The ninth-seeded Galeries Tower Highrisers pulled off an upset against the No. 8 Capital1 Solar Spikers, 25-16, 25-20, 30-28, to advance to the next round of the play-in tournament of the 2026 PVL at the FilOil Centre in San Juan on Tuesday, March 24.
The Highrisers snapped a five-game losing streak with the do-or-die win over the Solar Spikers. In the extended third set, the match was tied at 20-all when Jean Asis scored three consecutive points to give her team a 23-20 cushion.
Galeries Tower Came in Ready
However, Bella Belen refused to back down, firing four straight points to put her team ahead, 25-24. After a seesaw battle, Asis denied Belen at the net to bring the Highrisers to match point.
Gayle Pascual then delivered off a combination play to seal the victory for the Highrisers.
“Talagang pinaghandaan namin itong laban na ’to. Siyempre, nandito na kami, so grinab na lang namin ang opportunity, at gumanda naman ang galaw ng mga players namin,” said Highrisers head coach Clarence Esteban.
“Kahit yung linggo, hiniram na namin para lang makapag-training kami nang maayos. Worth naman yung sakripisyo na ginawa namin.”
Asis led the Highrisers with 17 points built on 12 attacks to go along with 3 blocks, and 2 aces, while Pascual added 14 points. Aiza Maizo-Pontillas chipped in 12 points, while Roselle Baliton had 11.
Julia Coronel orchestrated the Galeries Tower offense with 22 excellent sets, while Baby Love Barbon anchored the backline with 15 excellent digs, and 11 excellent receptions.
For the Solar Spikers, Belen was the lone bright spot with 21 points.
What’s Next in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference
Thursday, March 26 • FilOil Centre • Qualifying Round
PLDT High Speed Hitters vs. Farm Fresh Foxies, 4:00 p.m.
Creamline Cool Smashers vs. Cignal Super Spikers, 6:30 p.m.
Galeries Tower Highrisers
Saturday, March 28 vs. Nxled Chameleons, 4:00 p.m., Ninoy Aquino Stadium
