VETERANS Alyssa Valdez and Ara Galang will spearhead Alas Pilipinas’ campaign in the AVC Women’s Cup set in June in Candon.
The Philippine National Volleyball Federation has unveiled a 20-player pool composed of standouts from the PVL, NCAA and UAAP.
Joining Valdez and Galang in the wing positions are Tots Carlos, Ces Molina, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Vanessa Sarie, Royse Tubino and Trisha Tubu.
Also included are middle blockers Thea Gagate, Jaz Ellarina, Clarisse Loresco, Third Tuddao and Nina Ytang.
Setters in the pool are Kyle Negrito, Tin Ubaldo, Cloanne Mondonedo and Natalie Estreller.
Kyla Atienza, Alyssa Eroa and Lara Silva have been tapped as liberos.
Meanwhile, luck was on Galeries Tower’s side.
The Highrisers came up with the fortunate draw, securing the first overall pick in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League Draft after Monday’s lottery.
Represented by last year’s second overall pick Jean Asis, the Highrisers defied the odds despite having just a 30-percent probability of landing the top selection.
Despite holding the best odds at 40 percent to secure the first pick, Capital1 slipped to second overall selection after last year’s first overall selection of Bella Belen.
Choco Mucho will pick third, while ZUS Coffee will select fourth.
The remaining draft order will be Akari, Nxled, Farm Fresh, PLDT and Creamline.
A total of 42 prospects are set to take part in the Draft Combine from May 28 to 29 at the Gameville Ballpark in Mandaluyong City.
Headlining the applicants are Alyssa Solomon, Bernadett Pepito, Camilla Lamina, Ubaldo and Ytang. TMT
