The Galeries Tower Highrisers beat the numbers in the 2026 PVL Draft lottery. Now comes the hard part—choosing wisely.
The Highrisers secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft after Monday’s lottery at the TV5 Media Center, defying their 30% probability to land the top selection ahead of the Capital1 Solar Spikers—which held the best odds at 40% but slipped to the second pick. The Choco Mucho Flying Titans will select third and the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles will pick fourth. They will be followed by the Akari Chargers, Nxled Chameleons, Farm Fresh Foxies, PLDT High Speed Hitters, and Creamline Cool Smashers.
PVL commissioner Sherwin Malonzo and Games and Amusements Board chairman Atty. Manuel S. Plaza III supervised the draw. Galeries Tower was represented by last year’s second overall pick, Jean Asis, who made no attempt to hide her excitement.
“Super happy ako kasi alam mo ’yon, kami ’yung nabigyan ng chance na pumili na una sa draft pick,” Asis said. “Kasi iba yung feeling na kayo yung nauuna eh kasi may choice talaga kayo. Yun, happy ako for the team.”
Spotlight on Alyssa Solomon
The choice they now face is a good problem to have. Headlining a 42-player field for the 2026 PVL Draft is Alyssa Solomon—a 6-foot-1 opposite spiker from the NU Lady Bulldogs who returns to the Philippines after a stint with Osaka Marvelous in Japan’s SV.League. She appeared in 30 games abroad and produced 147 points on 116 attacks, 27 blocks, and 4 aces.
A multi-time UAAP champion and Season 86 Finals MVP, Solomon brings international experience, championship DNA, and an elite ceiling that make her the consensus No. 1 prospect in this draft class.
Depth of the 2026 PVL Draft Pool
But the 2026 PVL Draft pool runs deep—very deep.
Lams Lamina of NU, a top-caliber floor general and two-time UAAP Best Setter, is one of the premier names behind Solomon. So is Detdet Pepito of the UST Golden Tigresses, a two-time UAAP Best Libero who anchored the Golden Tigresses’ defensive identity for years. Niña Ytang of the UP Fighting Maroons enters the draft as the only four-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker in history—a distinction that speaks for itself.
The UAAP contingent joining the 2026 PVL Draft is extensive. UST’s Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula bring offensive firepower, while UP’s core of Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Heart Magsombol, and Jum Gayo add to what is already a loaded delegation. Other UAAP standouts joining the draft include FEU Lady Tamaraws Tin Ubaldo, Ann Asis, and Florize Papa join La Salle’s Ela Raagas, Michelle Beterina, and Sophia Sindayen; UE Lady Warriors KC Cepada, Tin Ecalla, and Kayce Balingit; Adamson Lady Falcon Barbie Jamili; and Ateneo Blue Eagle Taks Fujimoto.
The draft also features lone Fil-Foreign prospect Jade Fuentes of Cal State Dominguez Hills. The 6-foot California-born spiker is not a stranger to local volleyball—she previously suited up for the La Salle Lady Archers before continuing her career in the United States.
NCAA and Provincial Standouts
The NCAA adds its own bite to the 2026 PVL Draft. The Letran Lady Knights are entering a formidable trio in Lara Mae Silva, Natalie Estreller, and Julienne Castro. The San Sebastian Lady Stags are fielding Katherine Santos, Christina Marasigan, and Kristine Dionisio. Also in the mix are Marianne Alona and Gayle Batara of the JRU Lady Bombers; Johna Dolorito, Jericha Lopez, and Janeth Tulang of the Lyceum Pirates; Grace Cabadin and Alyanna Ong of the Mapua Lady Cardinals; Erin Navarro of the San Beda Lady Red Lions; and Fianne Ariola of the Perpetual Help Lady Altas.
Provincial talent rounds out the field. Middle blocker Kirsty Destajo of the University of Nueva Caceres-Sorsogon stands 5-foot-9, while Cebuano ace blocker Angel Galinato of the University of San Carlos brings size and upside from outside the capital. Jesska Sacay and Marjorie Orpilla of Immaculada Concepcion College, and Lyca Dela Peña of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines complete the 42-player pool for the 2026 PVL Draft.
Commissioner’s Take and Draft Schedule
Malonzo was candid about what the draft class means for the league. “I’m happy to know that every year, our first pick changes,” he said. “With the new players that entered the last minute, I’m excited for the teams this year.”
The 2026 PVL Draft Combine runs May 28–29 at the Gameville Ballpark in Mandaluyong City. Applicants may still withdraw until June 1. The draft proper is set for June 3 at Novotel Manila, supported by Buffalo’s Wings and Things, Ibis Styles Manila, and Gameville.
Galeries Tower picks first. The rest of the league better be ready.
