One for Capital1: Solar Spikers soar to 1st pick in PVL draft; Nxled stunned, drops to 4

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In what has turned to be a race to potentially snag NU legend Bella Belen, the Capital1 Solar Spikers cash in with the first overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, beating odds-on favorite Nxled in a shocking lottery turnout

MANILA, Philippines – The sun will shine on a bright, energized future for the Capital1 Solar Spikers as the upstart PVL franchise won the first overall pick in the 2025 draft lottery held in Mandaluyong City on Monday, May 26.

Cashing in on its 30% chance to get the top pick, Capital1 rolled to its first top overall selection after going second in the inaugural draft offering, which it used on former La Salle star opposite spiker Leila Cruz.

The Galeries Tower Highrisers, with a 20% chance for No. 1, went second overall, while the Farm Fresh Foxies, holding only one lottery ball, rose to No. 3.

In a shocking reversal of fortunes, the Nxled Chameleons camouflaged from Lady Luck in the lottery proceedings as they sunk to No. 4 despite having four balls in the pot – a 40% chance.

“Of course, I’m so honored to be part of this draft. For us, this would help us improve. This is our second year and our second season,” said a jubilant Capital1 team owner Milka Romero.

“My sister (Mandy) and I are very happy because this gives new teams to equalize and get better along with the other teams.”

Three-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen, should she proceed with her plans to pursue professional volleyball on home soil, is the no-brainer choice for Capital1’s precious top pick, no matter what the team’s most pressing positional needs are.

Other intriguing prospects who have since thrown their names in the draft pool are former Ateneo star duo Lyann de Guzman and AC Miner, and former FEU star spiker Chenie Tagaod.

Based on the combined standings results of the previous Reinforced and All-Filipino Conferences, ZUS Coffee will pick fifth after nabbing Thea Gagate with the first overall pick last year, retooling Cignal follows at sixth, while Choco Mucho picks seventh after beating Chery Tiggo in a tiebreaker.

PLDT settles at ninth, Akari leapfrogs over Petro Gazz in a tiebreak for 10th, while the Creamline dynasty ends the first round with the 12th pick for the second year in a row. – Rappler.com