Galeries Tower pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament yet, stunning a MJ Phillips-less Nxled in four sets, 25-19, 17-25, 25-20, 25-21, for its second win in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Thursday night at the Filoil Centre.
The Highrisers put the Chameleons on the back foot from the very first set and never allowed the favored squad to build any momentum, improving their record to 2-2 and tying Capital1 for fifth place.
Roselle Baliton and Erika Deloria spearheaded the improbable victory, scoring 16 points each as Galeries moved within one win of matching its best elimination-round total in franchise history.
(C) PVL Images
Baliton contributed seven attacks, seven of the team’s 13 kill blocks, and two aces, while Deloria tallied 12 attacks, three aces, and one block, along with seven excellent receptions in the one-hour, 53-minute win.
After pulling away to claim the third set, the Highrisers maintained poise and composure in the fourth, fending off the Chameleons’ late surge that threatened to force a decider before ultimately closing out the match.
Three-time Conference MVP Brooke Van Sickle nearly shifted the momentum in Nxled’s favor with back-to-back hits that trimmed Galeries’ three-point cushion to just one, 20-21.
However, Baliton stopped Van Sickle in her tracks with a thunderous block. Bothered by Baliton’s reach, Van Sickle attempted to go over her hands, but the attack sailed out, setting up Erika Raagas for a down-the-line hit that gave the Highrisers a 24-21 match point.
Lycha Ebon had a chance to finish off the game, but a misset by Maji Mangulabnan forced an attack error, giving the Chameleons a lifeline. Raagas then powered a cross-court hit to seal the match and complete the upset.
“Talagang ginusto nila manalo tong araw na to,” said Galeries head coach Clarence Esteban after the thrilling win.
“Siyempre, masayang-masaya ako doon sa ginalaw nila ngayon na kahit nanggaling kami doon sa straight sets na talo, pero ang ganda ng reaction nila ngayon doon sa adjustments nila ngayon, yung mga depensa, lahat,” he added.
Gayle Pascual added 13 points for the Highrisers, while Jean Asis and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas chipped in 12 and nine markers, respectively. Julia Coronel dished out 15 excellent sets to go along with five points, while Dolly Versoza registered 14 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions in the win.
Galeries Tower will look to build on this victory when they face the struggling Choco Mucho next Thursday at 6:30 p.m., at the same venue.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, Nxled’s bid for an outright semifinals sweep came to a halt as they slipped to 3-1 in the standings, leaving PLDT as the lone unbeaten squad in the tournament.
Van Sickle paced Nxled with 21 points, all from attacks, along with 16 excellent receptions, while Chiara Permentilla had her best outing yet with 16 points on 12 attacks and four aces in a losing effort. Lyann De Guzman and Myla Pablo struggled to find their rhythm and were limited to just four and three points, respectively.
Nxled will look to bounce back against winless Akari on Tuesday at 4 p.m., also at the San Juan venue.
