By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
(Updated) The Capital1 Solar Spikers are looking at a “new era” in their Premier Volleyball League campaign after selecting three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Bella Belen as their No. 1 overall pick in the Rookie Draft on Sunday night, June 8, at the Novotel Hotel in Cubao.
The 22-year-old opposite hitter, who guided National University to three UAAP titles, is expected to provide firepower – and star power – for the Solar Spikers as they intend to improve their previous performances over the last three conferences.
“We’re very relieved that there’s a three-time MVP that will really set the bar for Capital1 much higher and will be an example to our players and for the rest of the team as well,” said Capital1 team owner Milka Romero.
“We are truly honored to have had the first overall pick. Bella (Belen) is a generational talent. She’s a game-changer and this marks a new era for Capital1,” added team co-owner Mandy Romero.
Belen wasn’t present in the ceremony as she is currently playing for the Alas Pilipinas in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup in Vietnam, but sent her regards through a recorded video.
“Matagal ko nang pinangarap maging isang pro player and I’m excited to play for the PVL. From golden blue to yellow blue!” said Belen.
Capital1 also selected middle blockers Pia Abbu of the University of Santo Tomas in the second round and Ivy Aquino of the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies in the third round.
“It’s an honor that we’re able to select them and that they’re part of the building blocks and the new foundation that we’re creating in Capital1,” Mandy said.
Far Eastern University middle blocker Jean Asis, meanwhile, was selected No. 2 by the Galeries Tower Highrisers while the Farm Fresh Foxies, as expected, used the third overall pick to choose Fil-Am setter Alohi Robins-Hardy.
“Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam na yung dream ko lang before, nandito na. Thank you po sa tiwala especially kay coach Lerma (Giron). Hindi po kayo magsisisi,” said De Asis.
Nxled and ZUS Coffee selected Ateneo standouts Lyann De Guzman and AC Miner as their fourth and fifth picks, followed by Cignal, which chose NU’s Erin Pangilinan, and Choco Mucho, which took in Fil-Am setter Tia Andaya as the seventh overall pick.
“I’ve heard (of Choco Mucho’s large fan base). I’ll definitely have to adjust but it’s gonna be a learning experience for me and I’m excited,” said Andaya, a former Gonzaga University and Central Washington University standout who played for club teams in Albania and Romania over the last three years.
Chery Tiggo selected Jyne Soreño and PLDT chose Alleiah Malaluan, both from De La Salle; while FEU’s Chenie Tagaod is set to reunite with her college coach Tina Salak, who is the newly-appointed coach of Akari.
Defending All-Filipino Conference champion Petro Gazz used the 11th pick to bring in De La Salle setter Jules Tolentino, before 10-time PVL champion Creamline selected NU middle blocker Sheena Toring, who will continue her volleyball journey under the tutelage of her college coach Sherwin Meneses.
Other notable picks were University of Perpetual Help’s Winnie Bedaña, the first NCAA player selected this year at No. 15 in the second round courtesy of Galeries Tower, and Enderun Colleges standouts Erika Deloria (20th for Chery Tiggo) and Zenneth Perolino (21st for PLDT).
