Barring any last-minute change of heart by Capital1, highly touted winger Bella Belen is expected to have her name called as the top overall pick in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft tonight.

The three-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Most Valuable Player banners a 57-woman deep batch of pro hopefuls gathered in the formal proceedings at the Novotel Manila.

Draft proper begins at 7 p.m.

Solar Spikers team consultant Roger Gorayeb has been vocal in expressing interest in tapping the National University product to reinforce the barely two-year-old franchise’s open spiker position.

“She’s the best choice for first pick,” Gorayeb, who was replaced by Brazilian Jorge Souza de Brito last week, said during the Draft Combine held last 30 to 31 May.

“Belen will serve as a cornerstone of our team,” added Gorayeb, who also expressed interest in selecting a middle blocker in the later round.

Belen is the consensus No. 1 overall pick after declaring for the second edition of the Draft.

A three-time UAAP champion and member of Alas Pilipinas, the 22-year-old power-hitter with superb floor defense cemented her billing as top choice after deciding to proceed with her draft application, ending weeks of speculations about her status. Belen was initially undecided whether to turn pro in the local scene or try her luck overseas.

She attended the last day of the Draft Combine after skipping Day 1 due to a prior commitment.

The second pick, owned by Galleries Tower, could be a tossup between middle blockers AC Miner of Ateneo de Manila University or Pia Abbu of University of Santo Tomas.

“Our priority right now is to get a middle,” Highrisers mentor Lerma Giron said.

“We’ve had some adjustment and revamp in our team (during the offseason). So we’re fortunate to get the second pick, at least we’ll be able to address what we really need.”

Out of the 60 players who submitted their draft applications, 57 made the final list of aspirants, which the 12 participating clubs will choose from.

Selecting third overall is Farm Fresh while rounding out the first round of the draft are Nxled, Zus Coffee, Cignal, Choco Mucho, Chery Tiggo, PLDT, Akari, Petro Gazz and Creamline.

NU’s Erin Pangilinan, Sheena Toring, Pearl An Denura, and Jerrymie Ann Turaray are also eligible for the draft festivities.

Joining the fray are De La Salle University products Alleiah Malaluan, Baby Jyne Soreno, Julyana Tolentino, and Jessa Ordiales, as well as Adamson University’s May Ann Nuique, Ayesha Juegos, Jules Lopena, Aliah Marce, Kylene Villegas and May Roque.

Lyann de Guzman of Ateneo; Jean Asis, Chenie Tagaod, Ann Monares, and Lyka Bautista of Far Eastern University; Renee Penafiel of UST; Riza Nogales of University of the East and Nica Celis of University of the Philippines round out the UAAP bunch.

Also on the list is the youngest applicant 20-year-old Angela Jackson of UP Integrated School and the oldest in the batch, 39-year-old Rose Joy Pinuela of Olivarez College.

Two Filipino-American setters with notable overseas experience in 6-foot-1 Alohi Robins-Hardy and Central Washington University standout Tia Andaya have thrown their names in the mix.

Seventeen players from the National Collegiate Athletic Association led by Season 97 MVP Mycah Go have secured their spots on the list.

Joining Go are Kristine Adante, Cherry Mae Cuenca, and Pauline de Guzman of Arellano University; Angelique Ledesma and Lea Tapang of Letran College; Jhan Pauline Fortuno and Jamaica Villena of Emilio Aguinaldo College; Maliey Amante, Karyla Jasareno, and Jerry Lyn Laurente of Jose Rizal University; Zonxi Jane Dahab and Joan Doguna of Lyceum of the Philippines University; Jan Gregorio and Reyann Canete of San Beda University; Von Dimaculangan of San Sebastian College; and Winnie Bedana of University of Perpetual Help System Dalta.