Tia Andaya emerged as the top performer for Day 1 of the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft Combine, leading all participants in both the countermovement jump and approach jump.
Alas Pilipinas standout and Central Washington University alumna Tia Andaya made an immediate impression during Day 1 of the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft Combine at the Paco Arena on Friday, May 30.
Arriving straight from national team training, Andaya topped both the countermovement jump (294 cm) and the approach jump (307 cm).
Andaya was one of 51 applicants who showed up for the opening day of the two-day combine. Throughout a demanding seven-hour session, hopefuls underwent physical testing, including anthropometric measurements, strength assessments, jumping drills, and speed and agility evaluations.
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While Andaya led the pack in leaping ability, several other aspirants turned heads with standout showings.
Von Dimaculangan of San Sebastian College-Recoletos clocked the fastest 10-meter acceleration time at 1.55 seconds, while Emilio Aguinaldo College’s Jamaica Villena topped the modified T-test with a swift 5.34-second finish.
Lea Rizel Tapang of Colegio de San Juan de Letran and Ateneo’s Lyann De Guzman both impressed in upper body strength with 47 push-ups each.
UE’s Riza Nogales emerged as the tallest prospect at 184.3 cm, while Pearl Ann Denura measured in as the shortest at 150.8 cm. Nogales also tied Enderun’s Zenneth Perolino for the highest standing reach at 243 cm.
The day wasn’t all physical though, as participants attended two developmental sessions and a media training workshop led by Inquirer Sports Editor and PSA president Francis Ochoa. This was followed by a talk on athlete contractual responsibilities by Games and Amusements Board (GAB) legal head Atty. Erose Marlo Laeno.
Notable absentees on Day 1 included projected top overall pick Bella Belen of National University, veteran setter Alohi Robins-Hardy, and other listed applicants Kristine Adante, Pauline De Guzman, Nenita Padua, Joan Doguna, Ezriah Martinez, and Mary Ann Rioflorido.
“Nasa 60 ‘yung nag-lista, but only 51 arrived. Late lang si Tia [Andaya], but the other nine, hopefully dumating sila tomorrow,” said PVL Control Committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo.
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Also present was College of Saint Benilde's Mycah Go, although she did not participate in the drills.
The combine resumes Saturday, still at Paco Arena, with a series of scrimmages giving prospects one final shot to impress coaches before the main event.
The 2025 PVL Rookie Draft will be held on June 8 at Novotel Manila, the league’s official venue partner.