PVL: 10th Seed Galeries Tower Takes Down Cignal

ON Thursday, the tenth-seeded Galeries Tower Highrisers took down the third-seeded Cignal HD Spikers, advancing to the quarterfinals of the 2024-2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference. 

The PhilSports Arena in Pasig City witnessed one of the most unexpected victories in PVL history, with the Highrisers defeating the HD Spikers 25-17, 25-22, 19-25, 25-19.

In their maiden playoff appearance, Galeries Tower not only defied the odds, but also won their first franchise game against the mighty Cignal, sending a statement across the entire league. 

In their previous encounter, the HD Spikers crushed the Highrisers, winning 25-17, 25-20, 25-19. However, the Lerma Giron-coached team was more motivated than ever to prove how capable they are.

A Historic Win

Galeries Tower dominated the first two sets, leading by as many as eight points (19-13) in the first set before cruising to a 15-5 lead in the second, leaving the Cignal scrambling to mount a comeback. 

However, the HD Spikers refused to give up, winning the third set 25-19. However, the Highrisers pulled away late in the fourth set, thanks to a 3-0 run that increased their lead from 19-13 to 22-15. 

From there, the Highrisers were in complete control, with Roselle Baliton, Andrea Marzan, and France Ronquillo leading them to victory in crucial moments of the two hours and six minutes intense competition.

Ysa Jimenez and Ronquillo led the way in the momentous victory, which propelled Galeries to a long-awaited breakthrough. Jimenez had a career-best performance, scoring 23 points, including 22 attacks. 

Ronquillo supported her with 20 points, which included 18 attacks, an ace, and a block, as well as 13 superb receptions. Rookie Jewel Encarnacion made her presence known with 11 points and 13 superb receptions. 

Meanwhile, Vanie Gandler led Cignal with 17 points, while newcomer Ishie Lalongisip had an all-around performance with 13 points, 12 fantastic digs, and 11 excellent receptions, and Gel Cayuna provided 21 excellent sets.

Surreal Evening for the Highrisers

Given the enormity of the victory for Galeries Tower, one of the league’s newest members, head coach Giron was overcome with emotion as she reflected on all of the team’s battles over the years.

“Floating in heaven…very grateful, worth it lahat ng aming mga luha, dugo, at pawis kasi grabe ‘yung pinagdaanan namin before ‘tong game na ‘to,” Giron said, as she tries to hold back her emotions.

“Nung January, puro talo, talo, talo. We came into realization na teka, ‘di pwede ‘tong ganito. Pero proseso talaga lahat, pinag-aralan din talaga namin ‘yung galaw ng Cignal. So ‘yun, Thank You Lord, all glory to God,” she added.

The Highrisers’ quarterfinal campaign will begin on March 15, against either Akari or Farm Fresh. The HD Spikers, on the other hand, will advance to the play-in stage, where they will fight for one of the final two spots.