MANILA — Guimaras native Camilla Lamina reached a major milestone in her volleyball career after being selected first overall by the Galeries Tower Highrisers in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft on Wednesday night at Novotel Manila in Cubao.
The accomplished National University setter became the top pick of this year’s draft class, highlighting her rise as one of the country’s premier playmakers and giving the Highrisers a proven floor general as they seek to bolster their roster for the upcoming PVL season.
Galeries Tower turned to Lamina after her decorated collegiate career with the NU Lady Bulldogs, where she helped steer the team to three UAAP women’s volleyball championships and collected three Best Setter awards.
Lamina is expected to immediately strengthen the Highrisers’ offense through her leadership, court vision, and playmaking skills. She joins a roster that already includes veterans Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Jean Asis, while teaming up with fellow setter Julia Coronel.
The 24-year-old headlined a draft class loaded with collegiate standouts.
Capital1 selected former University of Santo Tomas libero Bernadett ‘Detdet’ Pepito with the second overall pick. Pepito, a two-time UAAP Best Libero, is expected to boost the Solar Spikers’ defensive unit alongside Roma Mae Doromal and Rachel Jorvina.
Choco Mucho Flying Titans chose Tin Ubaldo at No. 3, while ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles drafted Alyanna Ong at No. 4.
The Akari Power Chargers, which owned the fifth overall selection, opted not to select any rookie in this year’s draft.
Nxled Chameleons then picked Irah Jaboneta at No. 6, Farm Fresh Foxies selected Jonna Perdido at No. 7, PLDT High Speed Hitters drafted Fianne Ariola at No. 8, and Creamline Cool Smashers completed the first-round selections by taking Barbie Jamili at No. 9.
Three more players were selected in the second round, with Khy Cepada going to the Solar Spikers, Ann Roselle Asis joining the Highrisers, and Ela Raagas being picked by the Foxies.
Lamina’s selection capped a remarkable collegiate journey and marked a proud moment for Guimaras, as one of its homegrown athletes emerged as the most coveted player in the country’s premier professional volleyball league./PN
