Alyssa Solomon and Bella Belen. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — National University’s hard-hitting pair Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon are running it back with the Lady Bulldogs next UAAP season after skipping the inaugural 2024 PVL Rookie Draft.
Amid the high interest for Belen and Solomon, both NU stars didn’t throw their names in the first-ever PVL draft during the deadline on Wednesday. Alas Pilipinas players Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel headline the 47 aspirants.
Inquirer sources bared that Belen and Solomon have decided to play one more year with the Lady Bulldogs, eyeing a second straight championship in Season 87 — their third in four years.
READ: Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel lead first PVL rookie draft aspirants
Belen and NU coach Norman Miguel were sought for comments but they have yet to respond as of posting time.
NU remains a formidable side with the two MVPs staying put along with key players Lams Lamina, Sheena Toring, Vange Alinsug, Erin Pangilinan, and Shaira Jardio as well as Arah Panique and Nathasza Bombita.
Belen and Solomon, the UAAP Season and Finals MVP, respectively, are currently training with Alas Pilipinas, which is preparing for its FIVB Challenger Cup hosting next month at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
READ: NU stars, Jema Galanza join Alas Pilipinas training
Among the 47 aspirants are La Salle’s Maicah Larroza and Leila Cruz, Ateneo libero Roma Mae Doromal, UST’s Pierre Abellana, Adamson’s Lucille Almonte, Ishie Lalongisip, and AA Adolfo, UP scorer Stephanie Bustrillo.
The live draft lottery determining the order of the first four picks will take place on June 24 with ZUS Coffee having the highest chance of getting the top pick with 40 percent, followed by Capital1 (30%), Galeries Tower (20%), and Farm Fresh (10%).
Nxled holds the fifth pick, followed by Akari, Cignal, PLDT, Chery Tiggo, Petro Gazz, runner-up Choco Mucho, and All-Filipino Conference champion Creamline.
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The 47 aspirants will have a two-day Draft Combine from June 25 to 26 at Gameville Ballpark in Sheridan, Mandaluyong.