MANILA, Philippines — Tia Andaya was the last player to arrive on the first day of the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft Combine, but she shone the brightest in both the countermovement jump (294 cm) and the approach jump (307 cm), showcasing her exceptional leaping ability and well-rounded skill set.

The Alas Pilipinas setter had a busy Friday, training with the national team early in the morning before going to the combine at Paco Arena, where 51 out of the 60 draftees underwent a battery of athletic tests, including anthropometric measurements, strength assessments, jumping drills and speed and agility evaluations.

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Besides Andaya leading the jumping metrics, NCAA’s Von Dimaculangan of San Sebastian College-Recoletos posted the fastest 10-meter acceleration time at 1.55 seconds, while Jamaica Villena of Emilio Aguinaldo College clocked the best time in the modified T-test at 5.34 seconds.

Lea Rizel Tapang of Colegio de San Juan de Letran and Lyann De Guzman of Ateneo led the push-up test with 47 repetitions each. Riza Nogales of University of the East emerged as the tallest prospect at 184.3 cm, while Pearl Ann Denura was the shortest at 150.8 cm.

Nogales also tied with Zenneth Perolino of Enderun Colleges in standing reach, both measuring 243 cm.

Beyond the physical assessments, the participants attended back-to-back developmental sessions.

The aspirants had a media training workshop led by Philippine Daily Inquirer Sports Editor and Philippine Sportswriters Association president Francis Ochoa, followed by a talk on contractual obligations, facilitated by Atty. Erose Marlo Laeno, head of the Legal Division at the Games and Amusements Board (GAB).

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Noticeably absent from the first day of the combine were projected top overall pick Bella Belen of National University and seasoned setter Alohi Robins-Hardy. Also missing were Kristine Adante, Pauline De Guzman, and Nenita Padua (Arellano), Joan Doguna (Lyceum of the Philippines University), Ezriah Martinez (University of the Cordilleras) and Mary Ann Rioflorido (Toronto Metropolitan University).

Mycah Go of De La Salle–College of St. Benilde was in attendance but did not take part in any of the combine activities due to an NCAA game

Belen and the first day absentees appeared on the final day, with the three-time UAAP MVP affirming her commitment to join the Draft Night on June 8 at Novotel.

The PVL coaches and scouts from 12 teams were present at Paco Arena as they search for talents for their respective rosters.