The Galeries Tower Highrisers opened their 2026 PVL On Tour campaign on a winning note after outlasting the Farm Fresh Foxies, 25-17, 24-26, 25-19, 26-24, on Saturday, July 11, at the Batangas City Sports Center.
The Highrisers looked in control early after taking the opening set before the Foxies answered in the second to level the match. Galeries Tower regained its footing in the third and held its composure in a tightly contested fourth set to secure the victory and the ₱100,000 winner’s incentive.
“Sinabi ko nga sa players ko na dito namin masusubukan ngayon ’yung mga skills na pinaghirapan namin bago mag-start ’yung season,” head coach Clarence Esteban said after the match.
Farm Fresh threatened to force a deciding fifth set after rallying from a 22-24 deficit behind veterans Royse Tubino, Riri Meneses, and Ces Molina to tie the fourth frame at 24-all.
The Highrisers, however, refused to let the match slip away.
Galeries Tower Puts the Match Away
Lycha Ebon came through with a clutch attack to restore match point before Roselle Baliton put the finishing touches on the victory with a quick hit.
“Maganda ’yung nilabas nila nung game, dahil na rin sa kagustuhan nilang manalo nitong araw na ’to. Pero siyempre hindi basta-basta rin si Farm Fresh, so grateful ako sa mga players namin na nagpursigi para makuha namin ’yung panalo,” Esteban added.
Erika Deloria spearheaded the Highrisers with a game-high 24 points on 22 attacks and 2 aces. She also contributed 13 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs in an all-around performance.
Aiza Pontillas backed her with 13 points, while middle blockers Jean Asis and Baliton added 9 markers each.
Rookie Shares Limelight With Team Captain
Top overall pick Lams Lamina made her professional debut, contributing seven 7 sets off the bench as she shared playmaking duties with team captain Julia Coronel, who finished with 21 excellent sets and 4 points.
Ebon and Jade Gentapa also chipped in 7 points apiece for Galeries Tower, while Baby Love Barbon anchored the floor defense with 17 excellent receptions and 9 excellent digs.
On the other side, Tubino paced the Foxies with 12 points, while Ara Galang finished with 11.
The Highrisers also limited two of Farm Fresh’s top offensive options, holding Trisha Tubu to 6 points and Ces Molina to 5.
Galeries Tower returns to action against the Nxled Chameleons on August 1 in Polomolok, South Cotabato, while Farm Fresh will look to bounce back against Nxled on August 15 in Lanao del Norte.
