Despite lacking big-name players, Galeries proved on Thursday night that hard work and sheer determination can be just as powerful, pulling off one of the biggest upsets in Premier Volleyball League history.
The tenth-seeded Highrisers — who won just one game in the preliminaries — opened the qualifying round with a statement victory.
They stunned the third-ranked Cignal HD Spikers in four sets, 25-17, 25-22, 19-25, 25-19, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena.
While they lacked the firepower to compete with the league’s top contenders early in the tournament, Galeries relied on its unheralded players, proving that grit and teamwork can sometimes outweigh star power.
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“Even though we don’t have those big names, stars sa volleyball, then again, isa sa mga goal is magtrabaho kami as a team,” said head coach Lerma Giron following her team’s historic win — one that secured their first-ever playoff appearance.
Ysa Jimenez, who saw limited action during her stint with PLDT, has emerged as a key piece for the Highrisers over the past year. She delivered a career-best performance in their qualifying-round triumph, scoring 23 points (22 from attacks).
France Ronquillo, who previously played for Chery Tiggo and Foton before finding a home with Galeries, contributed an all-around effort with 20 points on 18 attacks, an ace, and a block. She also tallied 13 excellent receptions.
(C) PVL Images
“Kahit sabihin natin ‘yung pinaka-ace player namin ay non-scoring,” said Giron, referring to Alyssa Eroa, who recorded 28 excellent digs in the match.
“Pero ‘pag team effort talaga, ‘yun ‘yung pinaka-goal talaga namin — maglaro as a team.”
Since joining the league in 2023, Giron, also an assistant coach at UST, has remained steadfast in her belief in the team despite the heartbreaks they endured in past conferences. She credits that unwavering trust as the foundation of their breakthrough performance.
“Ever since na nag-start ang Galeries, naniniwala ako do’n sa mga players, sa sistema at sa mga coaches na nandun sa Galeries,” she said.
“It’s a milestone for us — for the team, for the players, for the coaches. Sobrang grateful lang ako. Since Day 1 na nag-start, nandun ‘yung tiwala ko sa mga players na kinuha ko, sa mga players kung anong meron kami.”
