Against all odds, Ysa Jimenez and France Ronquillo rose to the occasion, leading tenth-seeded Galeries Tower to a stunning four-set upset over powerhouse Cignal in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
In a moment that felt like destiny, the Highrisers shattered expectations, securing a 25-17, 25-22, 19-25, 25-19 victory over the third-ranked HD Spikers in the qualifying round—marking not just their first-ever playoff appearance, but a statement that they belong among the league’s elite.
Jimenez and Ronquillo spearheaded the relentless attack, with the former UST standout recording a career-best 23 points—22 of which came from attacks—while the ex-National University stalwart contributed 20 points, built on 18 attacks, an ace, and a block, along with 13 excellent receptions.
For both players, the victory was more than just a breakthrough—it was the culmination of their sacrifices, struggles, and unwavering belief that their time would eventually come.
(C) PVL Images
“Yung pagod, yung luha namin sa training kasi gustong gusto talaga namin manalo. Kasi yun nga, nagtataka kami bakit laging muntik lang? Bakit hindi kami makapanalo? Yun yung parang hugot namin, yung tiyaga namin araw-araw,” Ronquillo shared.
“Sobrang saya siyempre kasi worth it lahat ng pagod. Sabi nga ni coach, sobrang dami naming pinagdaanan to the point na ni-question na rin namin kung ano na bang nangyayari sa pinagpapaguran namin,” echoed Jimenez.
“Pero talagang may pinanghahawakan kami. Sinasabi namin na everything happens for a reason—at ito na ‘yun. Sabi nga nila, kapag para sa inyo, ibibigay talaga sa inyo,” she added.
Ronquillo admitted she was determined to bounce back after struggling in previous matches, knowing her team needed her to step up in order to pull off the upset.
(C) PVL Images
“Naging motivation ko this game yung mga past games ko kasi ramdam ko na hindi yun yung laro ko. So gusto ko bumawi para sa teammates ko, and gusto kong i-prove na di ko sila iiwan,” said the 5-foot-8 opposite spiker.
Meanwhile, Jimenez played with a clear mind, embracing the team’s preparation and focusing on executing their game plan.
“Sabi lang po sa amin ni coach na no pressure yung game na ‘to kasi wala namang mawawala. Confident kami kasi hindi kami nagkulang sa preparations for this game,” said Jimenez.
Despite their breakthrough performance, Jimenez admitted there were times when doubt crept in—moments when they questioned if they truly had what it took to compete with the league’s best.
“Palagi namin biruan ‘yun (kung worth it pa ba ‘yung pagod). Naliwanagan din kami with the help of Ms. Inah (Cabrera, team manager), na baka kaya hindi pa binibigay sa inyo ‘yung panalo kasi baka bigla kayong yumabang. Nagbibigay pa rin siya ng mga positive advice.”
Now, the challenge for Galeries Tower is to sustain their momentum and prove that this victory was no fluke. They’re no longer just playoff participants—they’re a team hungry to cement their place among the league’s rising contenders.
Jimenez and Ronquillo have vowed to once again lead the charge, ready to pour their hearts out and fight for every point in the quarterfinals.
