Lesser lights shine in PVL Draft

Only the best Filipino players get the chance to showcase their talent in the highly competitive Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

But it doesn’t mean that only those from the top collegiate leagues or well-known schools will get that opportunity to become professional volleyball players.

The 2025 PVL Draft saw a handful of unheralded rookies from non-University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) teams get their names called in the proceedings held last Sunday at the Novotel Manila.

Although the first round and the first half of the second round were dominated by familiar names, led by No. 1 pick Bella Belen of National University, a pair of Enderun Colleges products broke the ice.

Open hitter Erika Deloria was selected 20th overall pick by Chery Tiggo, becoming the first non-UAAP or NCAA player from the 57-woman hopefuls to climb the stage.

“Everyone here (in the draft) is talented. Everyone’s waiting for their time. I dream of playing in the UAAP. It didn’t happen. But it didn’t stop me and the Lord gave me something better,” the 24-year-old Bacolod native said.

“I want to be an inspiration to other people who feel that just because they’re not popular, they don’t have a chance. My journey wasn’t easy, but if you want something, you work hard for it,” added the NAASCU Most Valuable Player.

Deloria’s teammate, middle blocker Zenith Perolina, followed her to the pros after getting tapped 21st overall by PLDT.

“Very happy because it also brings so much pride to our school, especially to Coach Dong (Dela Cruz). That although we’re under the radar in terms of being unknown or what, I believe he produces good, quality players,” Deloria said.

Capital1, which already had Belen and Pia Abbu of University of Santo Tomas, used its third round turn to pick middle blocker Ivy Aquino of Asian Institute of Maritime Studies.

“At first it was very difficult because we needed a different mindset since we’re not from the UAAP or the NCAA. We come from unknown teams and from leagues that I would say are not at par with the competition level compared to the UAAP and NCAA. But if you really want it and work hard for it, you’ll get it,” Aquino said.

Aquino is looking forward to reuniting with Belen, whom she played with before in ‘ligang labas’ back when they were in high school.

“She’s gifted and very talented. I look forward to playing with her on the court,” she said.