38 hopefuls chase pro dreams

MANILA, Philippines — UAAP best setter Camilla Lamina of National U and best libero Detdet Pepito banner a total of 38 hopefuls eyeing to live their pro dreams in tonight’s PVL Rookie Draft at the Novotel in Cubao, Quezon City.

Also expected to get drafted high are Adamson’s Barbie Jamili and University of the East’s Khy Cepeda, who impressed in the Draft Combine at Gameville in Mandaluyong a few days back.

FEU setter Tin Ubaldo is also eyeing a place in the PVL though she’s skipping the rites because of her commitment with the Alas Pilipinas seeing action in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup set June 6 to 14 in Candon, Ilocos Sur.

There will be no shortage of talent in this year’s batch despite the withdrawals of Alyssa Solomon, Nina Ytang, Natalie Estreller and Lara Mae Silva, who have also committed to national team duty.

Other UAAP standouts in the final draft pool are UST’s Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula; UP’s Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Heart Magsombol, and Jum Gayo; FEU’s Ann Asis and Florize Papa; La Salle’s Ela Raagas, Michelle Beterina, and Sophia Sindayen; the UE trio of Khy Cepada, Tin Ecalla, and Kayce Balingit; Adamson’s Barbie Jamili; and Ateneo’s Taks Fujimoto.

Jade Fuentes of Cal State Dominguez Hills is the lone Filipino-foreign applicant in this year’s draft class.

Among those from the NCAA are Letran’s Julienne Castro; JRU’s Marianne Alona and Gayle Batara; Lyceum’s Johna Dolorito, Janeth Tulang, and Jericha Lopez; Mapúa’s Grace Cabadin and Alyanna Ong; San Beda’s Erin Navarro; San Sebastian’s Katherine Santos, Christina Marasigan, and Kristine Dionisio.