As expected, the Capital1 Solar Spikers chose Mhicaela “Bella” Belen as the No. 1 overall pick of the second PVL Rookie Draft on Sunday at Novotel Manila in Cubao, Quezon City.
The Capital1 Solar Spikers ushered in a new era with what team officials called a “game-changing” decision during the Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft held Sunday night at Novotel Manila in Cubao.
“It’s been my dream to become a professional volleyball player. Kahit wala ako sa Novotel, andyan pa rin ako in spirit. I’m very proud of all the draftees and excited to start this journey with Capital1. From golden blue to yellow and blue—parang walang nagbago,” said Belen in a recorded video.
Belen, a three-time UAAP MVP for the National University Bulldogs, is currently in Vietnam representing the Philippines in the AVC Nations Cup as a member of Alas Pilipinas. She has been tabbed as one of the country’s premier young volleybelles, and her entry to the pro ranks is sure to supercharge the Solar Spikers’ push for relevance. No wonder Capital1 owner Mandy Romero tagged Belen “a generational talent” and “a game-changer.”
Galeries Tower Picks Jean Asis
With the second overall pick of the PVL Rookie Draft, the Galeries Tower chose middle blocker Jean Asis, who promised to give everything she has to the franchise that made her the no. 2 pick of the draft.
Like Capital1, Galeries Tower is looking to improve on its showing as early as next season—and drafting Asis to shore up the team’s defense is definitely a step in the right direction.
“We believe we’re in a special position with the second overall pick. It’s now up to her to prove herself, and we have full confidence in her potential,” said an official of Galeries Tower.
Asis, for her part, vowed the High Towers won’t regret their decision to draft her second in the PVL Rookie Draft.
“As an athlete, it feels amazing. Sobrang saya, sobrang proud,” said Asis. “Thank you to coach Lerma [Giron] and the Galeries Tower team for believing in me. Hindi kayo magsisisi sa pagpili sa akin. I’ll give everything I have.”
PVL Rookie Draft Welcomes More Fresh Talent
The country’s premier volleyball league for women welcomed more standouts via its second PVL Rookie Draft as the other teams took their turns. With the third overall pick, the Farm Fresh Foxies selected Filipino-Am setter Alohi Robins-Hardy, who will form a dynamic playmaking pair with Louie Romero.
The Nxled Chameleons then picked Lyann De Guzman of Ateneo at no. 4, while the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles went with another Atenean at no. 5 in AC Miner. The Cignal HD Spikers followed by selecting Erin Pangilinan of NU with the sixth pick.
At seventh, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans pulled off the first surprise of the PVL Rookie Draft by picking Filipino-Am playmaker Tia Andaya despite already having two topnotch setters in Deanna Wong and Mars Alba. To La Salle standouts were next, with the Chery Tiggo Crossovers taking Jyne Soreño at no.8 and the PLDT High Speed Hitters nabbing Alleiah Malaluan.
Rounding out the first round of the PVL Rookie Draft were Chen Tagaod, who went to the Akari Chargers at no. 10; Jules Tolentino, who was picked by the Petro Gazz Angels at no. 11; and Sheena Toring, who was chosen by the Creamline Cool Smashers at no. 12.
Watch the full PVL Rookie Draft here:
