Aiza Maizo-Pontillas is embracing a new chapter with Galeries Tower — one marked by renewed purpose as she brings veteran leadership and championship experience to the Highrisers.
The 37-year-old opposite hitter joined the squad during the offseason following Petro Gazz’s decision to take a leave of absence from the league.
Pontillas, who spent the past four years with the Angels, admitted she felt some nerves about joining a young team, but she is eager and excited for the fresh challenge ahead.
“Nung una, kinabahan kasi siyempre mga bagets yung magiging teammate ko and bago din yung coaches na magiging coach ko ulit,” said the 5-foot-10 winger.
“Di ko pa sila nakatrabaho. Excited and dahil mga bagets ‘yung kasama ko, malaking adjustment din sa program ni coach [Aying] pero naging flexible naman ang bawat isa sa amin,” she added.
(C) PVL Images
With Galeries Tower getting a fresh makeover, Pontillas will play alongside a young core led by Alas Pilipinas standout Julia Coronel, second overall pick Jean Asis, and guided by new head coach Clarence Esteban.
The Highrisers opened the season with a franchise-best eighth-place finish in the 2025 All-Filipino Conference, but the departure of key players prevented the team from building on that momentum, as they finished 12th in both the PVL On Tour and Reinforced Conference.
Pontillas said she’s eager to contribute both on and off the court and help the team reach new heights.
“Siguro dahil yung nasa bottom yung Galeries season, ang ini-aim ko, not ako lang, pati lahat ng teammates ko na yan, may angat paunti-unti yung team namin.”
