CANDON, Ilocos Sur – Former University of the Philippines skipper Joan Monares has signed with the PLDT High Speed Hitters after going undrafted in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League Draft, the team announced Friday morning.
Monares was initially part of PLDT’s shortlist but did not participate in the team’s workouts prior to the Draft Combine. She then earned a chance with the squad shortly after draft night.
“We all want more of Joan Monares so here we go! The outside hitter from UP becomes the final piece of PLDT’s recruitment before the start of the 2026-2027 PVL season,” the team said in a social media post.
Monares was among the 27 players who went unselected in the draft, before eventually securing a spot in the High Speed Hitters’ lineup for the upcoming PVL On Tour.
The stint gives her a chance to make an impression and strengthen her bid for a more permanent role with the team.
PLDT selected only one player in the draft, taking Fianne Ariola of Perpetual with the seventh overall pick.
(C) PVL Images
Also joining the High Speed Hitters is former Galeries Tower middle blocker Winnie Bedana, whom the team selected 15th overall in the 2025 PVL Draft.
The pair are expected to fill the spots left by veteran setter Anj Legacion and middle blocker Zen Perolino, both of whom were released during the offseason.
Perolino was originally selected by PLDT with the 21st overall pick in the 2025 draft.
