MINGLANILLA – Galeries Tower ended its long losing streak by defeating Capital1 in straight sets, 26-24, 25-14, 25-23, to earn its first victory in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
The Highrisers, who had lost their first four games of the tournament, snapped a 14-game losing streak dating back to the 2024 All-Filipino Conference.
They last won against Farm Fresh in straight sets on April 14.
“Thank you, Lord. ‘Yun lang masasabi ko. Thank you, Lord, thank you, Galeries!” said an elated Galeries head coach Lerma Giron moments after the victory.
(C) PVL Images
The Highrisers withstood a late surge from the Solar Spikers in the first set before exploding in the second frame. They made an 18-4 run – which Capital1 could not recover from – to take a 2-0 set lead.
Galeries then maintained control in the third, building an 18-12 lead before surviving another Capital1 rally, with key contributions from Ysa Jimenez and rookie Jewel Encarnacion.
The win tied Galeries and Capital1 at the 10th spot, both with 1-4 records.
“Gumana ‘yung game plan namin, talagang naging team player sila at sumunod sila sa game plan namin. Naging masunurin sila ngayon, saka they just enjoyed the game and enjoyed Cebu,” added the UST Golden Tigresses assistant coach.
Encarnacion led the balanced offensive attack with 11 points and five excellent receptions. Meanwhile, Jimenez and Andrea Marzan added 10 points each in the Highrisers’ 1-hour, 41-minute victory.
France Ronquillo chipped in with nine points and six excellent digs.
Julia Coronel contributed nine points, including five service aces, and 10 excellent sets.
Galeries will next face Chery Tiggo on Saturday at 4:00 PM at the Philsports Arena, aiming to secure another win before the holiday break.
(C) PVL Images
On the other hand, the Solar Spikers will return on January 21 to play defending champion Creamline at the Philsports Arena.
Leila Cruz led Capital1 with 14 points, including 10 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, while Jorelle Singh added 10 points.
