie class.
Galeries Tower holds the second overall pick, followed by Farm Fresh and Nxled to complete the top four determined by lottery. The rest of the first-round order includes Zus Coffee, Cignal, Choco Mucho, Chery Tiggo, PLDT, Akari, Petro Gazz, and Creamline. The second round starts with Nxled, followed by Capital1, Farm Fresh, and Galeries Tower in reverse order.
Deep Talent Pool
This year’s 57-player class features a mix of UAAP, NCAA, and international prospects, making it one of the most diverse and competitive in PVL history. Belen will be joined by her NU teammates Erin Pangilinan, Sheena Toring, Pearl An Denura, and Jerrymie Ann Turaray.
De La Salle University has a strong showing with Alleiah Malaluan, Baby Jyne Soreño, Julyana Tolentino, and Jessa Ordiales, while Adamson University fields May Ann Nuique, Ayesha Juegos, Jules Lopena, Aliah Marce, Kylene Villegas, and May Roque.
Also in the mix are:
Ateneo: Alexis Miner, Lyann De Guzman
FEU: Jean Asis, Chenie Tagaod, Ann Monares, Lyka Bautista
UST: Pia Abbu, Renee Penafiel
UE: Riza Nogales
UP: Nica Celis
UPIS alumna: Angela Jackson (youngest applicant at 20)
Filipino-American setters Alohi Robins-Hardy (6-foot-1) and Central Washington University’s Tia Andaya add international depth, while NCAA Season 97 MVP Mycah Go of CSB headlines the 17-player NCAA contingent.
Notables from NCAA schools include:
Arellano: Kristine Adante, Cherry Mae Cuenca, Pauline De Guzman
Letran: Angelique Ledesma, Lea Tapang
EAC: Jhan Pauline Fortuno, Jamaica Villena
JRU: Maliey Amante, Karyla Jasareno, Jerry Lyn Laurente
Lyceum: Zonxi Jane Dahab, Joan Doguna
San Beda: Jan Gregorio, Reyann Canete
San Sebastian: Von Dimaculangan
Perpetual Help: Winnie Bedana
Four Fil-Canadian players—Yveian Orpiano, Reinali Calisin, Clara Serrano, and Divine Cortez—hope to follow in the footsteps of fellow North American-born stars Savi Davison (PLDT) and Aleiah Torres (Creamline).
Other draft hopefuls include Shane Carmona, Erika Deloria, and Zenneth Perolino (Enderun); Ivy Aquino (Asian Institute of Maritime Studies); Gerlie Trilles (CIT Colleges of Paniqui Foundation); Eika Bucog (Lyceum-Batangas); and 39-year-old veteran Rose Joy Pinuela (Olivarez College).
Of the 60 applicants, three were declared ineligible after failing to complete requirements: Nenita Padua (Arellano), Mary Ann Rioflorido (Fil-Canadian), and Ezriah Martinez (University of the Cordilleras).
A Growing Platform
This year’s turnout—10 more than the inaugural draft—underscores the PVL’s rising popularity as a professional platform. From a domestic league, the PVL is quickly evolving into a global destination for volleyball talent across all levels.
As the draft gets underway, all eyes will be on Capital1 and whether their top pick—likely Belen—can spark a turnaround and usher in a new era for the Solar Spikers.
The post Belen headlines 2025 PVL Draft; Capital1 eyes top prospect in 57-player pool first appeared on Fastbreak.
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