NATIONAL University standout Camille “Lams” Lamina was selected by Galeries Tower as the top overall pick in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft on Wednesday night at Novotel Hotel in Cubao, Quezon City.
The UAAP’s two-time best setter awardee steered the Lady Bulldogs to three collegiate titles out of her five appearances in the finals.
The 24-year-old playmaker is set to bring her rich experience with the young Highrisers squad where she will be playing alongside 2024 third overall pick Julia Coronel, who is a playmaker, too.
Lamina understood that Galeries Tower is a young team that is yet to make its mark in the PVL. The team made its best finish at eighth place in the 2024 Reinforced Conference and 2026 All-Filipino Conference since joining the league in 2023.
“I’m very excited because, of course, first of all, Galeries is said to be rebuilding. And also, as a rookie, I am new and new to the system, but of course, I accept the challenge, and I will really help to the best of my ability. I will give my best, 100-percent effort,” Lamina said.
The 2026 PVL draft class, however, lost two major prospects as hitters Alyssa Solomon and Nina Ytang chose to focus on their duties in playing with the Alas Pilipinas Women’s national volleyball team instead of joining the pro league.
Lamina, however, said that despite having only 38 applicants for the draft, she considers herself lucky for being the top overall pick.
“For me, I’ve actually been nervous since this morning. It’s because I really had no idea who would pick me. And then, Team Galeries picked me, and I’m very grateful,” she said.
Having that championship experience with NU, the setter said that she is going to carry that mentality in the PVL.
“For me, it’s my attitude, the way I play — being a fighter and giving it my all — and my discipline as a person and as a player. And especially my mindset, which is very competitive,” she added.
Following Lamina in the draft was Bernadette “Detdet” Pepito, who was selected second overall by the Capital 1 Solar Spikers.
Pepito, a two-time UAAP Best Libero of the University of Santo Tomas, steered the Golden Tigresses to a silver medal finish in Season 86 and a bronze medal finish in Season 88.
She served as the team captain of the España-based squad from UAAP Season 86 up to her last playing year in Season 88.
Pepito is now reunited with her best friend, Class of 2025 No.1 pick Bella Belen, where the duo shared a rich history during their elementary days.
The libero will be also be playing alongside 2026 All-Filipino Conference Most Valuable Player Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos.
Picked third overall by Choco Mucho was Christine “Tin” Ubaldo, another standout playmaker from Far Eastern University.
Ubaldo was not present on Draft Night as she is in Candon, Ilocos Sur, for the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup.
Only 11 players were picked in this year’s draft as the number of teams were reduced to nine after the disbandment of Chery Tiggo in 2025 and the departure of the Petro Gazz Angels and Cignal Super Spikers who recently filed for a leave of absence.
The players from these teams have been dispersed to the other franchises.
PVL commissioner Sherwin Malonzo said that this year’s draft is not about the pool of talents but about the stacked roster of the PVL squads.
The other players choses in the draft were Alyanna Ong (ZUS Coffee), Irah Jaboneta (Nxled Chameleons), Jonna Perdido (Farm Fresh Foxies), Fianne Ariola (PLDT High Speed Hitters), Barbie Jamili (Creamline Cool Smashers), Khy Cepada (Capital 1), Ann Asis (Galeries), and Ela Raagas (Farm Fresh).
