MANILA — Rookie Jean Asis delivered a breakout performance as Galeries Tower Highrisers kept their campaign alive, sweeping Capital1 Solar Energy Solar Spikers, 25-16, 25-20, 30-28, in the knockout step-ladder play-in round of the PVL All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Asis erupted for 17 points anchored on 12 attacks, three blocks, and two service aces, emerging as the driving force behind the No. 9 seed Highrisers’ emphatic straight-sets victory that ended Capital1’s run.
“Siguro yung trinabaho namin is yung lapses namin (nung last game), yung blocking at defensive pattern,” said Asis. “Siguro kasi gustong gustong manalo ng team, kaya push lang kahit pagod.”
Galeries Tower asserted control early, dominating the first two sets with disciplined net defense and efficient offense before surviving a tense third set that stretched into extended play. The Highrisers leaned on timely conversions from Asis and Gayle Pascual to complete the sweep and secure the knockout win.
With the victory, Galeries Tower advances to the next phase of the step-ladder play-in tournament, where it will face Nxled Chameleons — a squad it previously defeated in the preliminary round.
In another do-or-die clash, Choco Mucho Flying Titans kept their semifinal hopes alive after outlasting ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in a grueling five-set duel, 21-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-11, 15-11.
Facing elimination, Choco Mucho weathered an inconsistent start and relied on its veteran core to force a decider before pulling away in the fifth set to complete the comeback victory.
Cherry Rondina spearheaded the rally with 27 points and 15 excellent receptions, sealing the win with a decisive crosscourt hit in the closing moments of the nearly two-hour contest. Maddie Madayag added 19 points, including three blocks, to earn Best Player of the Game honors.
Eya Laure and Kat Tolentino also delivered crucial contributions, combining for 25 points as the Flying Titans regained their rhythm after dropping two of the first three sets.
Riza Nogales led ZUS Coffee with 16 points, while Thea Gagate chipped in 12. Kate Santiago, Cess Robles, and Chinnie Arroyo finished with nine points apiece in the loss.
Choco Mucho now moves on to another knockout showdown against Akari Power Chargers on Saturday./PN
