PVL Rookie Draft at Novotel

UAAP best setter Camilla Lamina of National University and best libero Detdet Pepito spearhead a total of 38 applicants eyeing to live their pro dreams in Wednesday’s PVL Rookie Draft at the Novotel in Cubao, Quezon City.

Also expected to get drafted high are Adamson’s Barbie Jamili and University of the East’s Khy Cepada, who impressed in the Draft Combine at Gameville in Mandaluyong a few days back.

Far Eastern University (FEU) setter Tin Ubaldo is also eyeing a place in the PVL even though she isn’t attending because of her commitment with the Alas Pilipinas seeing action in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup set on June 6 to 14 in Candon, Ilocos Sur.

There will be no shortage of talent in this year’s batch despite the withdrawals of Alyssa Solomon, Niña Ytang, Natalie Estreller and Lara Mae Silva, who have also committed to national team duty.

Other UAAP standouts included in the final draft pool are University of Santo Tomas’ Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula; University of the Philippines’ Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Heart Magsombol, and Jum Gayo; FEU’s Ann Asis and Florize Papa; De La Salle University’s Ela Raagas, Michelle Beterina, and Sophia Sindayen; the University of the East trio of Ms. Cepada, Tin Ecalla, and Kayce Balingit; and Ateneo’s Taks Fujimoto.

Jade Fuentes of Cal State Dominguez Hills is the lone Filipino-foreign applicant in this year’s draft class.

Completing the draft pool are Letran’s Julienne Castro; Jose Rizal University’s Marianne Alona and Gayle Batara; Lyceum of the Philippines University’s Johna Dolorito, Janeth Tulang, and Jericha Lopez; Mapúa University’s Grace Cabadin and Alyanna Ong; San Beda University’s Erin Navarro; San Sebastian College-Recoletos’ Katherine Santos, Christina Marasigan, and Kristine Dionisio; University of Perpetual Help System DALTA’s Fianne Ariola; University of Nueva Caceres’ Kirsty Destajo; University of San Carlos’ Angel Galinato; Immaculada Concepcion College duo Jesska Sacay and Marjorie Orpilla; and Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ Lyca Dela Peña.

Galeries Tower will pick first followed by Capital1, Choco Mucho, ZUS Coffee, Akari, Nxled, Farm Fresh, PLDT and Creamline. — Joey Villar