ALYSSA Solomon and Niña Ytang's withdrawals from the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft did not just remove the consensus No. 1 prospect from the board as iti also blew the race for the top overall pick wide open.
Long before the consensus No. 1 pick officially exited the draft pool, Galeries Tower head coach Aying Esteban had already revealed that the team was preparing multiple contingency plans in the event of a sudden Solomon withdrawal that has since materalized.
READ: Alyssa Solomon withdraws from PVL draft, joins Alas Women pool
With two of the draft's biggest prizes no longer available, the Highrisers now find themselves choosing among a handful of prospects who could shape the franchise's future.
And while several names remain in play, the battle for No. 1 appears to have evolved into a two-player race between National University playmaker Lams Lamina and University of Santo Tomas libero Detdet Pepito.
But maybe, the Highrisers might just take a route that would catch many by surprise.
LAMS LAMINA: The elite playmaker option
If Ytang offers the biggest immediate upgrade at the net, Lamina may represent the safest long-term investment.
The seven-time Best Setter awardee across the UAAP and Shakey's Super League enters the draft as the clear top setter available and one of the most decorated players in the entire class.
Lamina spent years orchestrating National University's dynasty, proving she can lead star-studded rosters while consistently making teammates better.
A franchise setter is one of the hardest assets to find in volleyball, and Galeries Tower could decide that securing its offensive future is worth passing up on Ytang's frontline dominance.
The added pressure? Capital1 sits directly behind the Highrisers at No. 2 and has openly expressed interest in drafting a setter.
If Galeries Tower wants Lamina, it likely cannot afford to trade down.
DETDET PEPITO: The decorated libero-captain
Pepito remains one of the most accomplished players available regardless of position.
The multi-time UAAP Best Libero built her reputation as one of the country's premier defensive specialists, serving as the backbone of UST's floor defense throughout her collegiate career.
Her value as a culture-setter, communicator, and defensive stabilizer cannot be overstated.
The challenge is positional value.
Using the No. 1 pick on a libero remains unconventional, particularly when impact setters and frontliners remain available. Still, Pepito's consistency and winning pedigree keep her firmly within the conversation.
NICOLE ONG: Coach Aying's familiar bet
If there is a dark horse candidate capable of surprising everyone, it might be Ong.
The 23-year-old Mapua standout not only impressed throughout the combine but also possesses a unique advantage over the rest of the field: familiarity.
Ong previously played under Esteban during his tenure with the Lady Cardinals, winning two best middle blocker nods and giving the Galeries Tower coach firsthand knowledge of her strengths, development and long-term potential.
She also boosted her stock by finishing among the combine's top performers in two separate jump tests, showcasing the athleticism that helped make her one of the NCAA's top middle blockers.
The connection alone may not be enough to elevate her to No. 1, but it certainly keeps her within striking distance to become the first Mapuan to land in the PVL.
WILDCARD: A young scorer
Then there is the possibility that Galeries Tower simply drafts for need.
One of the team's biggest issues over the past season was consistent point production from the wings.
If the Highrisers decide to address that problem directly, names such as UE's Khy Cepada, UST's Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula, Adamson's Barbie Jamili, former La Salle winger Jade Fuentes or UP's Irah Jaboneta among many others could suddenly become much more relevant than most projections suggest.
All four possess proven scoring credentials and offer the kind of offensive upside that Galeries Tower has been searching for.
Selecting one first overall would still be a shock, but after Solomon's withdrawal, the only certainty left atop the draft board is uncertainty itself.
And while several names remain in the mix, the road to No. 1 now appears to run primarily through either Lamina or Pepito, with the former holding perhaps the slightest edge thanks to her rare ability to impact both ends of the floor while potentially forming one of the league's most formidable frontlines alongside Asis and Baliton.
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