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Thursday, Apr 02, 2026

Bella Belen Selected as Top Pick in PVL Rookie Draft by Capital1 Solar Spikers

The Premier Volleyball League sees a significant shift as three-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen is drafted first overall by Capital1.
The Capital1 Solar Spikers began a new chapter in their Premier Volleyball League campaign by selecting Bella Belen, a three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player, as the No. 1 overall pick in the Rookie Draft held on June 8 at the Novotel Hotel in Cubao.

The 22-year-old opposite hitter previously led National University to three UAAP championships and is anticipated to enhance the Solar Spikers' roster as they look to improve their standings from past seasons.

Milka Romero, the team owner, expressed confidence in Belen's capabilities, stating, "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." Mandy Romero, co-owner of the team, described Belen as a generational talent and a game-changer, marking this selection as the beginning of a promising new era for Capital1.

Belen was unavailable to attend the draft ceremony due to her commitment with Alas Pilipinas at the AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup in Vietnam.

However, she shared her enthusiasm in a recorded message: "Matagal ko nang pinangarap maging isang pro player and I'm excited to play for the PVL.

From golden blue to yellow blue!"

In addition to Belen, Capital1 made further selections by choosing middle blockers Pia Abbu from the University of Santo Tomas in the second round and Ivy Aquino from the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies in the third round.

Mandy Romero emphasized the importance of these selections as foundational building blocks for the team's new direction.

The Galeries Tower Highrisers selected Far Eastern University middle blocker Jean Asis as the second overall pick, followed by the Farm Fresh Foxies, who chose Fil-Am setter Alohi Robins-Hardy as expected in the third position.

Asis expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, "Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam na yung dream ko lang before, nandito na.

Thank you po sa tiwala especially kay coach Lerma (Giron)."

Additional notable picks included Ateneo standout Lyann De Guzman and AC Miner, chosen by Nxled and ZUS Coffee as the fourth and fifth picks, respectively.

Cignal opted for Erin Pangilinan from National University, while Choco Mucho secured Fil-Am setter Tia Andaya.

Andaya discussed her excitement about joining Choco Mucho’s large fan base, noting that she looks forward to the learning experience.

Chery Tiggo picked Jyne Soreño, while PLDT selected Alleiah Malaluan from De La Salle University.

FEU’s Chenie Tagaod is set to reunite with her college coach Tina Salak, now the head coach at Akari.

Defending All-Filipino Conference champions Petro Gazz utilized the 11th pick to draft De La Salle setter Jules Tolentino, whereas 10-time PVL champions Creamline chose NU middle blocker Sheena Toring, who will continue her development under her college coach Sherwin Meneses.

Among the other notable selections were Winnie Bedaña from the University of Perpetual Help, the first NCAA player selected this year at No. 15 by Galeries Tower, and Enderun Colleges players Erika Deloria and Zenneth Perolino, chosen by Chery Tiggo and PLDT, respectively.
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