Three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Bella Belen of National University. UAAP Media
MANILA – Bella Belen of National University is bannering a 60-strong class of aspirants for the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft.
The initial list was released by the league on Monday, following the conclusion of the lottery, ahead of the upcoming combine on May 30 to 31 at the Paco Arena.
Capital1 has a real chance of landing Belen, should she continue and not withdraw from the draft. Picking at second is Galeries, followed by Farm Fresh, and Nxled at fourth.
With Belen are her teammates in NU, Sheena Toring and Erin Pangilinan.
The UAAP is well-represented, also headlined by Adamson’s May Ann Nuique and Ayesha Juegos; Ateneo’s Alexis Miner and Lyann De Guzman; De La Salle’s Alleiah Malaluan, Baby Jyne Soreno, Julyana Tolentino, and Jessa Ordiales; FEU’s Jean Asis, Chenie Tagaod, and Ann Monares; UST’s Pia Abbu and Renee Penafiel; UE’s Riza Nogales; and UP’s Nica Celis.
READ: The 1 in Capital1: Solar Spikers get first pick in PVL Draft
Fil-foreign talents Alohi Robins-Hardy and Central Washington University’s Tia Andaya also applied for the draft.
NCAA Season 97 MVP Mycah Go of College of Saint Benilde has submitted her application, while Arellano University’s Kristine Adante, Cherry Mae Cuenca, Pauline De Guzman, and Nenita Padua are also there.
Joining them are Letran’s Angelique Ledesma and Lea Tapang; EAC’s Jhan Pauline Fortuno and Jamaica Villena; JRU’s Maliey Amante, Karyla Jasareno, and Jerry Lyn Laurente; Lyceum’s Zonxi Jane Dahab and Joan Doguna; San Beda’s Jan Gregorio and Reyann Cenete; San Sebastian’s Von Dimaculangan; and Perpetual Help’s Winnie Bedana.
READ: Bella Belen still gauging options as she transitions to pro ranks
Additional UAAP players who submitted applications include Adamson’s Julea Dawn Lopena, Aliah Marce, May Jeannalyn Roque, and Kylene Villegas; FEU’s Lyka Bautista; NU’s Pearl An Denura and Jerrymie Ann Turaray; and former UP Integrated School standout Angela Jackson. Jackson, a 5-foot-9 outside hitter, is the youngest applicant in the pool and is set to turn 21 this June.
Five Filipino-Canadian players are also part of the draft class: Yveian Orpiano (Concordia University of Edmonton), Reinali Calisin (Lawrence Technological University), Clara Serrano (Olds College), Divine Cortez (University of Saskatchewan), and Mary Ann Rioflorido (Toronto Metropolitan University).
Rounding out the list are Shane Carmona, Erika Deloria, and Zenneth Perolino from Enderun Colleges; Ivy Aquino from the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies; Gerlie Trilles from CIT Colleges of Paniqui Foundation; Eika Bucog from Lyceum-Batangas; Rose Joy Pinuela from Olivarez College; Roxanne Tan from USJR; and Ezriah Martinez from the University of the Cordilleras.
Pinuela is the eldest in the class at 40 years old.
The current list of applicants remains provisional and may change depending on the results of the qualifying stages, as well as the completion and verification of all required documents.