Cignal adds depth to their squad by signing UAAP standout Pearl Denura, who went undrafted

The second Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft was held on Sunday, June 8, at the Novotel Manila hotel in Quezon City, amid great fanfare and high expectations for the 60 draft applicants.

University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standout Bella Belen was selected as the first overall pick by the Capital1 Solar Spikers in an expected move, while Jean Asis was chosen as the No. 2 pick by the Galeries Tower Highrisers after impressing at the PVL Draft Combine.

Despite the conclusion of the Rookie Draft, the Cignal HD Spikers were still looking to strengthen their roster and gave a new lease on life to two-time UAAP champion libero Pearl Denura by signing her after she went undrafted.

Pearl Denura of Rookie Draft Class of 2025 joins Cignal HD Spikers

| Cignal HD Spikers, via eXis Sports (Tin Pe Benito)#PVL2025 #cignalhdspikers pic.twitter.com/PQVmIZmzkl

— Volleyball PH Feed (@volleyballfeedP) June 18, 2025

Cignal management announced Denura’s signing as a free agent during the contract signing event for their sixth and 18th picks, Erin Pangilinan and Jessa Ordiales. Notably, the team’s first-ever draft pick from last year, Ishie Lalongisip, also committed her future to the club by signing a long-term extension.

Cignal head coach Shaq Delos Santos welcomed the addition of Denura while expressing excitement over the new signings and Lalongisip’s contract extension, noting her continued importance to the team.

“Masaya and excited ako sa team namin ngayon kahit may Alas Pilipinas duties sina Vanie Gandler and Dawn Catindig. Good time to try out itong mga bata and new draftees namin sa PVL On Tour, and we are confident to say na we want them to be here long-term and hopefully maging part ng aming long-coveted championship. Sana makuha namin eventually,” Delos Santos said in a media interaction.

Denura is widely considered one of the best young talents in the Philippines and was brilliant at the UAAP level. She was part of the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs’ historic 16-game tournament sweep in Season 84. She will join fellow UAAP stars Erin Pangilinan and Jessa Ordiales at Cignal.

Denura and Pangilinan are expected to make their Cignal debut in the upcoming PVL On Tour against the Akari Chargers on Sunday, June 22, at Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.