Tia Andaya made her presence felt the moment she stepped onto the court.
Fresh from national team training, the Alas Pilipinas standout and Central Washington University alumna immediately set the tone at the opening day of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft Combine on Friday at Paco Arena, leading the pack with her exceptional athleticism and versatility.
Andaya topped two of the event’s key vertical tests, registering 294 cm in the countermovement jump and 307 cm in the approach jump — both the highest marks among all participants. Her dominant performance underscored why she’s one of the most anticipated names in this year’s draft class.
“She arrived late, but she definitely delivered,” said PVL Control Committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo. “Tia’s showing was very impressive.”
Andaya was among 51 of the 60 registered draft hopefuls who attended the first day of the two-day combine. Over seven grueling hours, the athletes underwent a full slate of physical tests, including anthropometric measurements, jumping drills, strength assessments, speed trials, and agility workouts.
While Andaya commanded attention with her leaping ability, other prospects also made their mark in specific categories.
(C) PVL Images
San Sebastian College-Recoletos’ Von Dimaculangan posted the fastest 10-meter sprint with a time of 1.55 seconds, while Alisha Marce of Adamson University clocked 5.22 seconds in the modified T-test to top the agility metric.
(C) PVL Images
Lea Rizel Tapang (Colegio de San Juan de Letran) and Lyann De Guzman (Ateneo) shared the lead in the push-up test with 47 reps each.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, University of the East’s Riza Nogales stood out as the tallest participant at 184.3 cm, while Pearl Ann Denura measured in as the shortest at 150.8 cm. Nogales also tied with Zenneth Perolino of Enderun Colleges for the highest standing reach at 243 cm.
Beyond physical testing, participants also engaged in back-to-back developmental workshops.
(C) PVL Images
Inquirer Sports Editor and Philippine Sportswriters Association president Francis Ochoa conducted a media training session, followed by a seminar on contractual obligations led by Atty. Erose Marlo Laeno, head of the Legal Division of the Games and Amusements Board (GAB).
Absent from the Day 1 activities were several high-profile prospects, including projected top overall pick Bella Belen of National University and veteran setter Alohi Robins-Hardy.
Also missing were Kristine Adante, Pauline De Guzman, Nenita Padua (Arellano), Joan Doguna (Lyceum of the Philippines University), Ezriah Martinez (University of the Cordilleras), and Mary Ann Rioflorido (Toronto Metropolitan University).
“Nasa 60 ‘yung nag-lista, but only 51 arrived. Late lang si Tia (Andaya) but the other nine, hopefully dumating sila tomorrow (Saturday),” added Malonzo.
Mycah Go of De La Salle–College of St. Benilde was present but did not participate in the combine drills.
The PVL Rookie Draft Combine resumes Saturday, still at Paco Arena, where the draft hopefuls will take part in a series of scrimmages — offering one last opportunity to impress coaches and scouts ahead of draft day.
The 2025 PVL Rookie Draft is scheduled for June 8 at Novotel Manila, the league’s official venue partner.
