Ara Galang showed that she is on the right path to recovery during the team's battle for third against PLDT in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
The former UAAP Most Valuable Player put on an all-around performance, leading the Cargo Movers to a 23-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-15 victory over the High Speed Hitters at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Galang's triple-double of 14 points on 10 attacks and four blocks, along with 16 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions, sealed the team's highest finish in the PVL.
For the 28-year-old outside spiker from Angeles, Pampanga, the win was more than just a podium finish.
"It feels good because we achieved a podium finish, even though it wasn't our main goal. At least, we are one step closer," Galang said. She emphasized that the team's main objective is to keep improving and working towards their ultimate goal of winning a PVL title.
Despite her numbers not being what they used to be during her prime, Galang has been a key player for the Cargo Movers' floor defense throughout the import-less conference. The former La Salle star, who dealt with several injuries in the past, has been working hard to return to her tip-top form and to help the team in every area possible.
"As for me, I will always strive to improve every training day and see what else I can do to help the team," Galang said. "I need to be able to contribute to the team in all aspects."
Galang and the rest of the team are grateful for their bronze medal finish this conference, but they are not content with just that. The 5-foot-7 hitter said that the team will build on everything they learned this conference and will not stop until they finally reach their goal of winning a PVL title.
"We're grateful for this bronze medal. Every conference, we keep improving, so we just need to keep going. We won't stop building our system," Galang said. "All of us have the hunger to win. We won't stop. We're excited about the next conference because we had a good finish. We just need to lift each other up."
Galang's performance in the battle for third is a testament to her dedication and hard work, and it has helped the Cargo Movers achieve their highest finish in the PVL to date. With Galang and the rest of the team's hunger for victory, it won't be long until they reach their ultimate goal of winning a PVL title.
