MANILA — Galeries Tower delivered one of the biggest upsets of the PVL All-Filipino Conference so far, overpowering previously unbeaten Nxled, 25-19, 17-25, 25-20, 25-21, Thursday night at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan to deal the Chameleons their first loss of the tournament.
The Highrisers turned to a balanced attack and a suffocating net defense to dismantle Nxled’s early-season momentum, improving to 2-2 while halting the Chameleons’ rise at 3-1.
Roselle Baliton imposed her will at the net, erupting for 16 points built on seven blocks, seven attacks, and two service aces to earn Player of the Game honors in a dominant all-around performance.
Negrense Erika Jin Deloria matched Baliton with 16 markers and added seven excellent receptions, while Gayle Pascual and Jean Asis chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively, as Galeries Tower showcased depth and composure in crunch time.
The Highrisers dictated the tempo in the opening set with disciplined floor defense and well-timed attacks before Nxled regrouped in the second to even the contest.
But Galeries Tower quickly regained control behind Baliton’s wall at the net and Deloria’s steady scoring, closing out the third and fourth frames with poise to seal the statement victory.
Brooke Van Sickle paced Nxled with 21 points, while Chiara Permentilla contributed 16 markers, but the Chameleons struggled to sustain momentum against Galeries Tower’s defensive pressure.
In the other match, PLDT remained flawless after dispatching Akari, 25-22, 25-27, 25-21, 25-14, to stretch its record to a pristine 3-0.
Libero Kath Arado anchored PLDT’s defensive stand and earned Player of the Game honors with a double-double performance of 26 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions, stabilizing the High Speed Hitters in key stretches.
Her steady backline presence proved crucial, particularly in the pivotal third set where momentum hung in the balance before PLDT pulled away in the fourth.
“Tulong tulong lang talaga kami sa panalo na ito. Kailangan din siguro namin bumalik dun sa mindset namin na walang magiging madaling laban dito,” Arado said after the match./PN
