Galeries Tower stared down a looming reverse-sweep collapse before reclaiming control in the deciding set to turn back Akari, 25-22, 26-24, 23-25, 15-25, 15-10, and finally break through in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series on Tuesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
After dropping their first four games of the conference, the Highrisers appeared headed for another setback as the Chargers clawed back from a two-set deficit to force a decider.
But Galeries Tower refused to let the victory slip away, holding its ground in the fifth set behind Erika Deloria, Jean Asis, Lycha Ebon, and Alyssa Bertolano to finally snap its frustrating skid and improve its record to 1-4.
(C) PVL Images
The Highrisers came out firing in the deciding set, racing to a 7-3 lead behind a string of attacks highlighted by three consecutive points from Deloria. Akari, however, quickly turned the tide with a 5-0 run spearheaded by Eli Soyud to seize an 8-7 advantage.
The two teams traded points before Galeries Tower unleashed a decisive 7-1 finishing run sparked by Ebon, with Bertolano delivering back-to-back attacks to seal the hard-fought victory after two hours and 22 minutes of action.
“Motivation pa rin na nakuha namin two sets, na walang aayaw, na ilaban lang namin hanggang dulo. So nag-react naman sila dun sa bandang dulo, pero kung mas maaga sana namin nakuha, mas maganda sana ‘yung resulta. Pero same pa rin, win is a win,” said Highrisers head coach Aying Esteban.
Deloria stood at the forefront of Galeries Tower’s long-awaited breakthrough, erupting for a team-high 20 points on 18 attacks and two aces while delivering 28 excellent receptions to fuel the Highrisers’ gritty five-set triumph.
Asis added 14 points on 12 attacks and two kill blocks, while Bertolano also finished with 14 points to go along with 14 excellent digs. Ebon, meanwhile, chipped in eight markers off the bench.
Top overall pick Lams Lamina finally savored her first PVL victory, orchestrating Galeries Tower’s offense with 21 excellent sets, while Dolly Verzosa anchored the floor defense with 14 excellent digs.
Galeries Tower will look to build on its breakthrough victory against ZUS Coffee on Tuesday at 6 p.m., also at the Araneta Coliseum.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, the Chargers saw their budding resurgence cut short, slipping to 2-3 after appearing to turn their campaign around with back-to-back victories over PLDT and Farm Fresh.
Soyud once again spearheaded Akari with 24 points on 20 attacks, two blocks, and two aces.
Ivy Lacsina recorded a double-double of 13 points and 12 excellent digs, while Fifi Sharma added 12 points. Faith Nisperos also delivered a well-rounded outing off the bench, finishing with 10 points and 13 excellent digs.
The Chargers will look to bounce back against Choco Mucho on Saturday when the league returns to the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
