After pulling off a shocking win against Cignal in the qualifying round, Galeries Tower found itself on the verge of another upset on Saturday night.
However, the Highrisers couldn’t sustain the same magic, as Akari clawed back to secure a hard-fought five-set victory, 21-25, 25-19, 20-25, 25-16, 15-11, in Game 1 of the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals at the Philsports Arena.
When the dust settled, Galeries couldn’t help but dwell on the what-ifs.
“After ng game, may regrets kami nang konti kasi we could’ve done better,” said Highrisers rookie Jewel Encarnacion, who stood out in the heartbreaking loss with a team-high 18 points alongside 18 excellent receptions.
Encarnacion and the rest of Galeries are making their first playoff appearance since joining the league in 2023. But they agreed that nerves were not to blame for their struggles — especially after overcoming the third-seeded HD Spikers.
(C) PVL Images
The outside hitter from the University of the Philippines admitted that Galeries simply strayed from their system against the Chargers, which proved costly in their attempt to close out the match.
“Hindi na siya overwhelming kasi tapos na kami doon. Siguro nung nanalo kami against Cignal, naramdaman namin na halos lahat, heightened yung emotions. Matagal naman yung naging preparations so naka-focus kami na Akari na yung kakalabanin namin,” said Encarnacion.
Still, the Highrisers know the series is far from over. After proving they can go toe-to-toe with Akari, they feel determined to make the necessary adjustments and come back stronger in Game 2.
“Pero ni-remind naman ng ates na hindi siya totally panget yung laro since umabot nga kami ng five sets. Pinigilan lang nila kami agad na mag-succumb sa disappointment at mga negative emotions,” said Encarnacion.
“Nag-go agad kami na bumawi agad kami at focus sa next game. Let’s just add more fuel to the fire na wag munang mawalan ng morale. Tuloy lang ang laban kasi first game pa lang naman. Another game and siyempre, yung goal namin is makaabot pa sa isa pang game.”
Encarnacion understands that leveling the series won’t come easy, but she remains confident that with the right mindset and adjustments, Galeries can rise to the challenge and keep their semifinal hopes alive.
“Ibang klaseng labanan ‘to kasi talagang binibigay ng players, kami at ng kalaban, yung best nila para makaabot sa semifinals. Pagtatrabahuan pa rin namin hangga’t kaya kasi kita naman namin na match naman yung laro,” she concluded.
“Kayang-kaya namin silang talunin. Kailangan lang namin i-work on yung lapses namin at i-maximize yung strengths namin.”
