THE 2026 PVL Rookie Draft board just took another major hit.
After losing consensus No. 1 prospect Alyssa Solomon, the draft has now been dealt another blow with University of the Philippines star Niña Ytang also withdrawing her application to focus on Alas Pilipinas Women, SPIN.ph has learned.
READ: Alyssa Solomon withdraws from PVL draft, joins Alas Women pool
The decision removes yet another player who was heavily considered as a potential top overall pick, leaving the draft without a clear-cut frontrunner less than a week before selections are made.
Ytang's withdrawal is a significant one given how quickly her stock rose after Solomon opted out of the draft.
The four-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker had become one of the most logical options for Galeries Tower at No. 1, but instead of turning pro, Ytang chose to keep her focus on the national team program.
An unimpeachable source said the Fighting Maroons standout will continue her Alas Pilipinas commitments as the country gears up for upcoming international tournaments, including the AVC Women's Cup in Candon City.
More draftees out the door?
The exodus does not stop there as SPIN.ph also learned that Letran's Lara Mae Silva and Natalie Estreller have followed Ytang's lead and withdrawn from the draft to prioritize national team duties.
All three players were part of the expanded Alas Pilipinas pool and now appear set to continue pursuing opportunities under the national program rather than entering the pro ranks at this time.
Their departures further alter the complexion of a draft class that has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last several days.
What once appeared to be a top-heavy pool led by Solomon and Ytang has now become a much more unpredictable affair.
Who goes No. 1 then?
National University setter Lams Lamina now finds herself among the leading candidates to hear her name called first.
Other prospects such as Nicole Ong, Detdet Pepito, and several young wing spikers could see their stocks rise as a result of the withdrawals.
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