GAMES SATURDAY
4 p.m. – Petro Gazz vs Capital1
6:30 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs Chery Tiggo
IN a jaw-dropping upset, Galeries Tower pulled off the biggest stunner in the Premier Volleyball League history, storming into the quarterfinals of the All-Filipino Conference with a commanding 25-17, 25-22, 19-25, 25-19 triumph over powerhouse Cignal at the Philsports Arena yesterday.
From the outset, the Highrisers played with relentless aggression, overwhelming the stunned third-ranked HD Spikers with their unyielding attacking game.
Andrea Marzan’s quick attack gave Galeries Tower five match points, setting the stage for France Ronquillo’s decisive crosscourt hit that sealed the two-hour, six-minute shocker.
Ranked 10th and given little chance by many, Galeries Tower never wavered, proving its worth with a fearless display of skill and determination.
The electrifying victory not only sent shockwaves across the league but also eclipsed BaliPure’s legendary upset over Creamline during the pandemic-era bubble tournament.
The Highrisers erupted in celebration as if they had just won the championship—an emotion fueled by the magnitude of their triumph. For most, this reversal was unthinkable, but for Galeries Tower and coach Lerma, it was a statement: they belong among the league’s elite.
“Floating in heaven… very grateful—everything we went through, all our tears, blood, and sweat were worth it because we faced so many challenges before this game. Since January, it was loss after loss after loss. Then we came to the realization that, wait, this can’t go on. But everything is a process—we really studied Cignal’s movements. So, thank You, Lord, all glory to God,” Giron said in Filipino, her voice filled with emotion.
Ysa Jimenez and France Ronquillo led the way in the historic win, lifting Galeries to its long-awaited breakthrough.
Jimenez delivered a career-best performance, exploding for a game-high 23 points, including 22 attacks. Ronquillo backed her up with 20 points built on 18 attacks, an ace, and a block, while also contributing 13 excellent receptions.
Rookie Jewel Encarnacion made her presence felt with 11 points and 13 excellent receptions, while Roselle Baliton and Andrea Marzan chipped in eight points apiece.
Defensive specialist Alyssa Eroa anchored the floor defense with 28 excellent digs, while Fhen Emnas, who replaced Julia Coronel in the fourth set, stepped up with 14 excellent sets and 10 excellent digs.
