Galeries Tower's Cinderella run in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference nearly added another chapter on Saturday night. After stunning Cignal in the qualifying round, the Highrisers found themselves on the brink of yet another upset.
But when it mattered most, Akari roared back from the depths, staging a gritty five-set comeback, 21-25, 25-19, 20-25, 25-16, 15-11, to steal Game 1 of their quarterfinal series at the Philsports Arena.
When the dust settled, Galeries Tower couldn’t help but dwell on the missed opportunity.
“After ng game, may regrets kami nang konti kasi we could’ve done better,” admitted rookie outside hitter Jewel Encarnacion, who delivered a standout performance with a team-high 18 points and 18 excellent receptions.
For Galeries, this playoff run is a new experience. Since joining the league in 2023, the Highrisers had yet to taste the intensity of the postseason. Despite their inexperience, Encarnacion insisted that nerves weren’t the reason they faltered — especially after their dramatic win over the third-seeded HD Spikers.
“Hindi na siya overwhelming kasi tapos na kami doon. Siguro nung nanalo kami against Cignal, naramdaman namin na halos lahat, heightened yung emotions. Matagal naman yung naging preparations so naka-focus kami na Akari na yung kakalabanin namin,” Encarnacion shared.
However, Encarnacion admitted that straying from their system cost them dearly. The Highrisers struggled to maintain composure in key moments, allowing the Chargers to claw their way back into the match.
Still, Galeries refuses to let disappointment linger. Drawing strength from their leaders, the team quickly shifted their focus to Game 2.
“Pero ni-remind naman ng ates na hindi siya totally panget yung laro since umabot nga kami ng five sets. Pinigilan lang nila kami agad na mag-succumb sa disappointment at mga negative emotions,” Encarnacion explained.
“Nag-go agad kami na bumawi agad kami at focus sa next game. Let’s just add more fuel to the fire na wag munang mawalan ng morale. Tuloy lang ang laban kasi first game pa lang naman. Another game and siyempre, yung goal namin is makaabot pa sa isa pang game.”
Encarnacion knows the challenge ahead won’t be easy, but she remains confident that with the right adjustments and mindset, Galeries can keep their semifinal dreams alive.
“Ibang klaseng labanan ‘to kasi talagang binibigay ng players, kami at ng kalaban, yung best nila para makaabot sa semifinals. Pagtatrabahuan pa rin namin hangga’t kaya kasi kita naman namin na match naman yung laro,” she concluded.
“Kayang-kaya namin silang talunin. Kailangan lang namin i-work on yung lapses namin at i-maximize yung strengths namin.”
